September 24, 2020
Bureau of Environment

The Selection of a Business Operator in the New Business Model for Sustainable Use of Plastics Initiative

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has selected a business operator to work on pioneering initiatives with TMG aimed at promoting the sustainable use of plastics including the reduction of single use plastics and the promotion of use of recycled/reprocessed plastics, as described below. The business operator was selected from a strong field of applicants during the period from May 25 to July 10, 2020.

Notice

1. Selected project

Sustainable resource model project for closed-loop recycling of single use plastic
Proponent: Kao Corporation

2. Overview of project

Sustainable resource model project for closed-loop recycling of single use plastic

Proponent: Kao Corporation

Content of project

Distribution of hand soap contained in bottles made of recycled plastic and transparent mono-material pouches in order to promote sustainable resource use in public facilities located in Koto City.
From March 2021, Kao will collect, clean, and produce pellets from used pouches, and implement tests to make recycled bottle containers from them. The project aims to achieve closed-loop recycling that recycles used refill pouches into new refill pouches.

Participating companies as of present

• Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
• Ichikawa Kankyo Engineering Co., Ltd.
• NPO Chikyusen Club Ecomira Koto
• NPO GENKI Net for Creating a Sustainable Society
• VIAX Co., Ltd.

• (Note 1) This model project makes prototypes of bottle containers with recycled plastic.
• (Note 2) Closed-loop recycling provides virgin-quality recycled resin.

For inquiries about the project (Japanese only)

Mr. Isoba, Public Relations, Kao Corporation
Phone: 03-3660-7041

3. Other

This project is one of two projects to be adopted under the FY 2020 New Business Model for Sustainable Use of Plastics Initiative. We will release an announcement about the other project as soon as it is ready.

This article is also available in other languages. (日本語／English／中文／한국어)

Inquiries (Japanese only)

Planning Section, Sustainable Materials Management Division Phone: 03-5388-3593