#Japan #Minato #Hibiya Kadan #Eco Stage #Environment Management

Hibiya Kadan Sets a New Standard in Sustainability

In a significant milestone for the floral industry, Hibiya Kadan has achieved the Eco Stage certification, making it the first company in the sector to do so. This accomplishment underscores the company’s commitment to environmental management and sustainable business practices. The certification was granted on July 10, 2025, as part of their initiative to integrate eco-friendly principles into their operations.

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

Hibiya Kadan, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has always emphasized its corporate message: "Bringing floral beauty to every tomorrow." The organization is dedicated to contributing positively to communities and the environment through their work with flowers and greenery. As global environmental challenges escalate, the company recognizes its responsibility to prioritize ecological considerations in all aspects of its operations.

The Eco Stage certification is viewed as a pivotal step in strengthening Hibiya Kadan's environmental management efforts. This initiative is rooted in the company's newly established environmental policy, which outlines clear objectives for reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable business practices. Hibiya Kadan's policy centers on three pillars: human well-being, community welfare, and the well-being of the planet. The goals include achieving carbon neutrality, fostering a circular economy, and emphasizing nature-positive initiatives.

Reduction of Environmental Impact

Through the Eco Stage certification, Hibiya Kadan commits to specific actions such as combating global warming, minimizing resource consumption, and implementing the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. They are also focused on sustainable procurement practices that align with these values.

This certification marks a new chapter for Hibiya Kadan, enhancing its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. With this achievement, the company aims to work closely with customers, partners, and local communities to create a more sustainable future.

Eco Stage Certification Process

Eco Stage certification is provided by the Eco Stage Association, which establishes standards for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Organizations seeking this certification must develop their own environmental policies and goals and must adhere to a system of checks and improvements to monitor their progress annually. The emphasis is not only on reducing environmental impact but also on compliance with laws, workforce environmental education, and maintaining a positive work environment.

An evaluation from the Tokyo Third-party Evaluation Committee of the Eco Stage Association acknowledged that Hibiya Kadan’s management system aligns with the standards for Eco Stage 1, validating their commitment to environmental management under the leadership of President Hiroaki Miyajima.

Leadership Insights

President Hiroaki Miyajima stated, “While we strive to deliver beauty and inspiration through flowers and greenery, we also prioritize our environmental responsibilities. In light of worsening climate change and resource issues, we are committed to proactive environmental management. Our business operations, including floral arrangements for weddings and events, have direct interactions with nature; thus, we are continually working on reducing CO₂ emissions throughout our supply chain.”

The company is implementing several initiatives such as integrating renewable materials in packaging and reducing the use of packaging materials while ensuring product beauty and sustainability. Their commitment extends beyond their operations to foster a culture of environmental awareness within the flower industry and among stakeholders.

Emphasis on Continuous Improvement

Director and Environmental Manager Yoko Matsumoto shared, “We have been preparing for the Eco Stage certification since our medium-term management plan was announced last fall. Our approach included restructuring our internal information and operations to align with Eco Stage requirements, establishing both qualitative and quantitative environmental goals.”

In the coming years, Hibiya Kadan intends to focus on visualizing environmental data, adopting life cycle assessments, and creating scientific and practical frameworks to support the development of eco-friendly products and services.

A Bright Future

Founded in 1872, Hibiya Kadan operates across approximately 190 locations in Japan today, engaging in various businesses, including wedding floral arrangements and flower gifts. Their mission extends beyond merely selling flowers; they aim to enhance the quality of life through green initiatives. With the Eco Stage certification, they position themselves as leaders not just in the floral industry but as pioneers in environmental sustainability.

To learn more about Hibiya Kadan and their sustainability initiatives, you can visit their official website: Hibiya Kadan Sustainability.