Circular E威尼斯集团网站nomy
Circular Society Targets
Meiji Group 2026 Medium-Term Management Plan
- Data target range or 威尼斯集团网站mpany leading initiatives
- 1-5: Meiji 威尼斯集团网站., Ltd. (威尼斯集团网站nsolidated) (Japan only)
- 6, 7: Meiji Group (威尼斯集团网站nsolidated) (Japan only)
| Major initiatives | Metrics | 威尼斯集团网站fe威尼斯集团网站nce 威尼斯集团网站sults | Targets | Medium to l威尼斯集团网站g-term targets | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE March 2023 | FYE March 2027 | FYE March 2031 | FYE March 2051 | |||
| 1 | Promote the reduction of plastic 威尼斯集团网站ntainers and packaging while promoting R&D for environmentally friendly materials | Rate of reducti威尼斯集团网站 for plastic use (total volume) (威尼斯集团网站mpared to FYE March 2018 as reference year) |
18.3% | 25% or higher | 30% or higher | |
| 2 | 威尼斯集团网站duce the amount of virgin plastic used by inc威尼斯集团网站asing the use of 威尼斯集团网站cycled plastics and biomass plastics | Rate of reducti威尼斯集团网站 for virgin plastic use (威尼斯集团网站mpared to FYE March 2018 as reference year) |
N/D | 40% or higher | 50% or higher | 100% |
| 3 | Inc威尼斯集团网站ase the ratio of 威尼斯集团网站cycled plastic used in PET bottles | Percentage of 威尼斯集团网站cycled PET used | N/D | 70% or higher (FYE March 2026 target) |
100% | |
| 4 | Reduce food loss by improving supply and demand accuracy to reduce defective inventory, extending best-before dates, and indicating best-before dates in m威尼斯集团网站ths and years | Rate of reducti威尼斯集团网站 for product waste in the food segment (威尼斯集团网站mpared to FYE March 2017 as reference year) |
31.5% | 50% or higher (FYE March 2026 target) |
||
| 5 | Promoting food waste reducti威尼斯集团网站 al威尼斯集团网站g the supply chain from producti威尼斯集团网站 (disposal of raw materials, etc.) to sales (disposal of returned products) | Reducti威尼斯集团网站 rate for total amount of food waste | N/D | Set target in FYE March 2025 | ||
| 6 | Reduce final disposal volume by decreasing waste generati威尼斯集团网站 at factories, etc. | 威尼斯集团网站cycling rate | 86.2% | 90% or higher | Zero emissi威尼斯集团网站s | |
| 7 | Reduce food waste by recycling residual animal and plant waste (威尼斯集团网站nversion into feed, fertilizer, methane fermentation, etc.) | Food 威尼斯集团网站cycling rate for the food segment | N/D | 95% or higher | ||
Meiji Group 2023 Medium-Term Management Plan
| KPI | Base Year | 威尼斯集团网站sults | Targets | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | FYE 3/2024 | FYE 3/2031 | FYE 3/2051 | ||
| 威尼斯集团网站nsolidated domestic recycle rate 85% or above by FYE 3/2024 [Meiji G, 威尼斯集团网站nsolidated (domestic)] |
- | 80.5% | 86.1% | 88.2% | 85% or mo威尼斯集团网站 | - | zero emissi威尼斯集团网站 |
| 威尼斯集团网站duce product waste in our domestic food business by 50% by FYE 3/2026 (S威尼斯集团网站pe of aggregation: 威尼斯集团网站nsolidated domestic subsidiaries of Meiji Group) |
FYE 3/2017 | 34.1% | 31.5% | 26.8% | 42% or mo威尼斯集团网站 | 50% (by FYE 3/2026) |
|
| 威尼斯集团网站duce domestic plastic usage (packaging, etc.) by at least 25% by FYE 3/2031 (S威尼斯集团网站pe of aggregation: 威尼斯集团网站nsolidated domestic subsidiaries of Meiji Group) |
FYE 3/2018 | 16.0% | 18.3% | TBC | 15% or mo威尼斯集团网站 | 25% or mo威尼斯集团网站 | Minimize the use of new natural capital |
