#Japan #food recycling #Setagaya #Eco Seminar #Efepico

Efepico’s Innovative Recycling Efforts

Efepico, a manufacturer of disposable food containers used in supermarkets and grocery stores, has championed a unique recycling model for over 36 years. This model focuses on converting used food trays back into new food trays, a process known as the "Efepico Recycling Method." This initiative not only reduces waste but also plays a critical role in addressing environmental issues by emphasizing the reuse of finite earth resources.

On July 26, 2026, Efepico participated in the "NODAI Children's Eco Seminar 2026 in Setagaya," hosted at Tokyo University of Agriculture (NODAI) in Setagaya campus. The event featured a lecture format to explain how used food trays can be regenerated into new trays. Attendees had the opportunity to pick up food trays and learn about their characteristics hands-on. A virtual reality factory tour further enriched the experience, allowing participants to delve deeper into recycling practices discussed in the lectures.

Importance of Recycling Education

This event was a platform for raising awareness among children about waste problems and the importance of recycling in shaping a sustainable future. The seminar attracted a total of 115 groups, highlighting strong community interest in environmental issues. Efepico, acknowledging the vital role that consumer participation plays in their recycling efforts, aimed to provide an engaging experience for children, encouraging them to think critically about solutions to waste issues.

About NODAI Children's Eco Seminar

The NODAI Children's Eco Seminar comprises various stakeholders, including the university’s Irie Laboratory and members of the Setagaya 2R Promotion Council. This council aims to reduce waste in Setagaya by promoting environmental initiatives. The seminar's goals were to help children understand concepts like food loss and waste reduction through direct interactions with local businesses and organizations, prompting them to contemplate their contributions to sustainability.

The themes of the seminar revolved around questions such as, "What is food loss?" and "How can we reduce waste?" By assisting children in engaging with local entities to hear their perspectives, the initiative fosters an environment of proactivity and introspection among the youth.

Setagaya 2R Promotion Council

The Setagaya 2R Promotion Council emphasizes two key principles: Reducing and Reusing. The council targets typically disengaged youth demographics, aiming to educate them on innovative waste reduction strategies that diverge from traditional approaches. It functions as a relaxed network for collaboration among residents, universities, businesses, NGOs, and administrative bodies to work towards communal understanding and cooperative action in tackling waste management.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: NODAI Children's Eco Seminar 2026 in Setagaya
• - Theme: "What is food loss?" and "How can we reduce waste?"
• - Organizer: Tokyo Agricultural Open College Office
• - Date: July 26, 2026 (Sunday) from 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:30
• - Venue: Tokyo University of Agriculture, Building No. 1
• - URL: NODAI Eco Seminar 2026

While the event has concluded, the ripple effect of knowledge and awareness it generated continues to impact the community positively, reinforcing the critical need for sustainable practices and responsible consumer choices in waste management.