#Japan #Tokyo #Environmental Certification #Hibiya Kadan #MPS Japan

Hibiya Kadan and MPS Japan Join Forces for a Greener Future

In a significant step towards promoting sustainability in the floral industry, Hibiya Kadan, a leading flower retailer based in Tokyo, has signed a comprehensive agreement with MPS Japan, the operator of an international environmental certification system for the floral sector. The agreement, finalized on July 28, 2025, marks a pioneering collaboration between a retailer and a certification body in Japan aimed at enhancing sustainable flower production.

Hibiya Kadan's corporate philosophy revolves around the message, “Bringing Bloom to Every Tomorrow,” and underscores its commitment to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into its business operations. The company prioritizes sourcing flowers from producers who hold the MPS certification as well as the “Flower Freshness Quality Management Certification,” which ensures flower longevity and traceability. This initiative is part of Hibiya Kadan's broader environmental policy.

Recognizing the essential role of MPS Japan in executing international environmental standards, Hibiya Kadan aims to establish a sustainable production framework with this agreement. The partnership promises to drive the growth of eco-friendly flower production by focusing on several key areas, which include the following:

• - Increasing awareness and dissemination of MPS certification.
• - Collaborating on expanding the production and sourcing of environmentally friendly floral products.
• - Providing technical assistance to producers for obtaining certifications.
• - Jointly developing environmentally conscious products.

Aiming for a Sustainable Floral Industry

The partnership with MPS Japan is not just about compliance; it's about setting a standard in the floral industry. Hibiya Kadan, which has pioneered initiatives like the MPS certification for its wholesale division Freenet Hibiya, is addressing urgent industry challenges such as increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.

Hoshiko Miyajima, President of Hibiya Kadan, emphasizes the importance of adapting to evolving consumer preferences, stating that it has become crucial for businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their products, especially in light of heightened awareness around sustainable sourcing and production practices. He believes that this agreement will not only stimulate market demand for sustainably produced flowers but also nurture a “green consumer” mindset among shoppers.

The agreement comes at a critical time as the floral industry navigates difficult market conditions exacerbated by economic pressures and decreased environmental responsiveness compared to international counterparts. In this context, establishing a decisive commitment to sustainable practices is vital.

MPS Japan's CEO, Yoshiyuki Matsushima, expresses confidence in Hibiya Kadan’s commitment to sustainable practices. He highlights the organization’s role in offering the MPS certification, which evaluates environmental impacts through a structured assessment of five key areas, including pesticide and energy usage. Matsushima views the collaboration as a significant stimulus for the entire industry, as it encourages other retailers to adopt similar environmental initiatives.

The Future of Floral Sustainability

Both organizations are dedicated to fostering a more sustainable future. Hibiya Kadan's goal is to enhance its flower sourcing ratio from MPS-certified producers and strengthen the partnership with MPS Japan through shared knowledge and experience. By bridging the gap between retail and production, they aim to fortify the certification's relevance and prevalence in Japan's floral market.

Despite the challenges facing the industry, this partnership signifies a renewed commitment to creating a greener floral sector and leaves a promising outlook on sustainable practices in flower retail. Hibiya Kadan and MPS Japan hope their joint efforts will resonate throughout the industry and inspire wider acceptance of environmental certifications, ultimately leading to a more sustainable floral market.

For more details on Hibiya Kadan’s sustainability initiatives, visit their official site: Hibiya Kadan Sustainability.