| Reuse |
| Conserving resources and reducing waste by reusing containers |
Takara believes that the use of returnable bottles, including 1.8-l glass bottles, is an effective means of resource conservation and waste reduction. While Takara Shuzo is among Japan’s largest users of 1.8-l bottles, the number we use for sake and shochu has been dropping following changes in consumption styles. Therefore, in 1994 Takara switched the bottle types for the 720ml Takara Shochu “JUN” and “JUN” (Legend) lines, our main products, to returnable bottles. Takara is also involved in developing an infrastructure for the return system by participating in establishing bottle washing companies and plastic case (P-Bako) rental companies necessary to maintain the system. The plastic cases are essential for transporting empty bottles without damaging or breaking bottles. Since 2003, Takara has been marketing Tokusen Sho-Chiku-Bai (Tokubetsu Junmai) 300ml that uses standard 300ml returnable bottles, use of which is promoted by an industry organization. |
| Recycle |
| Adopting ecology bottles for recycling colored glass bottles |
 It is not easy to recycle colored glass bottles, often used for wine and imported spirits (excluding transparent and brown bottles) into glass materials. In response to the problem, Takara Shuzo used an “ecology bottle,” which contains over 90% of glass cullet of various colors (ground, used colored glass bottles), for sake containers for the first time in the industry in 2000. |
| Recycle |
| Developing EcoPET that provides ease of separation |
Before revision: With a handle
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After revision: Handle removed
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| Example of the 2.7-l EcoPET |
Releasable cap
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In 1998, Takara Shuzo successfully developed a PET bottle that completely conforms to the guidelines for independent development of specified PET bottles that were set up to facilitate efficient recycling for the first time in the industry. Recyclability of the bottle has been enhanced: Improved labels can now be removed effortlessly and handles that used to make recycling difficult have been removed. For Hon-Mirin and Ryori Seishu, a releasable cap has been introduced for easier separation. |
Environmental measures in FY 2006
| Product |
Description of measures |
Start time |
| “Gokai” (Honjozo), Sho-Chiku-Bai Sake “Baisho-Zukuri” (Josen) and (Kasen) |
Adopt the same ingredient for inside plugs for 1.8-l bottles (plastic is used for all components of the bottle) |
November |
| Takara Cup |
Change outer package of shrink film*1 in delivery (from individual cardboard boxes to containers) |
September |
| Paper package |
Change of shrink films(*1) to thinner ones |
September |
| Shochu |
Trimmed the weight of Baron Box(*2) |
January |
(*1)Shrink film: Antifouling external packaging film that shrinks when heat is applied.
(*2)Baron Box: Commercial cardboard box for liquid products that contains an inner plastic film bag.
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