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Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Partnering for Sustainability at the Saitama Marathon 2026

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has announced its role as a silver sponsor for the upcoming Saitama Marathon 2026, scheduled to take place on February 8, 2026. This collaboration with Saitama City reiterates the company's commitment to promoting sustainable practices through its 'Bottle-to-Bottle' recycling initiative. This initiative aims to address waste reduction and support eco-friendly practices during the marathon event, highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility.

The Bottle-to-Bottle Initiative

The 'Bottle-to-Bottle' process, which has been a key part of Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan's sustainability efforts since the 2024 marathon, focuses on the horizontal recycling of used PET bottles. The goal is to collect empty PET bottles at hydration stations, recycle them, and then reintegrate them into the production of new beverage containers. This procedure involves sorting the collected bottles into three categories: caps, labels, and bottle bodies, with assistance from volunteers at the hydration stations. Following collection, the PET bottles undergo crushing and washing processes before being reprocessed into new raw materials at Coca-Cola's facilities.

Educational Messaging and Community Engagement

To further enhance awareness of recycling efforts, Coca-Cola plans to display informative messages about the 'Bottle-to-Bottle' initiative along the marathon route, particularly at hydration stations. This aims to educate both participants and spectators about the importance of recycling used PET bottles, fostering a culture of sustainability within the community. This initiative is not just about reducing waste but also empowers runners and bystanders to contribute positively to the environment.

Commitment to a Circular Economy

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan prioritizes sustainability as a fundamental aspect of its corporate social responsibility. The company's commitment revolves around two main pillars: designing recyclable materials and collaborating with partners to enhance collection efforts. The goal is to promote resource circulation within Japan effectively. By implementing the 'Bottle-to-Bottle' initiative during the Saitama Marathon 2026, Coca-Cola aims to make a meaningful contribution to resource conservation and the circular economy.

Event Details

The Saitama Marathon 2026 will take place in the area surrounding Saitama Shintoshin Station and will feature:

• - Marathon category (14,000 participants)
• - 8km category (1,500 participants)
• - Wheelchair category (50 participants)
• - Enjoy Run category (3km) (1,500 participants)
• - Enjoy Run category (1.3km) (500 participants)
• - Parent-Child Run category (800 pairs)

Event Organizers

The event is organized by:

• - Saitama City
• - Saitama Sports Commission (General Incorporated Association)
• - Saitama Athletic Association (General Foundation)

For more information about the Saitama Marathon 2026, visit the official website.

Conclusion

As we approach the Saitama Marathon 2026, the partnership between Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan and Saitama City exemplifies how organizations can come together to promote sustainability in large-scale events. The 'Bottle-to-Bottle' initiative underscores the significance of recycling and encourages everyone involved to take part in building a more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable event and the ongoing efforts by Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan to enhance sustainability in the community.