#Sustainability #Japan #Tokyo #Kuradashi #SDG

Kuradashi's Commitment to Sustainable Research Initiatives

Kuradashi, a leading player in the social good market based in Tokyo, recently confirmed its partner universities for joint research programs in the year 2025. The company, run by CEO Kohei Kawamura, has embraced the mission of promoting food waste reduction and minimizing environmental impact through innovative research. The selected institutions include Yamato University’s SDG Promotion Office, Saitama Institute of Technology’s Management Planning Laboratory, and Kyushu University’s Agricultural Food Distribution Engineering Laboratory.

Overview of Joint Research Themes

1. Yamato University: "The Future Connected by Rice: Sustainability of Earth and Food Culture"

Yamato University will explore sustainable methods involving renewable energy in rice cultivation. The research aims to foster community engagement with local farmers by organizing workshops focused on reducing food waste and developing new culinary offerings that leverage regional ingredients. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to local revitalization efforts.

2. Saitama Institute of Technology: "Envisioning a Circular Society Through Crop Residues: Bioplastics"

This research theme focuses on collaborating with Saitama’s Engineering Department to develop bio-based plastic materials from the discarded leaves of leeks. The technology aims to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste in a circular economy by innovating in the production and sale of toys made from these renewable resources.

3. Kyushu University: "Transforming Fresh Produce Distribution: Tackling Food Waste with Biomaterials"

Kyushu University will focus on addressing the plastic packaging issues commonly seen in supermarkets. The research aims to replace this plastic with biomass materials, aligning with the concerted effort toward Green Transformation (GX) aimed at reducing food waste and enhancing sustainability within the agricultural sector.

Background of the Initiative

Kuradashi has taken pivotal steps to combat food waste by purchasing products that are still consumable but are difficult to sell through traditional distribution channels, such as items nearing expiration, seasonal products, or those with cosmetic defects. These items are then sold through their social good market, Kuradashi, where a portion of the profits supports various social contribution activities.

Additionally, the newly established Kuradashi Fund supports regional revitalization projects, food bank initiatives, educational programs, and sustainability research. Previous efforts included special SDG lectures for university students and tailored classes for secondary school students focused on food waste issues and career prospects.

In 2024, Kuradashi initiated its first joint research efforts with Ibaraki University and Hosei University, laying a strong foundation for future educational support and contributing significantly to nurturing the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

Future Prospects

Kuradashi aims to apply the knowledge gained from these research initiatives to address various social challenges, particularly food waste reduction. The company remains committed to collaborating with universities and local communities to create a sustainable, socially responsible future.

Research Support Details

Financial Support

• - Total research budget: ¥1,500,000 for all three institutions.
• - Access to Kuradashi's expertise, networks, and data.
• - Research period: From the decision date to March 2025.

Conditions

• - The research theme must align with one or more of Kuradashi’s materiality goals:

1. Achieving a social good world
2. Contributing to food waste reduction and environmental impacts
3. Improving access to delicious food.

Kuradashi's Materiality Goals

Kuradashi is determined to foster a sustainable society through its five core materiality goals:
1. Creating a socially beneficial world.
2. Reducing food waste and contributing to environmental sustainability.
3. Enhancing access to nutritious food.
4. Fostering growth for businesses and individuals.
5. Strengthening corporate governance.

Conclusion

Kuradashi’s commitment to addressing food waste while promoting sustainable practices sets a precedent for combining social good with innovative research. With these partnerships, the company not only continues its mission but also nurtures future social entrepreneurs, working towards a world where social good becomes the norm.