Circular Economy
The Otsuka group has committed to prioritizing Circular Economy as a key materiality among its environmental initiatives. To honor this commitment, Otsuka Pharmaceutical strives to reduce waste generation, increase the efficient use of resources, and promote thorough recycling throughout its value chain. By adopting these practices, the company aims to coexist sustainably with limited resources.
Circular economy target
Circular Economy
Target
- -2028 target:Reduce 50% in simple incineration and landfill disposal compared to 2019
- -2030 target: 100% content of recycled and plant-based materials in our PET bottles
The Otsuka Approach to Plastic
Otsuka Group Plastic Policy
The Otsuka group has identified "resource recycling and conservation" as a material issue and believes it is critical to take prompt actions to advance plastic recycling and curb marine plastic pollution, which have become serious worldwide challenges in recent years. To address this, Otsuka formulated its Plastic Policy in 2020.
Containers and Packaging
Development of a PET bottle made using 30% recycled PET resin
Otsuka Pharmaceutical began selling Pocari Sweat*1 in PET bottle containers made of 30% recycled PET resin*2 in the spring of 2022. The company is extending the implementation of recycled PET resin in POCARI SWEAT ION WATER, Energen, and Amino-Value.
- *1Pocari Sweat in 500ml and 300ml sizes, which also includes label-free bottles, produced at Otsuka Pharmaceutical's Fukuroi and Takasaki facilities.
- *2Recycled PET resin is obtained through material recycling of collected PET bottles.
Efforts to reduce weight and improve sustainability
Otsuka Pharmaceutical has been a pioneer in the industry by introducing lightweight PET bottle containers and manufacturing methods to minimize the environmental impact of products like POCARI SWEAT. Over time, the company has further developed its technology to reduce the weight of caps, thin labels, label-free beverage containers, and the use of container and packaging materials. Otsuka Pharmaceutical is dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable practices in both its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical businesses.
Sales of label-free PET bottles
POCARI SWEAT and POCARI SWEAT ION WATER in the new label-free bottles are available through e-commerce channels.
Establishment of a Resource Circulation Scheme
Otsuka Pharmaceutical collaborates with other industries to collect PET bottles and re-use them to create new PET bottle products for Otsuka Pharmaceutical and the Otsuka group.
PET bottles are a valuable resource, and through this industry-wide bottle-to-bottle* horizontal recycling scheme, Otsuka is contributing to a circular economy.
- *Bottle-to-bottle refers to recycling PET bottles for reuse as raw materials for new PET bottles.
Introduction of returnable bottles
POCARI SWEAT is available in 250ml returnable bottles. The returnable bottles are distributed through Aeon and Aeon Style* locations participating in the circular shopping platform Loop.
- * Sales outlets: launched July 2022 at 66 locations in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Ibaraki and Kyoto. Aeon Retail Co., Ltd. Aeon Loop special website (in Japanese): https://www.aeonretail.jp/campaign/loop/
Founded by US-based TerraCycle, Inc., Loop is a circular shopping platform focusing on reusable packaging with the mission of "Eliminating the Idea of Waste." Products traditionally sold in single-use packaging are offered in reusable packages that are subsequently collected, cleaned, and refilled for sale again. In addition to reduction of plastic waste, Loop aims to move beyond "throw-away culture." Inaugurated in January 2019, the Loop platform is now available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Japan.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical is committed to promoting the Otsuka Group Plastics Statement and implementing strategies to achieve its goals. One such approach involves adopting lighter and more sustainable materials for containers and packaging while also prioritizing universal design principles. In addition, the company is taking proactive measures in line with Japan's Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics, which came into effect in April 2022.
Minimizing the Consumption of Single-Use Plastics
Engaging in the ASKUL Resource Recycling Platform
The ASKUL Resource Recycling Platform facilitates the recycling of clear folders that are then remanufactured and reintroduced into the market.
The platform fosters the participation of companies, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical has been actively involved since 2021, annually recycling approximately two to three tons of clear folders. (Recycling rate: 99% or more)
Sustainability Efforts at Otsuka Hieizanso, a Guesthouse Facility within the Otsuka Group
At Otsuka Hieizanso, we strive to diminish the usage of plastic toiletries, including toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and body towels. By requesting guests to bring their own plastic toiletries when booking their stay, we have decreased the number of plastic toiletries discarded by roughly 75% per guest. This eco-friendly initiative has been well-received by our visitors and is an accessible action everyone can take part in.
Efforts to Reduce and Recycle Plastic Waste*1
The Otsuka group's aim to realize a zero-waste*2 society includes plastics. To this end, we have established a goal of decreasing simple incineration and landfill waste by 50% (equivalent to 8,000 tons)*3 by FY2030 compared to FY2019.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical will globally promote plastic waste recycling, such as PET bottles, by utilizing material recycling and heat recovery*4 techniques. This approach aims to lessen the waste burned or buried in landfills.
- *1Refers to waste generated by industrial activities.
- *2Aiming for no waste to be sent for simple incineration or landfill disposal.
- *3For more detailed information on waste plastics, please refer to the "Environmental Performance" section.
- *4This general term encompasses various methods, including power generation, heat utilization, methane fermentation, fuel utilization, and fuel conversion (such as solid fuel RPF).
Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Industry Associations Collaborate on Educational Video to Promote PET Bottle Recycling
Otsuka Pharmaceutical is a member of the Japan Soft Drink Federation, which has developed and unveiled a video to raise public awareness of PET bottle recycling. We are committed to working together with the industry to enhance environmental consciousness and education.
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