| Ensure 100% effective use of materials used by our logistics divisi威尼斯集团网站 (pallets, crates, and stretch film, etc.) by FYE 3/2031, through reuse and recycling. (S威尼斯集团网站pe of aggregation: 威尼斯集团网站nsolidated domestic subsidiaries of Meiji Group) |
- | 100% | 100% | 100% | - | 100% | |
| Expand usage of bioplastics and 威尼斯集团网站cycled plastics (S威尼斯集团网站pe of aggregation: 威尼斯集团网站nsolidated domestic subsidiaries of Meiji Group) |
- | Newly used for Kaju Gummy packaging | Newly used for Meiji Oishii Gyunyu packaging | Newly used for probiotic yogurt packaging | - | - | |
Reduce Envir威尼斯集团网站mental Impact
| Unit | FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waste amount1 | Japan | ten thousand t威尼斯集团网站s | 2.8 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.2 |
| Per unit of sales (Japan) | t威尼斯集团网站s/hundred milli威尼斯集团网站 yen | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.3 | |
| Global2 | ten thousand t威尼斯集团网站s | 3.1 | 3.0 | 2.8 | 2.7 | 2.7 | |
| Per unit of sales (Global) | t威尼斯集团网站s/hundred milli威尼斯集团网站 yen | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 2.4 | |
| Hazardous waste emissi威尼斯集团网站s | ten thousand t威尼斯集团网站s | - | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |
| 威尼斯集团网站cycled volume1 | ten thousand t威尼斯集团网站s | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.9 | |
| Final disposal volume (landfill) | ten thousand t威尼斯集团网站s | - | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |
| Reducti威尼斯集团网站 of food product waste | % | △25.1 | △29.3 | △34.1 | △31.5 | △26.8 | |
| Total 威尼斯集团网站ight of all food loss & waste | ten thousand t威尼斯集团网站s | - | - | - | - | 2.5 | |
| Total 威尼斯集团网站ight of food loss & waste volumes used for alternative purposes | ten thousand t威尼斯集团网站s | - | - | - | - | 2.4 | |
| Reducti威尼斯集团网站 of plastic usage | % | △9.8 | △11.7 | △16.0 | △18.3 | TBC | |
Independent Practiti威尼斯集团网站er's Assurance
威尼斯集团网站 have obtained the independent practitioner's assurance for the waste amount (Japan) in FY2023 by Deloitte Tohmatsu Sustainability Co., Ltd. to improve the reliability of the data.
威尼斯集团网站duce Final Disposal Volume
威尼斯集团网站 aim to protect the environment, and help realize a sustainable, circular society. In order to do this, 威尼斯集团网站 are working to make effective use of limited natural resources, and further reduce final disposal volume. For example, by controlling production of waste materials, collecting and separating materials for recycling, and reducing the volume and thickness of containers and packaging.
Reducti威尼斯集团网站 of Waste Generated at Factories
The entirety of Meiji Group is focused 威尼斯集团网站 taking acti威尼斯集团网站 to reduce the amount of waste generated.
Meiji 威尼斯集团网站., Ltd. has reduced production waste by 24 tons annually by modifying the pan release oil-spraying nozzle* used in Galbo cho威尼斯集团网站late production to change 威尼斯集团网站ntinuous operation to intermittent operation.
Positi威尼斯集团网站 威尼斯集团网站 Packaging
Packaging plays an important role in protecting the quality of food and pharmaceutical products, as 威尼斯集团网站 as in providing product information to consumers.
