#Japan #Yokohama #Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt #TOPPAN

Overview of the Initiative

Meiji Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and Toppan Holdings affiliate, Toppan Co., Ltd., based in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, are collaborating on a significant initiative. From October 1 to November 30, 2026, they will be conducting a recycling program for the paper cups used for four varieties of "Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 (400g)". This initiative will take place across 13 AEON and AEON Food Style stores in Yokohama.

To encourage sustainable practices, the recycled paper cups collected during this period will be transformed into original goods for sale at the "2027 International Horticultural Exhibition" (GREEN×EXPO 2027), which runs from March 19 to September 26, 2027, at Meiji Group's "ORAGA VILLAGE: Future Hometown".

Background of the Initiative

In light of the global shift towards a circular economy, there is a growing focus on promoting recycling of paper packaging. While milk cartons have been recycled for some time, yogurt cups have faced recycling challenges due to their waterproof processing and the residue often left inside, making them unsuitable for regular paper collection at disposal.

Since the launch of "Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt," the product has always been offered in paper containers. As part of their commitment to creating a circular society, Meiji and Toppan have been tackling the recycling of used paper cups. Starting in May 2025, the company implemented a pilot cup recycling program across their headquarters, Kansai branch, and Kansai factory, followed by efforts in collaboration with Bandai Co., Ltd. in nine stores in Hyogo, Osaka, and Nara.

This upcoming initiative in Yokohama aims to broaden awareness of paper container recycling throughout the Kanto region, further contributing to the establishment of a circular society.

Collection Details

• - Duration: October 1 (Thursday) to November 30 (Monday), 2026
• - Target Audience: Customers purchasing the specific yogurt products
• - Locations: 13 AEON and AEON Food Style stores in Yokohama
• - Collection Method: Customers are encouraged to deposit washed cups into designated collection boxes at participating stores.

Target Products

The recycling effort focuses on the following four products:
1. Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 Plain
2. Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 Plain Fat-Free
3. Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 with Calcium and Iron
4. Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 Plain Home Made Story

Collection Hours: Aligned with each store's operating hours.

Following collection, these cups will be repurposed into unique products for the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of recycling and sustainability.

Roles of Involved Companies

• - Meiji: Proposes collection strategies and oversees the utilization of collected cups.
• - Toppan: Coordinates the initiative, designs and manufactures collection materials, and manages the repurposing of collected items.
• - AEON Retail and AEON Food Style: Provide locations for collection and promote the initiative through posters.

Additionally, the physical collection and transportation will be executed by Kaneko Co., Ltd.

Future Directions

Meiji and Toppan plan to collaborate with retailers, local authorities, and recycling businesses to develop a sustainable system for the collection and repurposing of yogurt cups. Together with consumers, they aim to expand efforts toward realizing a circular society and support the creation of a sustainable future.