#Japan #Kochi #F-Peeko #Tosa City #Sunshine Chain

Introduction

In an innovative initiative aimed at raising environmental awareness, F-Peeko, a leading Japanese manufacturer of food containers, has collaborated with Tosa City and Sunshine Chain to launch a series of biodegradable food trays decorated with original four-panel manga created by local elementary school students. This unique project will kick off on December 6, 2025, at Sunshine supermarkets, located in Tosa City, Kochi Prefecture.
This collaboration is part of a broader effort under the Ministry of Environment’s Local Blue Ocean Vision project, focusing on marine litter reduction strategies in Tosa City.

Background and Objectives

The core objective of this initiative is to utilize the charm of Tosa City, known as the 'Manga Kingdom,' to promote environmental consciousness through creative outlets. The trays will not only serve a functional purpose but will also engage shoppers with delightful pieces of art that convey critical messages about recycling and marine pollution. By incorporating student-created artworks into daily shopping experiences, the project aims to inspire community involvement in recycling efforts and environmental sustainability skills.

In September, F-Peeko, Tosa City officials, and representatives from Sunshine Chain conducted outreach educational sessions across four elementary schools in Tosa City (Nii, Kitahara, Tonami, and Takaishi). Through these workshops, students learned about the concepts of recycling and its importance. Utilizing the knowledge gained, the students created 72 original four-panel manga, which were then judged by a panel from F-Peeko, Tosa City, and Sunshine Chain.
The winning entries received various awards, including the Grand Prize, Mayor's Award, Superintendent's Award, Sunshine Award, and F-Peeko Award. The Grand Prize-winning manga will be showcased on the original food trays distributed across all Sunshine Chain outlets.

CO2 Reduction through 'Tray to Tray' Recycling

The trays themselves are produced using eco-friendly materials. They are known as 'eco trays,' which are created from recycled food trays. F-Peeko has established a revolutionary process termed 'Tray to Tray' recycling, effectively transforming used trays into new ones. This method significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to producing trays from virgin materials, thus contributing to overall environmental conservation efforts.

Commitment to Sustainable Communities

In addition to launching these whimsical and environmentally friendly trays, F-Peeko is committed to continued environmental education and promoting community engagement in sustainable practices. The company’s initiatives extend beyond this project, as they actively work toward achieving a circular economy focused on sustainability and resource conservation.

About F-Peeko

F-Peeko, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is the largest domestic manufacturer of disposable food containers used in supermarkets and convenience stores. The company aims to realize a sustainable society through innovative recycling processes such as 'Tray to Tray' and 'Bottle to Clear Container.' Their commitment also aligns with reducing the overall carbon footprint through environmental consciousness and ongoing container development.

• - Location: Shinjuku Oak Tower, 6-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo 163-6036

• - CEO: Morimasa Sato, Chairman / Kazuyuki Yasuda, President

• - Established: July 24, 1962
• - Website: F-Peeko

About Sunshine Chain

Sunshine Chain operates 26 supermarkets mainly in Kochi Prefecture, aiming to create community-centric shopping experiences. The name 'Sunshine' represents love and warmth, embodying the concept of being a nurturing marketplace for locals. The chain prioritizes product variety, freshness, and quality, fostering a pleasant shopping environment.

• - Location: 11-45 Inaricho, Kochi City, 781-0814

• - CEO: Shunji Kuwana, President

• - Established: April 1, 1961
• - Website: Sunshine Chain

This collaboration stands as a beacon of community involvement, creativity, and environmental stewardship, highlighting the power of education and collaboration in addressing pressing global issues like marine litter.