#Japan #Tokyo #Sustainable #Meiji #Cacao Husk

Exciting Sustainable Initiative by Meiji

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic "Mushroom Mountain" (きのこの山) chocolate snack, Meiji Co., Ltd. has introduced a new kit titled "Playful! Learnable! Sustainable Mushroom Mountain." This unique product utilizes cacao husks, a byproduct of the chocolate-making process, as a part of its environmentally friendly chocolate mold. Available from July 22, 2025, for a limited time, the kit is designed to be both fun and educational for children, making it a perfect family activity during summer vacation.

A Step Towards Sustainable Practices

The new product embodies Meiji's commitment to sustainable practices in the chocolate industry. The chocolate molds include 95% biomass, meaning they incorporate significant amounts of plant-based materials, reducing reliance on traditional plastic. This kit encourages kids to engage in hands-on activities while learning about sustainability and the importance of environmental conservation.

Notably, the kit allows children to create their own chocolate shapes that resemble various forest creatures like squirrels and monkeys. Accompanying the kit is an educational guide that explains the significance of cacao beans and the newly developed cacao husk tray, prompting children to think about their impact on the environment.

The Cacao Husk Tray

The cacao husk tray is groundbreaking as it marks the first use of cacao husks in a commercial product tray. This tray has received the "Biomass Mark 95" certification, which verifies that it consists of at least 95% bio-based resources. This recognition underscores Meiji's dedication to responsible sourcing and sustainability, further differentiating the Mushroom Mountain brand in the confectionery market.

In the age of increasing environmental concerns, such initiatives are vital. By reducing plastic consumption and innovating with bio-based materials, Meiji aims to lessen greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to sustainable cacao production.

Collaborations for Innovation

The development of the cacao husk tray was made possible through a partnership with Hemicellulose Co., Ltd., showcasing the potential for cross-industry collaboration to bring sustainable solutions to market. Through this alliance, the company has successfully transformed cacao husks and biodegradable plastic raw materials into a new product that fits into a wider environmental strategy, ultimately aiming to halve the new usage of petroleum-based plastics by the year 2030 compared to 2017 figures.

Looking to the Future

The Mushroom Mountain brand not only celebrates its rich history but also sets a vision for the future with a commitment to sustainable ingredient sourcing. Plans are underway to promote initiatives that encourage awareness about sustainable cacao production, while the new kit serves as a fun way for families to participate in these educational activities.

As we await the official launch of the "Playful! Learnable! Sustainable Mushroom Mountain" kit on July 22, 2025, it promises to be a delightful blend of creativity and conscientiousness, making it an adventurous summer project for children and a step towards environmental education in everyday life.

In conclusion, Meiji's innovative approach to blending fun, learning, and sustainability through the "Sustainable Mushroom Mountain" kit exemplifies how companies can play a role in addressing global challenges, fostering an environmentally aware generation from a young age.