#Japan #Tokyo #Mizkan #Kobayashi #Natto Tray

Innovative Design for Natto Packaging

Mizkan Corporation, headquartered in Handa, Aichi Prefecture, and Kobayashi Corporation, based in Taito, Tokyo, have recently been awarded the President's Prize from the Japan Packaging Industry Association. This recognition was given for their development of a new natto tray, set to be introduced in September 2025, which focuses not only on ease of use but also on reducing environmental impact through innovative design.

Challenges Addressed

Traditionally, natto trays have faced criticism due to their impractical design. Common complaints include the lack of handles, the risk of the tray breaking when using chopsticks, and the messiness encountered while mixing natto, often resulting in a sticky situation for users. Furthermore, recent shifts in consumer preferences have highlighted the importance of reducing plastic waste, prompting manufacturers to rethink tray designs for enhanced sustainability.

In response to these issues, Mizkan and Kobayashi embarked on a mission to create a new, user-friendly natto tray. Their concerted efforts to streamline the tray's shape have resulted in a product that enhances ease of handling and mixing, while also ensuring a lighter option that minimizes plastic use.

Features of the Award-Winning Tray

The redesigned natto tray boasts several key features that set it apart from previous models:

1. Improved Handling

• - The new tray includes specially designed handles on the sides (highlighted in red on the accompanying photo), significantly increasing the ease with which users can grip and hold the tray.

2. Enhanced Mixing Capability

• - The bottom of the tray has been engineered to be flat, reducing the likelihood of chopsticks getting caught and preventing the tray from breaking.
• - Additionally, the reduction of internal bumps results in a greater volume capacity, minimizing the chances of natto spilling over and sticking to hands during mixing.

3. Environmental Impact Reduction

• - By innovating the shape of the tray, designers have increased its strength while simultaneously reducing its weight. This restructuring has resulted in a lighter tray that maintains durability.
• - In tandem with the new tray design, Mizkan will also reduce the size of the film wrap, further decreasing environmental impacts. Estimates suggest a reduction of approximately 958 tons of CO2 emissions per year from the tray's lightweight design, along with an additional cut of around 151 tons a year from the wrap's size reduction. Similarly, the total plastic reduction from the tray and film is expected to be around 159 tons and 18 tons per year respectively.

Background on the Tray Development

Mizkan’s commitment to excellence is deeply rooted in its foundational principle of considering the consumer first and focusing on high-quality products. In collaboration with Kobayashi, they undertook extensive research based on consumer feedback, leading to critical design improvements. The development process involved rigorous testing and validation, with more than 200,000 units being assessed over a span of nearly three years before the final decision for production was made.

For more information on the new packaging, you can visit the following link: New Natto Container

About the Japanese Packaging Contest

The Japan Packaging Contest, organized by the Japan Packaging Institute (JPI), represents the largest competition in Japan focused on superior packaging and technology development. The contest, which celebrated its 47th edition in 2025, awarded the President's Prize at a ceremony held on August 27.

Understanding the President's Prize

Among the prestigious awards given in the contest, the President's Prize serves as a top accolade recognizing designs that facilitate inclusivity and usability for a wider range of people, considering diverse physical needs and safety precautions. This award underscores the commitment to innovation and social responsibility in packaging design.

To explore further details about the 2025 Japan Packaging Contest, please visit: Contest Details