#Japan #Chiba #Seikatsu Club #Depo Sonno #Liquid Soap

Chiba's Depo Sonno Launches Liquid Soap Bulk Sales

Chiba's Depo Sonno store, part of the Seikatsu Club cooperative association, is set to begin liquid soap bulk sales starting November 1, 2025. This initiative marks a significant step in the Seikatsu Club’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable living. With the addition of Depo Sonno, the total number of stores offering bulk sales has now expanded to 15 locations across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba.

A Growing Commitment to Sustainability

The bulk sales initiative stemmed from requests from Seikatsu Club members back in August 2022 and has been steadily growing. The products available for bulk sales at Depo Sonno will include four main types of liquid soaps: hand soap, body shampoo, kitchen liquid soap, and laundry liquid soap. Additionally, the store will offer two more items unique to its location: orange-scented kitchen liquid soap and bath cleaning soap, bringing the total to six available products.

This bulk sales method will contribute to the reduction of approximately 38.5 kg of plastic per year based on arrival logs, enhancing Seikatsu Club's previously established practices focusing on safety, health, and environmental considerations throughout the production cycle. The cooperative aims to make strides toward sustainable living, and this new offering at Depo Sonno is just one of the many efforts being undertaken.

How Bulk Sales Work

Purchasing Steps:

1. Bring Your Own Container - Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers.
2. Self-Weighing - Weigh the empty container using a self-weighing machine in the store.
3. Filling - Place the container under the designated tap and fill it with the desired product.
4. Final Weighing - Weigh the filled container again (minimum purchase is 20g).
5. Label Printing - Subtract the weight of the container and print the label sticker.
6. Checkout - Present the label at the register for payment.

The products available and their estimated prices will be officially announced closer to the launch date in November 2025.

Estimated Plastic Reduction - Bulk Sales Standard:

• - Hand Soap: Equivalent to 38 bags (plastic reduction of 58.2%)
• - Body Shampoo: Equivalent to about 18 bags (plastic reduction of 48.4%)
• - Kitchen Liquid Soap: Equivalent to about 22 bags (plastic reduction of 49.5%)
• - Laundry Liquid Soap: Equivalent to 9 bags (plastic reduction of 8.8%)

Additional Eco-Friendly Initiatives at Depo Sonno

In addition to bulk liquid soap sales, Depo Sonno is taking other significant steps to combat plastic waste. For instance:

• - Reusable Bottles for Liquids: The store has switched to reusable glass bottles for condiments and juices, encouraging customers to return used bottles for recycling.
• - Loose Vegetables and Paper Wrapping: Some vegetables are sold individually with paper packaging, and the store also collects used paper bags for reuse.
• - Eco-Friendly Price Tags: Instead of using plastic trays, price labels are attached without adhesive to allow for easy collection and reuse at checkout.
• - Fresh Products: Fresh items, like sashimi, are also available for weighted sales where customers can bring their own plates.

About Seikatsu Club

Established in 1965, Seikatsu Club has grown to a membership of about 420,000 individuals, with a total business volume reaching around 100 billion yen as of March 2025. It operates throughout 21 prefectures with 33 regional cooperatives. The organization prioritizes domestic products, reduced additives, and lower pesticide levels, establishing a framework for safe and reliable food deliveries. Furthermore, they are committed to collaborative purchasing that emphasizes health and environmental care, working toward a sustainable society. Seikatsu Club also promotes “Connecting Local SDGs,” aiming to foster cooperation among producers, members, and various stakeholders to create interconnected and symbiotic community networks across generations.

For more information, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.

Awards and Recognitions

Seikatsu Club has been recognized for its efforts both globally and domestically, receiving various awards over the years, including the esteemed “Right Livelihood Award” in 1989, known as the “alternative Nobel Prize,” and multiple accolades for innovation in reusable packaging.

As the Depo Sonno initiates its liquid soap bulk sales, the community looks forward to contributing to the national movement against plastic waste, one soap refill at a time.