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Japan Hotel's Commitment to Reducing Food Waste

On October 30, 2023, Japan Hotel Co., Ltd., headquartered in Toshima, Tokyo, participated in the 9th National Conference on Food Waste Reduction in Chiyoda. This event, organized by the Chiyoda Ward and the National Delicious Food Use Movement Network, attracted a vast audience including business representatives, students, and concerned citizens all dedicated to addressing food waste issues.

Engaging with the Community

The company set up an exhibition booth that highlighted its multi-faceted approach to food waste reduction based on six key themes: "Eat Up," "Use Up," "Reuse," "Take Away," "Recycle," and "Public Awareness." Attendees were particularly interested in the upcycled product, "Rusk," which was distributed during the event. This initiative illustrates how Japan Hotel is addressing food waste while also offering tasty alternatives to traditional food offerings.

Panel Discussion - Towards Zero Waste by 2050

Additionally, the event featured a panel discussion titled "Towards Zero Waste by 2050," where Hideaki Matsuda, Executive Advisor and SDGs Officer of Japan Hotel, shared insights into current challenges and future prospects for food waste reduction initiatives in the hospitality industry. Matsuda emphasized the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders to effectively tackle the issue at hand.

Innovative Approaches to Food Waste Reduction

The '3010 Movement' in Banquets

One notable initiative is the "3010 Movement," which encourages diners to finish their meals by allocating specific timeframes; 30 minutes after the toast and 10 minutes before the end of the event, to promote food consumption. This proactive approach not only reduces food waste but also enhances guest satisfaction by encouraging eating behaviors.

Creative Buffet Management

The company takes a practical approach to buffet management by providing small plates and adjusting the portion sizes of serving dishes according to customer flow. This tackles the common issue of excess food being served.

Sustainable Sourcing of Ingredients

In efforts to utilize atypical products, Japan Hotel collaborates with local farmers to procure "imperfect vegetables" that would otherwise go to waste. Furthermore, they create menus featuring "underutilized fish" during events, raising awareness about these ingredients while engaging consumers in sustainable practices.

Embracing a 'Waste Not' Philosophy

Japan Hotel showcases the innovative culinary expertise of its chefs by transforming often-discarded items into gourmet meals. For example, fish scraps are used to create broths, and vegetable peels are turned into flavorful dishes. This not only minimizes waste but also provides patrons with unique dining experiences.

The Rise of Upcycled Products

During the event, Japan Hotel also highlighted its range of upcycled products, such as pastries made from surplus ingredients, promoting the idea of giving new life to otherwise wasted food.

Take-Away Initiatives

In line with Japan's environmental goals, the hotel chain implemented the "mottECO" initiative in April 2022 across nine locations, encouraging guests to take home unfinished meals. This initiative helps cultivate a culture of responsible food consumption.

Collaborative Recycling Efforts

Japan Hotel is also dedicated to recycling food waste through the JR East Group's "Electric Power Recycling Loop," ensuring that all food waste is properly processed and converted into renewable energy.

Advocacy and Awareness Raising

The hotel participates in various consortia and collaborates with organizations to promote a culture of taking home leftovers, boosting the understanding of food waste issues beyond the confines of the hotel industry itself.

Takeaway

Japan Hotel Co., Ltd. remains committed to its environmental initiatives and continues to seek partnerships within the community to create a more sustainable society. Through innovative approaches and active engagement, the company not only addresses food waste reduction but also enhances the overall dining experience at its hotels.

For more information on Japan Hotel's sustainability efforts, visit Japan Hotel Sustainable Practices.