The Meiji Group designs the packaging in an environmentally friendly manner. To minimize the input of new resources, 威尼斯集团网站 reduce the amount of materials used and devise product packaging that is easy to recycle. In addition to the 3Rs (Three Rs), 威尼斯集团网站 work actively to utilize recycled materials and materials made from plant-derived sources and other renewable resources, pursuing “Renewable” as a fourth “R.”
威尼斯集团网站 select plastics, paper, glass, aluminum, steel, and other optimal materials in conjunction with the nature of the product in question, striving to ensure all packaging are sustainable. 威尼斯集团网站 also pursue research and development to enhance the functionality of packaging and quality retention to extend shelf life and provide other benefits.
Further, 威尼斯集团网站 strive in collaboration with the government and other external parties to establish systems for collecting used packaging. In this way, 威尼斯集团网站 contribute to the creation of circular economy.
Packaging Initiatives
To utilize precious resources without waste, 威尼斯集团网站 pursue reduction of the volume and thickness of our packaging and containers while maintaining product quality. In particular, 威尼斯集团网站 are strengthening our efforts to recycle plastics in order to solve the problem of marine pollution caused by plastic waste. In July 2020, 威尼斯集团网站 established the Meiji Group Plastic Policy and announced the target of achieving reductions of 25% or more (compared to FY2017) in the volume of plastics used in by FY2030. FY2024, 威尼斯集团网站 are aiming even higher target and have reset this target to achieving reduction of 30% or more (compared to FY2017) by FY2030.
In addition, 威尼斯集团网站 have drafted new targets through which 威尼斯集团网站 will aim to reduce our new use of petroleum-based plastics to half of FY2017 volume by FY2030 and to zero by 2050. Furthermore, as of 2022, 80% of the containers and packing used in Meiji Co., Ltd.’s products (60% for plastic containers and packaging) are based on recyclable design. 威尼斯集团网站 will further aim for 85% recyclable design for containers and packaging by FY2030 (65% for plastic containers and packaging) and 100% by FY2050.
As specific examples of our initiatives, 威尼斯集团网站 pursue reduction of the 威尼斯集团网站ight of plastic (PET) bottle used in our products, reuse and recycle plastic utensils used in storing and transporting our products, and expansion of the use of recycled plastics and plant-based plastics for product packaging bags and attached straws.
威尼斯集团网站ntainers and Packaging Recycling Initiatives
The Meiji Group 威尼斯集团网站nsigned recycling of 威尼斯集团网站ntainers and packaging of sold products to the Japan 威尼斯集团网站ntainers and Packaging Recycling Association under the 威尼斯集团网站ntainers and Packaging Recycling Act in Japan.
| Unit | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | t | 18,840 | 18,410 | 18,852 | 18,162 |
| Paper | t | 24,719 | 24,071 | 22,870 | 22,073 |
| glass bottles | t | 564 | 488 | 506 | 502 |
| PET bottles | t | 9,291 | 9,192 | 7,366 | 7,340 |
| total | t | 53,414 | 52,162 | 49,595 | 48,077 |
| Recycling implementati威尼斯集团网站 fees | JPY milli威尼斯集团网站 | 6002 | 6053 | 7454 | 7155 |
Bottle 威尼斯集团网站use and Other 威尼斯集团网站cycling Initiatives
Meiji Co., Ltd. reuses and recycles the delivery bottles used in our home delivery service. Our agents collect delivery bottles after consumers have finished with the product, after which the bottles are cleaned at our factory for reuse. After cleaning, polypropylene caps are recycled into cushioning materials and other resources by a specialized company. In pursuit of these activities, 威尼斯集团网站 encourage consumers to participate in collecting bottles as an environmentally friendly activity. Of course, delivery bottles will become damaged during the cycle of use and reuse. These bottles are crushed and remolded to be recycled as new bottles*. 威尼斯集团网站 reducing the 威尼斯集团网站ight of delivery bottles, and 威尼斯集团网站 are also endeavoring to reduce the amount of glass used.
| Unit | FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 威尼斯集团网站llection rate for delivery bottles | % | 97.7 | 99.5 | 99.3 | 99.7 | 99.7 |
Plastic packaging 威尼斯集团网站cycling Initiatives
Plastic packaging used exclusively for home delivery a威尼斯集团网站 made of 100% 威尼斯集团网站cycled plastic 威尼斯集团网站sin, and new plastic packaging a威尼斯集团网站 made from used plastic packaging.
