Kewpie and Ajinomoto's Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Recycling of Used Mayonnaise Bottles

Progress Report on Used Mayonnaise Bottle Recycling Experiment by Kewpie and Ajinomoto

Kewpie Co., Ltd. and Ajinomoto Co., Inc., both headquartered in Tokyo, have embarked on a significant project aimed at addressing the pressing issue of marine plastic waste. This initiative forms part of the Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA), which foster collaboration between public and private sectors to find sustainable solutions.

Beginning July 1, 2024, Kewpie and Ajinomoto have joined forces with Ito Yokado Co., Ltd. to conduct a practical experiment for collecting used mayonnaise bottles. This initiative is taking place at the Ito Yokado Mizunokuchi store located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. We are pleased to share the current progress and future outlook of this collaborative project.

Overview of the Recycling Experiment

This recycling experiment aims to establish a collection system for used mayonnaise bottles starting from July 1, 2024. The Ito Yokado Mizunokuchi store is equipped with designated collection boxes specifically designed for mayonnaise bottles at its recycling station. The process involves collecting these bottles from consumers and assessing their condition and the quantity gathered.

Objectives of Recycling Collection

- Assess Condition and Volume: To investigate the state of the collected mayonnaise bottles (e.g., cleanliness) and the overall quantity of bottles returned.
- Raise Awareness: To inform consumers about the potential for recycling mayonnaise bottles and encourage participation.
- Technical Validation: To leverage the information gathered for technology validation aimed at resource recycling.

Duration of Collection

- Collection Period: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025

Collection Location

- Ito Yokado Mizunokuchi Store

Target Products

- Used mayonnaise bottles from households (including brands other than Kewpie and Ajinomoto).

Results of the Experiment

1. Collection Volume:
Throughout the experiment, approximately 90% of the collected waste consisted of mayonnaise bottles, while the remainder included similar material bottles like tartar sauce and ketchup, predominantly made from polyethylene (PE). Impressively, over 99% of the mayonnaise bottles collected were found to be clean, indicating responsible consumer behavior. Comparatively, the collection rate per month demonstrated significant growth, with a 2.6-fold increase observed by April 2025 compared to the initial month of July 2024.

2. Key Insights Gained:
- Effectiveness of Custom Collection Boxes: The use of uniquely designed mayonnaise bottle-shaped collection boxes proved to effectively appeal to consumers, contributing to high recovery rates.
- Perception Challenges: Many consumers maintain the misconception that remnants in mayonnaise bottles are difficult to clean. This psychological barrier likely deters participation.
- Community Engagement Opportunities: While there is significant interest from residents to participate, feedback indicated some logistical challenges, such as distance to the collection points. This suggests that expanded efforts in community engagement and accessibility enhancements may be beneficial.

Future Developments

Starting in July, the collection effort will expand to include additional stores: Ito Yokado Mizunokuchi, Ito Yokado Kawasaki, and York Mart Kawasaki Nogawa in Kawasaki City. The initiative will also implement promotional materials at these locations to enhance awareness.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the collection experiment will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, continuing to target household used mayonnaise bottles (across all brands).

Company Profiles

Kewpie Co., Ltd.
CEO: Mitsuru Takamiya
Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
Revenue: ¥484.3 billion (Fiscal Year 2024)
Employees: 10,517 (as of November 2024)
Business: Production and sales of mayonnaise and sauces, among others.

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
CEO: Shigeo Nakamura
Location: Chuo, Tokyo
Revenue: ¥1.53 trillion (Fiscal Year 2024)
Employees: 34,862 (as of March 2024)
Business: Production and sales of seasonings, food, frozen foods, and healthcare products.

For more information, visit the sustainability pages of both companies: