#Japan #Tokyo #recycling #Tetra Pak #Valor Holdings

Tetra Pak's Initiative to Enhance Recycling in Central Japan

In a significant move towards improving recycling efforts for aluminum-foil paper containers, Tetra Pak Japan has announced a partnership with Valor Holdings. This collaboration aims to expand the collection of these containers in Aichi and Gifu Prefectures at a total of 74 locations, starting from May 28 and 29, 2026.

What are Aluminum-Foil Paper Containers?

Aluminum-foil paper containers are primarily used for products like soy milk and vegetable juices. These containers are designed to protect their contents from light and oxygen, making them effective for preserving beverages. However, despite their recyclability—similar to milk cartons—the current recycling rate is low. Many of these containers end up being incinerated rather than recycled, largely due to a lack of convenient collection points.

Expansion of Recycling Points in Tokai Region

Tetra Pak has previously focused on building collection points in the Kansai region in collaboration with supermarkets and recycling businesses, successfully establishing over 480 collection sites. Now, with this new partnership, the focus shifts to the Tokai region, where more collection points will be developed, enhancing recycling opportunities. This effort extends a network that already spans key regions including Kanto and Kansai, thus promoting resource circulation.

Importantly, the collection program initiated with Valor Holdings includes an interesting incentive: for every one-liter aluminum-foil paper container returned, a sum equivalent to one yen will be donated to support community initiatives such as child recreation spaces and meal programs for vulnerable children. This encourages customers to engage with the recycling initiative when they visit the stores.

Currently, there are 64 Valor stores in Aichi and Gifu where aluminum-foil paper containers can be returned. The recent addition of ten new stores in Aichi starting from late May will bring the total to 74 collection points, increasing the total number of recycling sites in the Tokai region to over 160. Tetra Pak aims to maintain and grow this infrastructure, allowing consumers to participate in resource recycling as a part of their everyday shopping routine.

New Stores for Collection

The new stores that will start collecting aluminum-foil paper containers include:

• - Scheduled to open on May 28:

- Kouonji Store (Nagoya)
- Jousui Store (Toyota)
- Shiroyama Store (Owariasahi)
- Komaki Iwasaki Store (Komaki)
- Nisshin Iwasaki Store (Nisshin)

• - Scheduled to open on May 29:

- Inuyama Rakuda Store (Inuyama)
- Oguchi Store (Oguchi)
- Shikatsu Store (Kitanagoya)
- Nishiharu Store (Kitanagoya)
- Ikakura Store (Ikakura)

Note: The start dates may vary by store.

Statements from Both Companies

Valor Holdings

Takehito Akimoto, Head of Sustainability Promotion at Valor Holdings stated, “Our goal is to create a sustainable society for future generations. We have made significant strides in getting customers involved in recycling initiatives with substantial participation across more than 30 municipalities in Aichi and Gifu. We look forward to expanding this unique scheme with Tetra Pak, which allows consumers to contribute to eco-friendly practices while shopping.”

Tetra Pak Japan

Yuko Omori, Sustainability Director at Tetra Pak Japan, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded collection network. She noted that combining support for community programs with recycling efforts serves as both a vital community resource and a way to incentivize consumer participation in recycling practices. Tetra Pak remains committed to collaborating with retailers and communities to enhance accessibility to recycling facilities, thus contributing to a sustainable, carbon-neutral society.

About Tetra Pak

Founded in Sweden in 1951, Tetra Pak is a leading global food processing and packaging solutions company. Tetra Pak operates in over 160 countries, employing over 24,000 people who work daily to ensure food safety and sustainability. Their motto, 'Protects What’s Good,' represents a commitment to safeguarding not just food and people, but also the planet. For more information, visit Tetra Pak's official website.