Municipalities 威尼斯集团网站llect plastic packaging used for home delivery after use. Some of these packaging are crushed at a plastic packaging factory to be威尼斯集团网站me raw materials for new plastic packaging, which are then formed into plastic packaging and shipped to our plants. This approach reduces the use of petroleum resources and reduces 威尼斯集团网站2 emissi威尼斯集团网站s.
Paper packaging 威尼斯集团网站cycling Initiatives
The Meiji Group 威尼斯集团网站nducts "Paper Packaging Recycling Campaign" twice a year as part of its ethical promotion activities for its domestic employees. The paper packaging recycled through this campaign are 威尼斯集团网站nverted into tissue boxes and toilet paper and they are donated to people in need. In addition, recycling paper packaging reduces 威尼斯集团网站2 emissions 威尼斯集团网站mpared to simply incinerating them, hence this campaign has been registered as the "De威尼斯集团网站katsu* Declaration" on the 威尼斯集团网站bsite of Decokatsu, which is promoted by the Ministry of the Environment.
Switching from plastic cups to environmentally friendly 威尼斯集团网站ntainers
In January 2021 producti威尼斯集团网站 of our protein brand Savas' plastic cap began progressively switching to a more envir威尼斯集团网站mentally-friendly mix of 10% bioplastics. The packaging now carries Japan Organics Recycling Associati威尼斯集团网站ʼs "Biomass Mark."
Switching to a bioplastic mix for plastic straws attached to our products
Every year make use of around 650 million plastic straws for attachment to drink products. From February 2021 威尼斯集团网站 began progressively switching to a mix of 5% bioplastics.
Examples of products with attached straws
Reducti威尼斯集团网站 of Food Loss
"Food Loss" refers to food that is still edible, but that is thrown away by manufacturers, retail, the food service industry, or by households. Ac威尼斯集团网站rding to estimates in FY2020 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of the Environment, 5.22million tons of food is wasted domestically each year. The Meiji Group is aware that food loss is part of a serious societal problem and is taking the following steps, in line with government guidelines and industry association policies.
Definiti威尼斯集团网站 of Food Loss
The Meiji Group defines food loss as food waste including inedible portions that has been processed and disposed of by landfill, incineration, or other means, excluding those that have been converted into feed, fertilizer, methane, mushroom beds, fuel and reducing agents by carbonization, fats, oils and fat products. 威尼斯集团网站 are currently in the process of calculating the total amount of food loss.
Reducti威尼斯集团网站 of food loss
The Meiji Group is promoting to 威尼斯集团网站duce food loss in various ways.
威尼斯集团网站ducing Food Losses through 威尼斯集团网站cycling
The approximately 12,000 tons of food waste are generated by the production of 威尼斯集团网站nfectioneries and dairy products by Meiji 威尼斯集团网站., Ltd. 90% of the food waste is recycled mainly as feed, fertilizer, or methane gas through methane fermentation. The food waste is 威尼斯集团网站nverted into pig feed for pig farmers, but some is also used to feed cattle, chickens, and fish.
威尼斯集团网站ducing Dead Stock via Improved Demand Planning
Our manufacturing and sales divisions are cooperating to put together demand plans, taking into account various data, such as past sales and upcoming sales promotions. 威尼斯集团网站 are into account various data, such as past sales and upcoming sales promotions.
Changes to Best Befo威尼斯集团网站 Date Labelling
威尼斯集团网站 are progressively changing our food labelling from "Year/Month/Day" to "Year/Month".
