#Japan #Aluminum Recycling #Tetra Pak #Higashiyamato #Higashiyamato City

New Era in Recycling: Higashiyamato City Partners with Tetra Pak

On August 28, 2025, Higashiyamato City, led by Mayor Hiromi Wachi, signed a collaboration agreement with Tetra Pak Co., a leading food processing and packaging company located in Minato, Tokyo. This is a pioneering initiative as it marks the first partnership between a municipality and a company in Japan specifically for the recycling of aluminum-infused paper cartons.

This innovative agreement aims to transform the disposal of such cartons, which have long been considered difficult to recycle, into a sustainable resource. From the same date, a dedicated collection box for used aluminum-infused paper cartons has been installed at the entrance lobby of Higashiyamato City Hall, initiating citizens' participation in fostering a circular economy.

Taking on the Challenges of Aluminum-Infused Paper Cartons

Aluminum-infused paper cartons are convenient due to their long shelf life but pose significant recycling challenges. Currently treated as combustible waste, these cartons will now be collected in the newly established boxes located at the City Hall. Once collected, the cartons will be recycled into products like toilet paper. This initiative serves as a vital step toward solving previously identified recycling issues.

A New Model for Collaboration: Government, Corporations, and Citizens

This project exemplifies a newly formed model where municipalities, companies, and citizens collaborate to tackle environmental challenges. Not only does it aim to reduce the volume of combustible waste, thereby lowering waste processing costs for the municipal government, but it also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions generated during incineration.

Enhancing Recycling Awareness

By encouraging citizen engagement in the resource cycling process, the program aims to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of recycling among the community. This hands-on approach allows residents to feel more connected to the recycling process, making it a familiar and tangible concept.

Progress Toward a Circular Economy

By establishing a system that efficiently utilizes resources without waste, this initiative marks an important milestone in the journey toward a circular economy. The specifics of the program include:

• - Start Date: August 28, 2025
• - Location: Entrance lobby on the first floor of Higashiyamato City Hall
• - Items for Collection: Used aluminum-infused paper cartons
• - Recycling Process: Citizens will deposit their cartons into the collection box, which will be picked up by Tetra Pak and processed at a specialized facility before being recycled into products such as toilet paper.

Roles in the Integration

• - Higashiyamato City's Role: Promoting awareness among citizens and managing the collection boxes.
• - Tetra Pak's Role: Responsible for the collection and recycling of the paper cartons.

Changing the Future Together

Higashiyamato City has been proactive in its engagements with private sectors for resource circulation activities. The current collaboration with Tetra Pak, a world leader in food processing and packaging systems, showcases their commitment to tackling litter reduction and promoting a circular economy. Together, with the active participation of the community, this initiative strives to contribute to a sustainable future.

This partnership project represents a united effort between Higashiyamato City, Tetra Pak, and its citizens aimed at addressing pressing environmental issues.

About Tetra Pak

Founded in 1951 in Sweden, Tetra Pak is a globally recognized leader in food processing and packaging solutions dedicated to fulfilling the needs of clients in over 160 countries. With a workforce of more than 24,000 employees, Tetra Pak ensures that safe and nutritious food is accessible anywhere in the world, under the motto "PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD™." More insights can be found on their website.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Tetra Pak also proudly supports the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo as a platinum sponsor for the Nordic Pavilion. The Expo will serve as a platform for Tetra Pak to showcase its commitment to reducing food waste and enhancing food safety through sustainable packaging practices, as well as opportunities for discussions on promoting resource recycling. For more details, visit the Expo Campaign page.