Otsuka Packaging and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Redesign Packaging for 8 Domohorn Linkle Products, Fully Transition to Paper and Introduce Automated Packaging System, Aiming for 30% Annual Reduction in CO2 Emissions
Key facts
- Otsuka Packaging and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Redesign Packaging for 8 Domohorn Linkle Products, Fully Transition to Paper and Introduce Automated Packaging System, Aiming for 30% Annual Reduction in CO2 Emissions
- Otsuka Packaging and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical have redesigned the packaging for eight Domohorn Linkle products, transitioning entirely to paper-based blister packaging. By introducing proprietary heat seal coating technology and an automated packaging system, they aim to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 30%.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 17, 2026
Direct answer
Otsuka Packaging and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical have redesigned the packaging for eight Domohorn Linkle products, transitioning entirely to paper-based blister packaging. By introducing proprietary heat seal coating technology and an automated packaging system, they aim to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 30%.
- Citation
- Otsuka Packaging and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Redesign Packaging for 8 Domohorn Linkle Products, Fully Transition to Paper and Introduce Automated Packaging System, Aiming for 30% Annual Reduction in CO2 Emissions (June 17, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 17, 2026
Otsuka Packaging and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical have redesigned the packaging for eight Domohorn Linkle products, transitioning entirely to paper-based blister packaging. By introducing proprietary heat seal coating technology and an automated packaging system, they aim to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 30%.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 17, 2026 at 22:30
- 🔍 Collected: June 17, 2026 at 13:47
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 17, 2026 at 14:02 (14 min after Collected)
Otsuka Packaging Industrial Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture; President and CEO: Masami Nagahama; hereinafter "Otsuka Packaging"), a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings, and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Miki Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture; President and CEO: Masaaki Nishikawa; hereinafter "Saishunkan Pharmaceutical") have implemented a packaging redesign for eight of Saishunkan Pharmaceutical's flagship products, Domohorn Linkle, transitioning all packaging materials to paper. By applying Otsuka Packaging's proprietary heat seal coating technology to enhance packaging functionality and jointly developing and introducing an original automated packaging machine, the companies expect to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 30%.
■ Shared Vision for a Sustainable Society
Saishunkan Pharmaceutical is a traditional medicine pharmaceutical company that manufactures and sells skincare products such as "Domohorn Linkle," renowned for 50 years of collagen research, and herbal formulations like "Tousan-to," which addresses pain from neuralgia and rheumatism. Guided by the philosophy of "Connecting with Nature, Connecting with People, for a Better Tomorrow," the company aims to create a cycle among nature, people, and society. Believing that humans are part of nature, Saishunkan Pharmaceutical integrates creative improvements into its manufacturing processes to simultaneously enhance productivity and employee well-being. Meanwhile, the Otsuka Group, including Otsuka Packaging, has set a 2050 environmental vision called "Net Zero," aiming to eliminate all environmental impacts from its business activities. Based on the group's philosophy, it strives to contribute to health maintenance, improvement, and enriched lifestyles, pursuing efficiency in production activities to realize a sustainable society.
■ Simultaneous Redesign of Domohorn Linkle [Core 4 Products] for Brand's 50th Anniversary and After 5 Years
Functional Requirements for Cosmetic Packaging
Saishunkan Pharmaceutical has long been committed to environmentally conscious product development, including reducing and recycling industrial waste and effectively reusing used containers. The company consistently promotes and evaluates the "5Rs" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, Repair), which manifests in initiatives such as "reduction" by reviewing film composition and thickness to minimize usage, "substitution with alternative materials" to reduce plastic use, and "reviewing excessive packaging."
"Domohorn Linkle," a flagship product of Saishunkan Pharmaceutical, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 and is undergoing a simultaneous redesign of its [Core 4 Products] for the first time in five years, including a significant overhaul of its packaging. While previous packaging used pouches, thread towels, and paper sleeves, these components are being replaced with a simpler design that deepens environmental consideration. However, the new packaging must still maintain impact resistance for the glass bottles during transportation and handling. Additionally, it must ensure functionality such as "integrity"—preventing external contaminants and tampering—and "airtightness" to minimize the effects of light and humidity from the external environment, thereby preventing degradation of ingredients, texture, and containers.
Packaging Before Redesign
To achieve these functional requirements, Otsuka Packaging and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical have collaborated on packaging development. Otsuka Packaging's core business includes the planning, development, manufacturing, and sales of packaging. In addition to proposing its own proprietary technologies and enhancing packaging functionality, the company has recently begun offering simultaneous proposals for packaging machinery design and implementation.
