Celebrate 50 Years of Mushroom Mountain with a New Kit!
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the beloved 'Mushroom Mountain' brand, Meiji Co., Ltd., led by CEO Bunjiro Yao, has exciting news! On July 22, 2025, a new limited-edition kit titled ‘Learn and Play Sustainable Mushroom Mountain’ will be launched nationwide. This kit is not only a fun activity for families but also promotes environmental awareness through its innovative use of cacao husk as a sustainable material.
What is ‘Learn and Play Sustainable Mushroom Mountain’?
The kit features a mold that utilizes cacao husk, which is typically discarded during chocolate production. This creative approach allows children to craft various chocolate shapes while having fun and learning about sustainability. Moreover, the kit includes a chocolate mold made from
Biomass Material, incorporating 95% sustainable biomass content, which not only aligns with environmentally friendly practices but is also certified with the 'Biomass Mark 95' (Certification Number: 240157).
Children will have the opportunity to engage with the process of making 'Mushroom Mountain' chocolates during their summer breaks, making it an ideal activity for family bonding and education. The kit promotes learning about the environment and sustainable practices in a fun and interactive way!
Focusing on Sustainability
The 'Mushroom Mountain' brand has embraced a sustainability pledge dubbed the 'Sustainable Declaration of Mushroom Mountain and Takenoko no Sato.' This includes initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable production and procurement of cacao, the main ingredient in their products. The company hopes to inspire families to reflect on sustainability while enjoying a creative activity together.
Children can also create animal shapes, like squirrels and monkeys, symbolizing coexistence with forests. Accompanying the kit is a learning guide detailing cacao beans and the cacao husk tray, providing educational value beyond just crafting.
Commitment to Reducing Plastic Use
Meiji Co., Ltd. is committed to reducing the use of petroleum-based plastics by half by 2030 compared to 2017 levels. This initiative is part of their broader goal to contribute towards environmental sustainability. The introduction of the cacao husk kit is just one way the company aims to deliver delicious chocolate while using ingredients that respect our planet, thus contributing to greenhouse gas reduction.
The Development of the Cacao Husk Tray
The innovative cacao husk tray was developed in collaboration with Hemicellulose, as part of Meiji’s mission to create new value from cacao under the slogan 'Open Up Cacao.' This tray is made by mixing cacao husk, which is the outer shell of cacao beans, with biodegradable plastic materials to create 'Cacao Bioplastic.' The process involves transforming it into thin, uniform sheets, which was challenging but rewarding, leading to the creation of this sustainable tray.
Meiji Co., Ltd. believes in continuous improvement and is considering the future application of these eco-friendly materials across their product lines, marking a significant step towards sustainable product development.
In summary, the ‘Learn and Play Sustainable Mushroom Mountain’ kit promises not only to offer a delightful chocolate-making experience but also to foster awareness about sustainability in the next generation. Be on the lookout for this innovative kit coming soon, and join Meiji in celebrating candies that care for our planet!