Antoine Halff, the chief analyst at Kayrros, has recently published an opinion piece emphasizing the urgent need to identify hazardous chemicals as a vital step in combating plastic pollution. The article titled “Identifying hazardous chemicals is key to combating plastic pollution” appeared on September 15, 2025, in Nikkei Asia, a publication renowned for its diverse coverage across various sectors, including Opinion, Energy, Finance, and Automobiles.
As a state OEM, Halff’s opinion piece addresses the rising environmental crisis due to plastic pollution. He highlights that knowledge of hazardous chemicals is key to addressing this issue. Smith says that we must know precisely which chemicals are used to make plastics. This understanding is essential to drive solutions that are best for public health and ecosystems. By prioritizing these substances, policymakers at all levels can make more evidence-based regulations that directly address sources of plastic pollution.
Nikkei Asia has often covered issues pertaining to Japan’s green shift, such as green investments being wasted due to policy instability. This context is important as countries all over the world face the impacts of climate change and environmental harm. For instance, China’s wind turbine manufacturers are ramping up production to meet the demands of India’s burgeoning market, reflecting a shift towards renewable energy solutions.
The impact of these significant financial commitments to green initiatives cannot be overstated. Singapore’s Temasek, HSBC, and Australia have committed capital for a new $510 million green fund. This investment represents a major turning point of the financial and energy sectors toward sustainable practices. Concurrently, Japan’s automotive manufacturer Suzuki is exploring biofuels, electric vehicles (EVs), and efficient engines tailored for the Indian market, showcasing a commitment to innovation in environmentally friendly technologies.
Moreover, discussions around energy diversification are emerging. Singapore is also considering nuclear power as a way to reduce its dependence on natural gas. This thinking is in line with international trends toward lowering carbon emissions and increasing energy independence.
The Quad alliance is unique in today’s geopolitical conversations. It is a crucial potential counter to China’s overwhelming control of mineral resources. An opinion piece in Nikkei Asia suggests that collaboration among Quad nations could help break China’s stranglehold on crucial minerals.
Challenges persist. The US is trying to pressure both China and India into reducing their own imports of Russian oil. This has created a domino effect, eroding confidence between these nations. This tension is emblematic of the increasingly complicated domestic and international interplay of energy policy and trade relations.
Nikkei Asia explores the murky world of digital security and digital statecraft. It addresses big issues such as digital overreach and regulating the internet. These final conversations are representative of the broader tension at play between making progress technologically and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.