#Japan #Hoya #Gotsu City #Gotsu #Eyecity

Eyecity Eco Project Forms Partnership for Environmental Sustainability

In a significant step towards environmental conservation, HOYA Corporation's Eyecare Company has successfully established a tripartite agreement with Gotsu City and the Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane aimed at recovering used disposable contact lens cases. This partnership was formalized on March 24, 2026, as a part of Eyecity’s ongoing commitment to the Eyecity Eco Project. The initiative aligns with both Gotsu City's vision to preserve the beauty of Eno River and the Sea of Japan, and the efforts of the Umi to Nippon Project to achieve a garbage-free ocean.

The agreement encapsulates a joint mission to foster a circular economy through recycling, specifically targeting the responsible disposal and retrieval of used contact lens cases by engaging the community. Through this collaboration, HOYA’s Eyecity will manage the collection resources, while Gotsu City will lead activities to raise public awareness about plastic waste reduction and proper disposal methods.

Details of the Agreement

The key aspects of the official agreement include:

• - Agreement Title: Partnership for the Recovery of Used Disposable Contact Lens Cases
• - Effective Date: March 24, 2026
• - Collection Point: Gotsu City Hall (1st Floor)
• - Roles and Responsibilities:

- Gotsu City: Awareness promotion and proper disposal guidance; collection and transport of recovered cases.
- Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane: Awareness promotion and guidance for public participation.
- HOYA Eyecare Company: Management of collected resources and provision of collection boxes.

Eyecity Eco Project Overview

The Eyecity Eco Project was inaugurated in 2010 and has become a pioneering initiative in the contact lens industry. It aims to establish recycling stations in approximately 8,800 locations across Japan, including Eyecity stores, municipalities, companies, and educational institutions. The project targets the recycling of used contact lens cases, promoting environmental preservation by converting these materials into reusable resources. Moreover, it supports social contributions in three primary areas:
1. Environmental conservation through resource repurposing.
2. Employment and independence support for individuals with disabilities.
3. Donations to the Japan Eye Bank Association to assist individuals awaiting vision restoration.

The project marks its 16th year in operation this year, and since its inception, it has garnered extensive support from various organizations and the community at large. The collected used cases are sold to recycling manufacturers, with proceeds donated to the Japan Eye Bank Association to further assist those seeking visual recovery. However, a staggering 4,000 tons of contact lens cases are still discarded annually, highlighting the ongoing need for community participation and commitment to recycling.

Participation and Impact

As of February 2026, the project boasts impressive participation figures:

• - Schools: 3,346 (encompassing primary, secondary, and higher education institutions)
• - Corporate Partners: 1,323 companies across 4,664 locations
• - Municipalities: 472 facilities involved

With these robust numbers, Eyecity continues to seek additional partners to promote waste recovery initiatives actively.

Collection Highlights and Achievements

• - A record of 853.27 tons of recovered contact lens cases (equivalent to approximately 8.5 billion individual cases).
• - Efforts have contributed to the reduction of 2,355.02 tons of CO2 emissions (comparable to the area of 141 Tokyo Domes).
• - Total donations to the Japan Eye Bank Association have reached 19,197,437 yen.

The Eyecity Eco Project embodies a collaborative effort to foster awareness and collective action towards a sustainable future, aligning with global SDGs goals. Moving forward, Eyecity remains dedicated to promoting recycling initiatives, aiming to expand its community impact and environmental footprint further.

About HOYA Corporation Eyecare Company

HOYA Corporation, a leader in the life care and information & communication sectors, operates as a powerhouse in the contact lens market through its Eyecity brand. With a solid financial foundation and a commitment to growth and challenge, HOYA’s Eyecare Company continues offering exceptional products and services to customers across Japan.

• - Company/Division Name: HOYA Corporation Eyecare Company
• - Location: Nakano Central Park South 6F, 4-10-2 Nakano, Tokyo
• - Business: Sales of contact lenses and related products
• - Number of Eyecity Stores: 379 as of March 1, 2026.
• - Website: Eyecity

With the ongoing commitment to sustainability and customer engagement, the Eyecity Eco Project stands as a model for future environmental collaborations.