#Sustainability #Japan #Shinjuku #Lotte #Eco-label

Lotte's Commitment to Reducing Plastic Waste

Lotte, a leading company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is taking a significant step forward in sustainability by implementing new packaging strategies for their beloved snacks. As part of their ongoing efforts to reduce disposable plastic usage, Lotte has announced that they will be reducing the plastic weight used in the trays for products such as the popular "Small Choco Pie" and its various configurations. By making the trays thinner, Lotte aims to decrease the plastic weight by approximately 10%, resulting in an annual reduction of about 13 tons of plastic. This is a crucial move towards achieving their long-term sustainability goal, the "Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048", which intends to eliminate fossil resource-derived disposable plastics from their packaging by the year 2048.

The shift to the new, thinner trays has already been completed, and products showcasing the “Smile Eco Label” will start rolling out in early March. This new label aims to easily communicate Lotte's environmentally conscious initiatives to consumers, displaying products that meet their stringent criteria for eco-friendliness.

Earlier products may still remain on shelves without the Smile Eco Label, as the implementation of the new trays has begun prior to visible labeling on packaging. This provides an opportunity for consumers to purchase products that have already begun the transition to more sustainable packaging solutions, even if they do not yet sport the new label. Some products, such as the upcoming "Small Choco Pie (Cherry Blossom Shortcake)" and "Fluffy Petit Cake (Lemon Donut)" releases, will also feature this new packaging approach sooner than others, showing Lotte’s dedication to driving change.

Lotte’s Environmental Initiatives and Future Goals

In recent years, Lotte has made significant progress in reducing its plastic footprint across various product lines. For example:

• - In 2021, Lotte modified the body of their bottle gum, achieving a reduction of 144.3 tons of plastic.
• - In 2022, they redesigned outer bags for their zero chocolate and Ghana & Crunky share packs, reducing plastic weight by 8.9 tons.
• - Recently in 2023, the company changed the caps of the Lady Borden pint, achieving a reduction of 29.1 tons.
• - Looking ahead, plans for 2024 include reducing plastic in packaging for their Choco Pie Party Pack, Custard Cake Party Pack, and Toppo bag by 88.7 tons.

The ambitious sustainability additions not only reduce plastic use but also contribute positively to the environment, setting an industry standard for eco-friendliness. This initiative reflects Lotte's broader vision of maintaining a sustainable future through ongoing innovation in their production methods and packaging designs.

For more detailed information on Lotte’s sustainability endeavors, you can visit their sustainability page.

Conclusion

As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges posed by plastic waste, Lotte’s proactive measures in redesigning their packaging are commendable. By leading with actions that prioritize eco-friendliness, Lotte is setting the tone for the food industry, encouraging both consumers and other companies to join in the pursuit of sustainability. As we look forward to seeing the impact of these changes, one thing is clear: Lotte is determined to bake a greener future into their delightful treats.