Yoshikei's Contribution to Food Waste Reduction on Zero Garbage Day

May 30th: Zero Garbage Day and Yoshikei's Efforts

This year's May 30th marks Zero Garbage Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about waste reduction. The term 'Zero Garbage' originated from the wordplay on the numbers 530 (ごみゼロ) in Japanese. This movement began in the 1970s with citizen initiatives and evolved into a nationwide campaign, culminating in 1993 when the Ministry of Health and Welfare officially designated the week of May 30th as "Garbage Reduction Promotion Week." Today, this week extends from May 30th to June 5th, coinciding with Environment Day.

Yoshikei Group: A Leader in Meal Kits and Waste Reduction

Yoshikei Group, headquartered in Shizuoka, Japan, has established itself as a pioneer in the meal kit delivery service for nearly five decades. Founded in 1975, Yoshikei specializes in providing recipe-based meal kits that include only the necessary ingredients for the number of servings ordered. This approach not only delivers convenience but also significantly contributes to waste reduction by minimizing unused food items in households.

One of the key features of Yoshikei's service is its made-to-order system. Each meal kit is prepared based on specific customer orders, ensuring that no leftover products accumulate. By calculating the required quantities and weights before sourcing the ingredients, Yoshikei eliminates overproduction and waste. This operational model aligns perfectly with the goals of Zero Garbage Day, as it helps reduce food waste and expired ingredients that often end up in landfills.

With over 2.9 billion servings sold (as of June 2024), Yoshikei has made a profound impact, assisting approximately 500,000 households in minimizing their food waste. The importance of this initiative is further emphasized by daily reports and observations which show the shocking amount of edible food discarded around the globe.

Sustainable Packaging Initiatives

Yoshikei goes beyond just food offerings; they also focus heavily on sustainable packaging solutions. Instead of using disposable cardboard boxes, their meal kits are delivered in reusable cool boxes, further reducing material waste. They actively utilize refrigerants for different temperature requirements to limit the use of dry ice during transportation. This commitment to eco-friendly practices reflects Yoshikei's broader mission of reducing all forms of waste associated with their products.

Recognized Achievements in Environmental Initiatives

Yoshikei's dedication to sustainable practices has not gone unnoticed. The company has received various accolades for its eco-friendly initiatives. In 2019, they earned the Environmental Minister's Award as part of the COOL CHOICE LEADERS AWARD 2018 for their efforts to provide a no-re-delivery service. Yoshikei also ranked first in the Food Delivery Revenue Ranking published by Japan Distribution Industry Newspaper in February 2025, maintaining a streak of 16 consecutive years at the top.

In September 2023, Yoshikei received the 32nd Food Safety and Environmental Contribution Award from the Japan Food Newspaper Company, and in November, they were honored with the Mother's Selection Award 2023, recognizing their services deemed most helpful for growing families. Additionally, in December 2024, the company received the Chairman's Award at the 12th Food Industry Worthiness Award, acknowledging their contribution to food loss reduction over the past 50 years.

A Vision for the Future

As Yoshikei continues to adapt its menu offerings to fit changing lifestyles and supports Japanese dining culture, they remain focused on providing safe, delicious meals with sustainability in mind. The company's theme of fostering enjoyment around the dinner table while making a positive impact on the environment sums up their mission perfectly: "Creating smiles, one meal kit at a time."

Company Information:

- Name: Yoshikei Development Co., Ltd.
- Location: 1-8-30 Kuniyoshida, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- CEO: Keigo Hirano
- Website | Instagram | X | Facebook