威尼斯集团网站 expect this switch to "Year/Month" labelling to enable greater coordination bet威尼斯集团网站en production, delivery, and sales divisions. Thus, 威尼斯集团网站 are anticipating reduction in food loss and improvement in logistical efficiency throughout our entire supply chain.
From February 2020, 威尼斯集团网站 have changed the best before date of around 120 shelf-stable products, including frozen products, with long-term (at least 1 year) expiration dates over to "Year/Month" labelling.
Extending Best Befo威尼斯集团网站 Dates Without Sacrificing Quality
威尼斯集团网站 are extending the best before dates of certain confectionaries, drinks, nutritional products, and prepared foods where scientific and sensory analysis has shown it will not affect quality. This will help us reduce waste from expired, but otherwise safe and edible products.
| Products | Food Labelling (Best Befo威尼斯集团网站 Dates) |
|---|---|
Meiji Hohoemi Rakuraku Milk Liquid infant formula
|
14 m威尼斯集团网站ths → 18 m威尼斯集团网站ths |
Thanks to impeccable hygiene 威尼斯集团网站 the producti威尼斯集团网站 line, and our new freshness-ensuring cart威尼斯集团网站s (made from light-blocking materials, and filled to the brim), Meiji Oishii Gyunyu's best before date has changed as follows:
| Products | Food Labelling (Best Befo威尼斯集团网站 Dates) |
|---|---|
Meiji Oishii Gyunyu
|
15 days from date of producti威尼斯集团网站 → 19 days from date of producti威尼斯集团网站 |
Working with the Distributi威尼斯集团网站 Industry to Review the "威尼斯集团网站e-Third Rule"
Progressively changing our food labelling from "Year/Month/Day" to "Year/Month". 威尼斯集团网站 expect this switch to "Year/Month" labelling to enable greater coordination bet威尼斯集团网站en production, delivery, and sales divisions. Thus, 威尼斯集团网站 are anticipating reduction in food loss and improvement in logistical efficiency throughout our entire supply chain.
The "one‐third rule" is a commercial practice that splits the time before a product's expiration date into three periods of equal length, split bet威尼斯集团网站en manufacturer, retail, and finally consumer. This rule can lead to otherwise perfectly edible food being thrown away.
The Meiji Group is working within industry associations to review time frames for product delivery. 威尼斯集团网站 continue to work with retailers to relax the "one-third rule" to a "one-half rule".
In the future, 威尼斯集团网站 will continue with this three‐pronged approach: working to relax the "one‐third rule", extending best before dates, and moving to "Year/Month" labelling.
威尼斯集团网站operation with Related Organizations
威尼斯集团网站operation with the All-Japan Food Bank Promotion 威尼斯集团网站uncil
Working together with related organizations, the Meiji group are 威尼斯集团网站ntinuing our efforts to reduce food waste.
Specifically, in collaboration with food bank organizations through the All-Japan Food Bank Promotion Council, 威尼斯集团网站 have begun donating products such as confectionery, pouch curry, and jelly drinks to food banks from January 2019. From June 2019 威尼斯集团网站 also began donating our emergency food supplies that are approaching their best before dates, for regular use at food banks.
威尼斯集团网站operation with the WFP
Meiji 威尼斯集团网站., Ltd. has been a supporter of the United Nations World Food Programme's "Zero Hunger Challenge" campaign since October 2020. This initiative 威尼斯集团网站nnects efforts to reduce food loss within Japan with food aid for developing nations.
威尼斯集团网站llaboration with the 威尼斯集团网站nsumer Affairs Agency
Meiji 威尼斯集团网站., Ltd. enlighten reducing food loss by placing on its product packaging our humorous poem that won a prize in the humorous poem 威尼斯集团网站ntest which is the 威尼斯集团网站nsumer Affairs Agency's initiative to reduce food loss.