We are developing containers and packaging with low levels of environmental impact and promoting the recycling of containers.
Development of environment-friendly containers/packaging
Biomass shrink labels* for PET containers
Yakult pushed ahead with testing of a technology in conjunction with a manufacturer and has been using biomass shrink labels for PET containers from fiscal 2014.
Streamlined containers and packaging and reduced consumption
Containers/packaging for food productss
We have been working to protect important resources by thinning and lightening product containers.
This approach will lead to a reduction in waste.
Up until now, we have reduced the weight of dairy product containers and packaging, and of beverage cans and PET bottles.
Various initiatives at marketing stages
During fiscal 2017, we worked to promote the recycling of used containers collected from suppliers. Our efforts include further promoting introduction of route delivery trucks that are equipped with a dedicated space to facilitate the separated collection of waste and promoting to retrofit route delivery trucks with container collection spaces attached to their roofs.
Since fiscal 2007 we have been introducing nonfluorocarbon vending machines that employ natural refrigerant (CO2) that has a very low global warming potential and hybrid heat-pump-type vending machines that have the potential for generating significant energy conservation benefits. We have continued to promote energy conservation in fiscal 2017 by expanding the installation of vending machines incorporating greater power-saving functions. In addition, we overhaul and reuse old vending machines in an effort to effectively utilize equipment and reduce waste.
Also, we introduced electric vehicles (COMS) in our home delivery service by Yakult Ladies to reduce CO2 emissions. As of March 2017, 1,221 vehicles have been introduced in total.
In our pharmaceutical business, marketing representatives are using fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles (excluding certain areas).
Recycling of product containers/packaging
Because Yakult manufactures and markets containers for such products as Yakult and Joie and uses a diverse range of containers and packaging for its dairy products and other products, the Company is considered a specified container and packaging producer and user in accordance with Japan’s Containers and Packaging Recycling Act, and therefore, has a responsibility to handle the recycling of its containers and packaging.
Containers and packaging disposed of as sorted trash by households are recycled by municipalities. In addition, container and packaging-related waste generated at Yakult plants and bottling companies is sorted by material, and measures are taken to recycle the materials in that waste. In the case of plastic bottles, polystyrene resin is recovered and used to manufacture such products as frames for personal computers and audio equipment. To promote greater consciousness of recycling, a portion of the polystyrene resin is used to manufacture special recycled goods, such as rulers and bottle openers, that are distributed free of charge to people participating in plant tours and environmental events.
Recycled plastic products
First introduced in fiscal 2008, our bottle openers make it easy for people with minimal strength to open a drink simply by placing them onto the cap of a PET bottle or under the tab of a canned beverage.
Yakult environmental symbol mark
The mark on the right was selected from 2,131 applications made by employees.
This mark conveys that Yakult is making sincere efforts in its environmental conservation activities.
Use of paper in consideration of forest environment conservation
Aiming to be an environmentally responsible group, we use FSC certified paper for our Yakult CSR Communication Book 2019 and Yakult Overview, which we use in our public relations activities.
The FSC is third-party organization that conduct forest certification internationally. Forests can earn the certification if it is controlled in a manner that considers environmental conservation, benefits the local community, and is economically sustainable.