#Japan #Eco-Friendly #Tokyo #recycling #Pal System

Pal System's Commitment to Sustainability

In an impressive step towards sustainability, Pal System Cooperative Association, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has officially announced the adoption of shipping coolers made entirely from 100% recycled materials. This innovative initiative is expected to reduce polystyrene consumption by up to 150 tons annually starting from the fiscal year 2025. The organization aims to switch all their current coolers, which total 300 tons, to these environmentally friendly alternatives in the future.

Transitioning to Recycled Materials

The new coolers will be manufactured using polystyrene that has been recovered from damaged or aged materials. Unlike virgin materials derived from petroleum, recycled polystyrene differs in strength. Therefore, since 2023, Pal System has continuously tested the strength and quality of the recycled materials to develop optimal specifications suitable for their shipping needs.

The operation of these recycled shipping coolers will be split between the 'body' and the 'lid'. The lids have already seen a transition with approximately 20% now using recycled materials, while the introduction of the bodies is set to follow, with expectations for about 50% to eventually be switched to the new eco-friendly version. Currently, Pal System utilizes around 300 tons of polystyrene annually, meaning that reducing half of this amount will align with their goal of cutting down 150 tons of usage.

Revamped Cooler Design

Accompanying the switch to recycled materials, the coolers’ design will undergo an update. The character known as Konsen-kun, a mascot of recycling, will be featured prominently on the cooler to symbolize the environmentally conscious materials used in their manufacture.


Image shows the newly designed recycled lids.

Further Sustainable Practices

Pal System has long engaged in efforts to minimize plastic consumption in their delivery processes. Since 2022, they have implemented recyclable materials in their foldable containers used for ambient temperature items, successfully cutting down plastic usage by approximately 16 tons per year. Additionally, since 2023, they have started using bags made with some recycled components to bundle products for delivery.


Image shows the foldable container that uses recycled materials.

The cooperative also emphasizes the importance of reusing boxes and recycling collection bags as part of a circular delivery system, further aiding in reducing plastic waste. Pal System is committed to continuing their initiatives in minimizing plastic use and integrating renewable energy solutions, all while striving for a sustainable society driven by closed-loop resource management.

About Pal System Cooperative Association

Pal System Cooperative Association is based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, at 2-2-6 Okubo. Under the leadership of Chairman Tomoyuki Shibusawa, the cooperative currently consists of members from various regions including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gunma, and others. As of March 2025, the total business volume of Pal System amounted to 260.42 billion yen, with a member count reaching 1.762 million.

Since 2025 is designated as the International Year of Cooperatives, Pal System is poised to exemplify the principles of cooperative sustainability on a global scale.

For more information, visit Pal System's official website.