#Japan #Tokyo #Coca-Cola #Toyo Seikan #Kinoshita Award

Introduction

On June 13, 2023, a remarkable collaboration was recognized at the 49th Kinoshita Award ceremony, where Toyo Seikan Group Holdings and Coca-Cola Japan were jointly awarded in the Research and Development category. Their innovative approach to reducing the weight of aluminum beverage cans, particularly for the "Georgia" brand, has set a new standard for sustainability in the packaging industry.

Kinoshita Award Overview

The Kinoshita Award, established in memory of Matsusaburo Kinoshita, a leading figure in the packaging industry, honors exceptional achievements in packaging research, development, and innovation. The award highlights the importance of packaging advancements and has been awarded to two categories: significant contributions to packaging improvements and remarkable developments in new areas of packaging.

The Innovative Lightweight Can

The focus of the recent award-winning innovation was the 185g aluminum can used for Georgia products, such as 'Georgia Emerald Mountain Blend,' 'Georgia Golden Drip Low Sugar,' 'Georgia Platinum Black,' and 'Georgia Prime Blend.' By implementing their proprietary Compression Bottom Reform (CBR) technology, Toyo Seikan has reduced the material usage per can by an impressive 13% compared to traditional designs. This breakthrough maintains equivalent internal pressure performance while decreasing the sidewall weight from 7.0g to 6.1g.

Achievements of Toyo Seikan and Coca-Cola

Toyo Seikan and Coca-Cola have been dedicated to lightweight container innovations for many years. Their track record includes the award for the 48th Kinoshita Award for using 100% recyclable PET bottles in Coca-Cola (500ml), showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly practices.

The CBR technology plays a crucial role in both enhancing the can’s structural integrity and optimizing the use of aluminum materials. This, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with production. The successful collaboration is a testament to the engineering brilliance and shared vision of both companies in pursuing sustainability.

Continuous Commitment to Sustainability

Moving forward, the Toyo Seikan Group aims to innovate continuously in product offerings and services, contributing positively to the environment and striving for a sustainable society. They are committed to addressing societal needs while maintaining a focus on ecological responsibility, exemplifying their long-term vision of 'Surrounding the Future' envisioned for 2050.

Conclusion

The recognition from the Kinoshita Award is not merely a commendation of achievements but also a call for further innovation in packaging solutions that meet modern environmental standards. Toyo Seikan and Coca-Cola’s partnership exemplifies how collaboration can lead to significant advancements in sustainability, setting a benchmark for the industry and encouraging others to follow suit.

In conclusion, this award celebrates both companies’ relentless drive for innovation, their commitment to sustainability, and the superior quality of their products. The future looks promising with such collaborations paving the way for greener practices in every industry.