Toyo Seikan Group Partners with Alvark Tokyo for Sustainable Packaging Initiative

A Step Towards Sustainability in Sports

Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Co., Ltd. has officially established a sustainable packaging partnership with Alvark Tokyo, marking a significant commitment to eco-friendly practices ahead of the upcoming Toyota Arena Tokyo, scheduled to open in the autumn of 2025. This collaboration aims to create a waste-free arena by promoting recycling initiatives, including the design of beverage and food containers as well as recycling stations.

Background and Purpose of the Partnership

Since the 2022-23 season, Toyo Seikan has worked with Alvark Tokyo under an SDGs partnership agreement, implementing various sustainable practices. This includes introducing recyclable aluminum cups and paper cups, as well as the innovative 'Re-CUP WASHER' designed to facilitate the washing of used cups. The initiative has significantly raised awareness about recycling among fans, with the recycling rate for paper cups improving from 23.9% in the 2022-23 season to 38.1% in the 2023-24 season. Starting from the 2024-25 season, they will also conduct experiments on recycling food paper cups, underlining their commitment to circular resource flows in sports venues.

The recent partnership aims to build on these efforts, expanding resource circulation initiatives as both companies seek to make a positive environmental impact.

The Innovative FF Cup

At the heart of this initiative is the FF (Film Forming) cup, which will be officially adopted for the first time in the world at the new Toyota Arena Tokyo. Developed by Toyo Seikan’s subsidiary, Toyokan Kogyo Co., Ltd., this cup represents a significant advance over traditional paper cups. Unlike conventional cups that require a polyethylene film to be attached to the paper before molding, the FF cup applies the film after the cup has been formed. This innovative design minimizes liquid absorption into the paper, making it suitable for various food types and allowing for separation of the film after use. This process enables the cup to be recycled as a raw material instead of becoming industrial waste.

Furthermore, Toyo Seikan and Alvark Tokyo are collaboratively designing recycling stations to enhance the recycling process. Addressing the challenge of mixed waste, they aim for easy disposal methods for visitors, along with efficient collection logistics. The goal is to streamline the process from packaging purchase to recycling.

Successful Trials of the FF Cup

Initial real-world tests of the FF cup took place during the Alvark Tokyo versus Ryukyu Golden Kings game on February 1-2, 2025, at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Out of 480 cups distributed, 171 were recovered, yielding a 35.6% recycling rate. These findings confirmed the feasibility of recycling food paper cups by separating the inner film.

Further tests during the Alvark Tokyo against Chiba Jets game on April 5-6 involved increasing the number of cups to 1,040 and expanding recovery points to three, resulting in a 40.9% recovery rate from 425 cups returned.

Vision for Cup-to-Cup Recycling

Toyo Seikan Group envisions a society where paper cups can be efficiently recycled, promoting a cup-to-cup recycling system. Through community engagement, they have encouraged fans to utilize the 'Re-CUP WASHER' for washing and collecting cups, which are then transformed into recycled paper cups—a first in Japan. These recycled cups are distributed as novelties to participants who engaged in the trials.

Statements from Leadership

Both company leaders share their insights into this vital partnership. Kazuo Otsuka, CEO of Toyo Seikan Group, expressed the importance of viewing used containers as resources rather than waste. He highlighted the responsibility to innovate in product quality and technology throughout the lifecycle of packaging.

Kuniaki Hayashi, CEO of Alvark Tokyo, underlined their ongoing commitment to sustainability, stating that the partnership is integral to achieving a fully recyclable waste stream from the new Toyota Arena. Their collective efforts are poised to enhance recycling awareness among attendees and contribute to a new resource-circulating society.

Open Innovation at Toyo Seikan

Toyo Seikan Group's ongoing initiative, the 'OPEN UP! PROJECT', leverages their century-old expertise in container technology to address societal challenges and foster sustainable living. As they move forward with Alvark Tokyo, they are determined to tackle more pressing issues through creative partnerships.

With a rich legacy in packaging solutions across multiple materials, Toyo Seikan Group continues to evolve and uphold its values of sustainability and innovation as a comprehensive packaging provider.

For more information on their projects and efforts, visit Toyo Seikan Group Website.