#Sustainability #Japan #Tokyo #Environment #Ito-Yokado

Ito-Yokado's Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

In a significant move toward sustainability, Ito-Yokado, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has announced a generous donation of 15,901,935 yen. This amount comes from the proceeds of paid plastic bag sales in 2025, which will benefit local governments and environmental funds across Japan.

Since June 2016, Ito-Yokado has collaborated with administrative bodies to advocate for the use of reusable shopping bags, striving to reduce CO₂ emissions. The company made a crucial shift in July 2020 by transitioning to eco-friendly materials for their shopping bags, further lessening their environmental impact. Through these initiatives, the company has seen tremendous support from its customers and has reached an 83.4% rejection rate for plastic bags at stores like Ito-Yokado and Yorkfoods by 2025. This effort led to a considerable reduction of approximately 5,550 tons of CO₂ emissions, equating to around 246 million plastic bags avoided annually.

The funds donated by Ito-Yokado will be utilized by regional authorities and environmental groups for various projects, including forest management, natural conservation, and creating a circular economy in their communities. This initiative aligns perfectly with Ito-Yokado's ongoing commitment to environmental and social responsibility, which the company seeks to enhance with the continued partnership and support of its customers.

In a statement, the chairperson and CEO, Yukio Mafune, emphasized the ongoing importance of these initiatives stating, "We aim to further promote activities that benefit the environment and society through our customer interactions and transactions."

Moreover, the details of the donation are noteworthy:

• - Donation Period: From January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
• - Total Donation Amount: 15,901,935 yen distributed across 197 stores.
• - Beneficiaries: 11 local government entities and organizations that implement environmental initiatives.

Through such efforts, Ito-Yokado is making strides toward fostering a sustainable future while encouraging communities to participate in environmental stewardship. The company's ongoing commitment includes not just financial support but also initiatives that engage customers and the broader community in sustainability efforts.

As we move forward, Ito-Yokado promises to continue leveraging its retail operations as a platform for positive environmental and social impact, aspiring to create a substantial difference in the quest for a sustainable society.