Palsystem to Reduce Plastic by Approx. 4 Tons Annually by Switching to Paper Trays for Meal Kits

Palsystem Consumers' Co-operative Union (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Atsushi Shibusawa) will switch from plastic deep trays and large bags to paper for some of its "Oryori Set" meal kit products starting Monday, June 1. Based on 2024 supply figures, this is expected to reduce plastic usage by approximately 4 tons annually. This initiative aims to balance plastic reduction with resource recycling. The switch applies to 15 items manufactured at the Itakura Processed Foods Center (Itakura-machi, Oura-gun, Gunma Prefecture). The new packaging will use recyclable deep paper trays. Users will be encouraged to return the used trays to Palsystem by handing them to delivery staff or placing them in returnable containers for collection. The collected paper trays will be recycled at the Palsystem Sugito Recycling Center (Sugito-machi, Kita-Katsushika-gun, Saitama Prefecture) and shipped to partner manufacturers as raw material for original products like toilet paper. The goal is to reduce environmental impact through Palsystem's "Sustainable Action" by not only reducing plastic but also building a resource circulation system. The main challenge in adopting paper trays was ensuring sufficient strength to withstand impacts during delivery and the weight of the food. A three-layer "E-flute" material, approximately 1.65mm thick, was chosen to balance cost, quality, packaging strength, and environmental impact. Tests confirmed that there are no issues with manufacturing line workability or quality during actual logistics distribution. This change will initially be introduced for products manufactured at the Itakura Processed Foods Center, considering compatibility with the packaging machinery on the production line. Palsystem will continue to switch to environmentally friendly packaging materials while maintaining product quality until it reaches the consumer.