#Japan #Eco Project #Eye City #Hoya Corporation #Ami Town, Ibaraki

Eye City Eco Project Collaboration

In a significant environmental initiative, Hoya Corporation's Eye Care Company, which operates the contact lens specialty store Eye City, has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Ami Town in Ibaraki Prefecture. The agreement, established on March 19, 2026, marks the first collaboration with a local government in the prefecture for the collection of used disposable contact lens cases. This partnership aligns with Ami Town's mission to promote a 'beautiful water and greenery for the next generation' and supports Eye City’s commitment to fostering a circular economy through its 'Eye City Eco Project.'

Details of the Agreement

The collaboration focuses on collecting disposable contact lens cases as part of the efforts to reduce plastic waste. Ami Town will be responsible for spreading awareness about this initiative and managing the collection of these items from local residents. Eye City will take charge of resource management and provide collection boxes. This project emphasizes the importance of resource recycling and raising awareness about environmental sustainability in the community.

Objectives and Community Impact

The Eye City Eco Project aims at contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by engaging in three key social contributions:
1. Environmental preservation through the reprocessing of used cases.
2. Support for the independence and employment of people with disabilities.
3. Donations to the Japan Eye Bank Association to assist those wishing to regain their sight.

Since its launch in 2010, Eye City has set up collection boxes across over 8,800 locations including its stores, municipalities, and schools nationwide. Sustainability has been a driving force behind this initiative, with 2026 marking sixteen years of ongoing efforts in environmental responsibility.

Participation and Progress

As of February 2026, the Eye City Eco Project has seen a significant number of participatory organizations:

• - Schools: 3,346 (including elementary, middle, high schools, universities, and vocational schools)
• - Businesses: 1,323 companies with 4,664 locations
• - Local Governments: 472 facilities

The project continues to seek more organizations to join the recycling effort and enhance community involvement.

Metrics and Achievements

The program has yielded impressive results, including:

• - A total collection weight of 853.27 tons, approximately representing 8.53 million used contact lens cases.
• - Contribution to a CO2 reduction of 2,355.02 tons, a figure equivalent to the capacity of 141 Tokyo Domes.
• - Cumulative donations amounting to ¥19,197,437 to support causes related to vision restoration.

Conclusion

As the commitment to the Eye City Eco Project grows, Hoya Corporation's Eye Care Company aims to enhance the cycle of social contributions by creating greater awareness about recycling and environmental preservation. With an increasing number of partners and continued engagement with communities, the initiative hopes to further reduce the approximately 4,000 tons of waste still disposed of annually, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.

For more details, those interested are encouraged to reach out to the Ami Town Office for inquiries on participation or further information regarding the recycling program.