Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Otsuka) has begun to use environmentally friendly, reusable temperature-controlled containers (non-powered passive containers) for the shipment of certain pharmaceutical products bound for Europe, following our commencement of their use earlier this year for some of our pharmaceutical shipments to the U.S. By adopting reuseable temperature-controlled containers, Otsuka is now able to use resources more efficiently through recycling and reduce CO₂ emissions that arise from the manufacture of single-use containers. Otsuka aims to reduce our overall environmental impact in part by reducing CO₂ emissions throughout our supply chain.

Otsuka uses temperature-controlled containers to ensure that each of our pharmaceutical products is transported under conditions that are optimal for it, thereby maintaining product quality.
The temperature-controlled shipping containers used for international air transport were one-way disposable types. However, considering environmental impacts, we initiated use of reusable temperature-controlled containers for some pharmaceutical products bound for the U.S. starting in February this year. In November, we also adopted use of the same reusable, temperature-controlled containers for some pharmaceutical shipments bound for Europe.

This service is provided to Otsuka through a collaboration between Nippon Express Co., Ltd. and Emball'iso.　After each use the reusable, temperature-controlled containers are taken to a dedicated facility where they are cleaned, repaired as necessary, and fitted with a new outer box before undergoing a quality control check. Shipping containers that have gone through this process cycle can be reused approximately 30 times.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical will continue our efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of our business activities through the use of new technologies, solutions and collaborations, with the aim to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized and more sustainable society.