#Japan #Takayama #Ef-pico #Family Store Sato

Promoting Sustainability in Takayama: A Collaborative Effort by Ef-pico and Family Store Sato

In an exciting initiative, two prominent companies, Ef-pico Corporation and Family Store Sato, have united to promote environmental sustainability in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. This collaboration focuses on enhancing horizontal recycling and the utilization of eco-friendly products across Family Store Sato's seven locations in the region. With the objective of transforming used food trays and PET bottles collected at their stores into new food trays and transparent containers, they are determined to establish a sustainable, closed-loop system known as 'Store to Store' horizontal recycling. This innovative recycling method allows resources to be reused without changing their application before and after the recycling process.

Details of the Initiative

By emphasizing the role of local stores as eco-leaders, Ef-pico and Family Store Sato encourage community members to bring in their used food trays and plastic bottles. Collection boxes have been strategically placed in various Family Store Sato locations for residents to easily deposit these items. Once collected, Ef-pico repurposes these materials, manufacturing new eco-friendly products such as Eco Trays, Eco APET, and Eco OPET. These recycled products are then made available for use within Family Store Sato, thereby closing the loop in this circular recycling model.

As part of their enhanced partnership, Family Store Sato plans to more proactively adopt these eco-friendly products, with the ambitious goal of achieving a 45 tons reduction in CO2 emissions by the end of the fiscal year in September 2025. This commitment showcases their dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices.

Strengthening Community Environmental Education

Alongside their recycling efforts, Ef-pico and Family Store Sato are also set to enhance community environmental education activities. They will conduct awareness events within the supermarkets and provide environmental education sessions at local elementary schools. These initiatives aim to reduce environmental burdens, promote efficient recycling, and contribute to a sustainable circular society in the larger community.

What is 'Tray to Tray' and 'Bottle to Transparent Container'?

These terms refer to the unique recycling processes developed by Ef-pico, wherein trays and bottles can be recycled into the same material type without altering their end-use. The focus is on ensuring that the recycled materials maintain their original purpose, thereby fostering a sustainable lifecycle for everyday items and reducing overall waste.

About the Companies

Ef-pico Corporation

Established on July 1962, Ef-pico is Japan's leading manufacturer of food containers used in supermarkets and convenience stores. The company is committed to achieving a sustainable society through resource circulation via their innovative 'Tray to Tray' and 'Bottle to Transparent Container' recycling methods and reducing CO2 emissions through the development of low-environmental-impact containers. They are headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Website: Ef-pico

Family Store Sato

Family Store Sato, founded on August 1, 1975, operates seven supermarket locations in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. Striving to contribute to the health and hygiene of local customers through their food offerings, they focus on maintaining the charm of Hida's culinary culture and preserving family values by creating a warm, community-oriented shopping environment. Their headquarters is located in Hida, Gifu Prefecture.
Website: Family Store Sato

Through this innovative collaboration, Ef-pico and Family Store Sato are not only taking significant steps toward environmental responsibility but are also setting a benchmark for other businesses in the region. By promoting sustainable practices and engaging with the community, they aim to pave the way for a brighter ecological future.