Furukawa and Yaoko's Environmental Class at Noborito Elementary School
On July 15, 2025, Furukawa Co., Ltd. and Yaoko Co., Ltd. conducted an engaging environmental education class for elementary school students at Noborito Elementary School in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. This initiative aimed to raise awareness of sustainability among the next generation as part of their commitment to horizontal recycling initiatives, such as "Tray to Tray" and "Bottle to Clear Container."
Approximately 150 fourth-grade students from four classes participated in this educational session. The class covered essential topics such as recycling and food waste, equipping children with knowledge to promote sustainable practices in their everyday lives.
Class Activities
Food Waste Reduction Initiatives by Yaoko
The first part of the lesson featured an informative session by Yaoko, detailing its various environmental initiatives focused on reducing food waste. The speaker explained how innovative store setups and merchandising strategies could contribute to eco-friendly practices. The students learned about resource recovery efforts for food trays, milk cartons, and PET bottles, emphasizing the importance of each individual's role in minimizing waste.
Furukawa's Recycling Concepts
Next, Furukawa presented its recycling systems, including the "Tray to Tray" and "Bottle to Clear Container" initiatives, where used food trays and PET bottles are transformed into new products. The company made the complex concept of horizontal recycling—where resources retain their intended use before and after recycling—accessible and enjoyable for the young audience.
Throughout the session, students actively engaged by asking questions and sharing their thoughts, demonstrating a high level of interest in environmental issues. By the end of the class, the children had gained a deeper understanding of the significance of recycling and the impact of food waste, reinforcing their commitment to eco-conscious behaviors in their daily lives.
Both Furukawa and Yaoko expressed their dedication to continuing collaboration with children and the local community. They aim to sustain such educational activities that contribute towards building a more sustainable society.
About Furukawa Co., Ltd.
Furukawa is a leading manufacturer of easy-to-use food containers, often used in supermarkets and convenience stores. Their recycling initiatives, including "Tray to Tray" and "Bottle to Clear Container," focus on the continuous circulation of resources and the reduction of CO2 emissions. They aim to fulfill the goal of achieving a sustainable society through the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- - Headquarters: 36F Shinjuku Oak Tower, 6-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-6036, Japan
- - Established: July 1962
- - Website: www.fpco.jp
About Yaoko Co., Ltd.
Yaoko operates supermarkets primarily focusing on food products, with a wide range of store locations across Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Tokyo, Tochigi, and Kanagawa. They provide fresh food items and household goods, contributing to local communities through their retail efforts.
- - Headquarters: 1-10-1 Shinjuku-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama, Japan 350-1124
- - Website: www.yaoko-net.com
In conclusion, the joint effort between Furukawa and Yaoko at Noborito Elementary School highlights the essential role of environmental education in shaping young minds towards a more sustainable future.