#Japan #Tokyo #Sustainable Packaging #carbon footprint #ZACROS

Standardizing Carbon Footprint in Plastic Packaging

Introduction

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, six prominent companies in Japan's plastic packaging industry have joined forces to participate in the Ministry of the Environment's model project on carbon footprint assessment. The initiative focuses on establishing a standardized methodology for calculating the Carbon Footprint of Products (CFP) associated with plastic containers and packaging. The participating companies include ZACROS Co., Ltd, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, TOPPAN Inc., the Plastic Container and Packaging Recycling Promotion Council, and the PET Bottle Association.

Background

As society pushes towards the goal of reducing carbon emissions, there is a growing demand for transparent carbon footprint assessments that cover the entire lifecycle of products—from raw material procurement to disposals and recycling. The carbon footprint indicates the total greenhouse gas emissions translated into carbon dioxide equivalents, providing consumers with measurable data on product sustainability.

With heightened awareness around environmental issues, companies are urged to provide accurate information about their eco-friendly products. This collaborative endeavor aims to simplify the consumers' decision-making process by robustly commonizing rules for carbon footprint calculations within the industry.

The collaboration entails that these six industry players will work together to develop unified CFP calculation rules targeted at plastic packaging, paving the way for advancements in sustainability practices.

Project Overview

Implementation Timeline

• - Start Date: June 2025
• - End Date: March 2026

Participating Organizations

• - ZACROS Co., Ltd.
• - Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
• - Toyo Seikan Group Holdings
• - TOPPAN Inc.
• - Plastic Container and Packaging Recycling Promotion Council
• - PET Bottle Association

Key Objectives

The primary objective of this initiative is to formulate carbon footprint calculation rules that will be accessible to all by early 2026. By doing so, the project aims to foster an environment where companies dealing in plastic containers and packaging can align their efforts toward sustainability. Creating a standardized rule will not only encourage accountability throughout the supply chain but also assist consumers in making informed choices.

Future Goals

The project's focus will culminate in developing comprehensive rules for carbon footprint assessments by February to March 2026. By ensuring these guidelines are universally available, the industry as a whole can enhance its commitment to environmentally friendly practices while supporting consumers in their transition towards sustainable purchasing habits. Overall, the initiative echoes Japan's broader ambition as outlined in the revised Global Warming Countermeasures Plan, which emphasizes shifting consumer behavior towards low-carbon products and services.

Conclusion

As environmental challenges grow increasingly urgent, the establishment of standardized carbon footprint calculation protocols plays a crucial role in promoting a circular economy and encouraging industry-wide commitments to sustainability. Through this model project, participants aim to set a precedent that not only aids in providing consumers with reliable information but also strengthens collaboration across the sector. ZACROS's leadership in integrating environmental considerations into its operations since 1955 comes full circle with this initiative, reinforcing its dedication to creating a sustainable future.

For further inquiries, please contact the respective communications personnel listed below:

• - ZACROS Co., Ltd.: Contact Form
• - Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.: Phone: 03-6735-0101, Email: Ikezawa-T3@mail.dnp.co.jp
• - Toyo Seikan Group Holdings: Phone: 03-4514-2026, Email: tskg_contact@tskg-hd.com
• - TOPPAN Inc.: Phone: 03-3835-5636, Email: kouhou@toppan.co.jp