SoftBank Adopts Biomass Plastic Cups to Enhance Sustainability Efforts in Corporate Lounges

Introducing Biomass Plastic Cups at SoftBank Headquarters

Overview
Camino Co., Ltd., based in Minato, Tokyo, has launched the sustainable product brand 'PAPLUS®' to tackle environmental issues. SoftBank Corp., a major telecommunications company, has started using reusable biomass plastic cups provided by Camino in its corporate lounges starting April 2025.

Background

SoftBank has been actively engaged in various Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities to achieve a sustainable society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company switched to disposable paper cups and plastic lids to ensure safety within its lounge facilities. As the pandemic subsided, SoftBank sought to replace these disposable items with reusable options, aiming to reduce environmental impact, and reached out to Camino for their sustainable solutions.

Path to Adoption

The introduction of the biomass plastic cups required several key conditions to be met:

- Dishwasher safe for repeated use
- Microwave-compatible
- Stackable design
- Compatible with lids

To fulfill these requirements, Camino proposed the 'PAPLUS® Biz' series, made without paper and featuring silicone lids instead of plastic. Prior to full implementation, a pilot test was conducted in two of SoftBank's 19 floors to evaluate the practicality of the cups and lids. After six months of operational testing starting in April 2024, the team held regular meetings to discuss improvements, including modifications to the drinking spout and changes in cup color, to prepare for a company-wide rollout.

Anticipated Benefits

With this initiative, SoftBank expects to reduce the usage of approximately 3.5 million paper cups and 1.16 million plastic lids annually, translating to a projected reduction of about 119 tons of CO₂ emissions. Moreover, beyond cost savings, the program aims to enhance employees' environmental awareness and foster a collective enthusiasm towards sustainability efforts within the company.

About PAPLUS® Biz

The biomass plastic cups that have been implemented at SoftBank are composed primarily of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic derived from fermented corn starch. This eco-friendly product is designed to ultimately break down into water and carbon dioxide, thus aligning with environmental preservation goals. While the timeframe for complete decomposition may vary based on environmental conditions and microbial activity, the intent of the PAPLUS® Biz series is to create a loop of resource circulation, focusing on recovery and re-manufacturing rather than mere biodegradation. The cups introduced to SoftBank are scheduled to be collected and reprocessed within 18 to 24 months after their initial usage.

About Camino

Camino Co., Ltd. develops and supplies plant-based plastic products with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. The company promotes a shift from disposable to reusable products, striving to achieve cost reductions, decreased CO2 emissions, and the establishment of a circular economy utilizing recycled materials.

Company Overview

- Company Name: Camino Co., Ltd.
- Location: 1-10-4 Minami-Aoyama, NAO Building 7F, Minato, Tokyo, 107-0062
- Established: April 2015
- CEO: Koichiro Fukazawa
- Business Focus: Development of environmentally friendly materials and products sourced from paper and plants, along with recycling solutions.

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