HOYA's Eye City Eco Project Partners with Yoron Town for Sustainability

HOYA's Eye City Eco Project Partners with Yoron Town

In a significant move towards sustainability, HOYA Corporation's Eye Care Company has entered into an agreement with Yoron Town in Kagoshima Prefecture to promote the recycling of used disposable contact lens cases. This partnership is particularly notable as it marks the first agreement between the Eye City Eco Project and a local government within the prefecture, taking a step further towards building a sustainable community.

The agreement was finalized on December 16, 2025, with the aim to significantly reduce plastic waste through awareness and recycling initiatives. Yoron Town is committed to promoting the proper disposal of used contact lens cases and will work with community members to heighten their consciousness regarding plastic waste reduction and resource regeneration. This collaboration aligns perfectly with the goals of the Eye City Eco Project, which seeks to foster a circular economy by emphasizing reduce, reuse, and recycle principles.

Details of the Agreement

- Name of Agreement: Agreement on the Collection of Used Disposable Contact Lens Cases
- Contract Date: December 16, 2025
- Collection Points: Yoron Town Hall (1st Floor), Yunnu Experience Center
- Roles and Responsibilities:

- Yoron Town: Promote the initiative and manage the collection and transportation of used cases.
- HOYA Corporation's Eye Care Company: Oversee resource management and provide collection boxes.

Eye City Eco Project Overview

The Eye City Eco Project focuses on the recycling of disposable contact lens cases across Japan. The project was initiated in 2010, placing eye care at the intersection of environmental sustainability and community support, and has now reached its 15th year of operation. More than 8,500 collection points have been established, including Eye City stores and various partnering municipalities, companies, and educational institutions nationwide.

The initiative aims to achieve three major social contributions: 1) Environmental preservation through the resourcing of used cases, 2) Support for the independence and employment of individuals with disabilities, and 3) Donations to the Japan Eye Bank Association. Since the program's inception, it has garnered cooperation from numerous organizations and individuals, facilitating extensive collection efforts.

Despite these efforts, about 4,000 tons of used contact lens cases still end up as waste each year. Therefore, HOYA is determined to advocate for even greater participation in the social contribution activities and broaden the impact of this project moving forward.

Participation Statistics as of November 2025

- Schools: 3,329 institutions (including elementary, middle, high schools, universities, and vocational schools)
- Companies: 1,309 firms with 4,366 locations (including branches and field offices)
- Local Governments: 467 points (including public facilities)

Organizations willing to assist with collection activities are always welcome.

Recycling and Donation Impact

As of November 2025, the Eye City Eco Project proudly reports:

- Total Collected: 824.58 tons (equivalent to approximately 820 million used contact lens cases)
- CO2 Reduction: 2,275.83 tons CO2 (comparable to 136.3 Tokyo Domes)
- Total Donations: ¥17,712,368 to the Japan Eye Bank Association.

Collection Process

The recyclable empty contact lens cases collected are then sold to recycling manufacturers. The proceeds from these sales are donated to support those who aspire to regain their eyesight. This exceptional initiative continues to strive for a more sustainable future.

About HOYA Corporation's Eye Care Company

HOYA Corporation is an industry leader in the fields of life care and information and communication, holding numerous top global shares. The Eye Care Company operates the Eye City brand of specialty contact lens stores, leveraging the robust business foundation of HOYA Corporation to achieve both steady growth and ambitious challenges.

- Company Name: HOYA Corporation Eye Care Company
- Address: 4-10-2 Nakano, Nakano Central Park South 6F, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
- Business Scope: Retail of contact lenses and related products
- Number of Eye City Stores: 378 (as of December 1, 2025)
- Website: HOYA Eye City