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Kewpie's Sustainable Leap: 100% Recycled PET Bottles for Dressings

Kewpie Corporation, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, is taking a significant step towards sustainability by adopting bottles made from 100% recycled PET resin for all 10 of its commercial dressings in the 380ml size. This initiative is set to commence in early September and is projected to drastically cut annual plastic usage by approximately 1,600 tons and CO2 emissions by around 1,400 tons, based on the previous year's shipment data and company estimates.

The Shift to Recycled PET

The transformation involves utilizing bottles produced from recycled PET, a type of plastic that is primarily sourced from discarded beverage containers. The recycling process incorporates mechanical recycling techniques, which effectively remove impurities through a combination of crushing, cleaning, and heating. Kewpie has successfully employed this innovative method not only for its dressings but also for a range of products across four food companies. This collaborative research has focused on ensuring the safety of using recycled PET in food-related packaging.

Historically, Kewpie has already implemented the use of 100% recycled PET bottles for its tasting and functional display dressings, as well as 30% recycled PET bottles for its 180ml dressing sizes. This latest move to switch the entirety of its 380ml offerings to 100% recycled PET marks a significant milestone in Kewpie's sustainability efforts and positions the brand as a leader in environmental responsibility within the food industry.

Impact and Future Goals

With this change, an impressive 90% of Kewpie's commercial dressings will now be packaged in recycled PET bottles. This not only reflects Kewpie's dedication to minimizing plastic waste but also signifies a considerable advancement towards their sustainability target of reducing plastic emissions by over 30% by 2030 compared to 2018 figures. In 2024, Kewpie, in collaboration with Nisshin Oilio Group, aims to conduct pilot projects focusing on the recovery of used oil-bearing PET bottles, further diversifying its recycling initiatives.

To enhance consumer awareness, Kewpie plans to label these new bottles with its distinctive eco-label, informing customers of the environmental advantages of using recycled packaging. This initiative underscores Kewpie’s commitment to creating a circular economy, where oil-utilizing products' PET materials can be leveraged as resources rather than waste.

In conclusion, Kewpie’s move to 100% recycled PET bottles reflects not only a responsible approach to packaging but also contributes positively to our planet’s well-being. By advancing sustainable practices, Kewpie is paving the way for a greener future in the food industry.

For more information about Kewpie's sustainability initiatives, please visit the Sustainability Site.