The Container Problem

In the past, beverage containers were primarily chosen for function -- what container would best carry its contents safely, what was convenient for the customer, what design best conveys the product's attributes. But this limited viewpoint contributed to problems including that of container and packaging waste. We now need to consider packaging from the point of view of the environment as well. Which brings us to the question: what sort of container is "environmentally friendly"?

* Comparing containers on the basis of making use of recycled materials and reducing use of virgin materials in manufacturing, glass bottles and aluminum cans pull far ahead of other containers. As returnable bottles are used many times, they consume less material.

* Looking at how post-use containers are recycled, reducing landfill or incineration of waste, returnable bottles show the highest recycling rate, followed by steel cans and aluminum cans.

* But in addition to the use of raw materials and the production of waste, there are also environmental impacts in the energy used to create containers and transport the product. It's impossible to determine an "environmentally friendly container" without comprehensively evaluating all environmental impact factors. In response to this dilemma, TaKaRa took part in the "Study Group to Compare Containers through LCA Methodology" (led by Professor Itaru Yasui of the Institute of Industrial Science, Tokyo University ), which seeks to compare environmental burdens across containers by looking at burdens over their life cycles, from raw material extraction to final disposal.

Findings of the Study Group to Compare Containers through LCA Methodology

* Details of this data is available for a fee from Glass Bottle Recycling Promotor Association. Phone 03-3507-7191, fax 03-3507-7193

* Our container strategy is to make selections based on a comprehensive consideration of factors including impact on the environment based on the above data, convenience for the customer, and preservation of product quality. Our basic thinking is as follows:

* We recognize returnable bottles as the container with the least environmental impact and are continuing efforts to expand their use.
* We are continuing efforts to contribute to the efficiency and improvement of the recycling rate of one-way containers.
* Our FY 1999 container usage breakdown is shown at the right.

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