Lotte's Ethical Consumption Education Program Wins Government Award for Excellence

Lotte's Ethical Consumer Education Program

Lotte Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has recently achieved a significant milestone in its educational initiatives. The company’s program, titled "Creating a Happy Future Through Your Choice," has been recognized as the most outstanding educational material in the category of corporate and industry group initiatives at the Consumer Education Materials Awards 2025, presented by the Consumer Education Support Center. This accolade, known as the Prime Minister’s Award, highlights the program's effectiveness and relevance in today’s educational landscape.

The educational program focuses on fostering awareness among students regarding common products around them, thereby connecting classroom learning with real-world applications. It employs Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enable personalized learning at students' own pace, effectively promoting deeper understanding and engagement with the subject matter.

Overview of the Consumer Education Materials Awards 2025

The Consumer Education Support Center, a public interest organization, aims to enhance consumer education in schools. In pursuit of this goal, the organization invites educational materials from various sectors, including government, corporations, industry groups, and consumer organizations. After careful deliberation, exemplary materials are awarded prizes that recognize their utility and effectiveness in educational settings. Among these, one exceptional program is selected annually for the distinguished Prime Minister’s Award, ensuring that educators have access to high-quality resources grounded in practical relevance.

This year’s awards ceremony was held on June 27, introducing educators and interested parties to the top educational materials in consumer education.

About the Program: "Creating a Happy Future Through Your Choice"

Launching on April 1, 2024, Lotte’s educational program targets middle school students, addressing their roles in ethical consumption. As part of its commitment to education and social responsibility, Lotte incorporates various aspects of its supply chain, such as sustainable sourcing practices and environmentally conscientious production methods, into the curriculum. Through this program, the company aims to make students aware of their power to choose and the impact those choices have on society and the environment.

The program encourages students to reflect critically on their consumer behaviors and consider what kind of choices they should make for a better future. Each component of the program is designed to be accessible and engaging, making complex issues manageable and meaningful for young learners.

Recognition of the Program

Feedback from educators on Lotte’s program has been overwhelmingly positive. The use of ICT devices enables students to pursue research according to their individual interests, a feature that promotes deeper understanding of ethical consumption concepts, such as considerations for people, society, the environment, and local communities. The materials are well-organized and user-friendly, enhancing the teaching and learning experience.

Educators have commented on the wealth of information provided, noting its relevance to students’ lives and the ease with which they can relate to the content, especially given the focus on familiar brands. The curriculum delves into the implications of consumerism on daily life, making it not just theoretical but a practical guide for responsible consumption.

The thoughtfully designed curriculum also features checklists for students to use before and after lessons, allowing teachers to measure understanding effectively. The inclusion of QR codes helps facilitate learning on personal devices, while engaging visuals ensure student interest is piqued.

The dedicated website for this program offers a multitude of resources, enabling varied educational approaches such as group work and independent study during lengthy breaks. Given the relatable subject matter focused on everyday snacks, students are more likely to engage in the learning process.

Through its strategic educational initiatives, Lotte is not only making a significant contribution to consumer education but is also championing ethical practices that resonate with younger generations. The recognition bestowed upon this program underscores the critical importance of integrating real-world issues into educational settings, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and shape the future responsibly.