■ Features of the New Packaging for 8 Domohorn Linkle Products
The newly redesigned packaging for the "Domohorn Linkle" products adopts a "blister" format with all primary materials made of paper. A "blister" consists of a tray for holding the product and a lidding paper that seals the tray. The new packaging, named "Musubi-bako (Bonding Box)," symbolizes "connecting Domohorn Linkle with customers and the future of the Earth," allowing customers to participate in forest conservation through the product. There are two key points to this redesign into a paper-based blister format.
Application of Otsuka Packaging's Proprietary Heat Seal Coating Liquid
A heat seal coating liquid is applied to bond the inner surface of the tray and the lidding paper, enabling thermal bonding without adhesives. Additionally, to prepare for potential damage during transportation, the heat seal coating liquid is water- and oil-resistant, reducing the risk of product leakage and penetration into the paper.
Automated Packaging System for Fully Paper-Based Blister Packaging
Alongside the adoption of the heat seal coating-based blister format, an optimized automated packaging system proposed by Otsuka Packaging has been introduced, replacing Saishunkan Pharmaceutical's conventional filling lines and manual wrapping processes for pouches and thread towels. This enables full automation of tray heat sealing, product filling, lidding paper supply, and thermal bonding of the tray and lidding paper.
Installed Automated Packaging System
Along with the packaging redesign, the companies expect to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 30%. The transition to all-paper packaging improves recyclability, and the paper material itself considers sustainability by using FSC®-certified paper. Furthermore, the introduction of the automated packaging system enhances productivity, significantly contributing to both companies' goals of realizing a sustainable society.
* Otsuka Packaging Industrial (FSC®-C131331), Saishunkan Pharmaceutical (FSC®-N004839)
* Company names, products, and services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
* The content of this press release is accurate as of the date of announcement and is subject to change without prior notice.
Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Established
1959 (Founded 1932)
Capital
100 million yen
Representative
CEO Masaaki Nishikawa
Headquarters
1363-1 Teranaka, Miki Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto 861-2201, Japan
Employees
857 (as of April 2025)
Business
Manufacturing and sales of cosmetics, quasi-drugs, pharmaceuticals, and health foods
URL
https://www.saishunkan.co.jp/
Otsuka Packaging Industrial Co., Ltd.
Established
1954 (Founded 1912)
Capital
58 million yen
Representative
President and CEO Masami Nagahama
Headquarters
1 Higashitsuji, Otsu-cho, Naruto City, Tokushima 772-8511, Japan
Employees
324 (as of December 31, 2025)
Business
Planning, development, manufacturing, and sales of printed paper containers, cosmetic corrugated cases, plastic molded products, and packaging machinery
URL
https://www.otsuka-houso.co.jp/
■ Shared Vision for a Sustainable Society
Saishunkan Pharmaceutical is a traditional medicine pharmaceutical company that manufactures and sells skincare products such as "Domohorn Linkle," renowned for 50 years of collagen research, and herbal formulations like "Tousan-to," which addresses pain from neuralgia and rheumatism. Guided by the philosophy of "Connecting with Nature, Connecting with People, for a Better Tomorrow," the company aims to create a cycle among nature, people, and society. Believing that humans are part of nature, Saishunkan Pharmaceutical integrates creative improvements into its manufacturing processes to simultaneously enhance productivity and employee well-being. Meanwhile, the Otsuka Group, including Otsuka Packaging, has set a 2050 environmental vision called "Net Zero," aiming to eliminate all environmental impacts from its business activities. Based on the group's philosophy, it strives to contribute to health maintenance, improvement, and enriched lifestyles, pursuing efficiency in production activities to realize a sustainable society.
■ Simultaneous Redesign of Domohorn Linkle [Core 4 Products] for Brand's 50th Anniversary and After 5 Years
Functional Requirements for Cosmetic Packaging
Saishunkan Pharmaceutical has long been committed to environmentally conscious product development, including reducing and recycling industrial waste and effectively reusing used containers. The company consistently promotes and evaluates the "5Rs" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, Repair), which manifests in initiatives such as "reduction" by reviewing film composition and thickness to minimize usage, "substitution with alternative materials" to reduce plastic use, and "reviewing excessive packaging."
"Domohorn Linkle," a flagship product of Saishunkan Pharmaceutical, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 and is undergoing a simultaneous redesign of its [Core 4 Products] for the first time in five years, including a significant overhaul of its packaging. While previous packaging used pouches, thread towels, and paper sleeves, these components are being replaced with a simpler design that deepens environmental consideration. However, the new packaging must still maintain impact resistance for the glass bottles during transportation and handling. Additionally, it must ensure functionality such as "integrity"—preventing external contaminants and tampering—and "airtightness" to minimize the effects of light and humidity from the external environment, thereby preventing degradation of ingredients, texture, and containers.
Packaging Before Redesign
To achieve these functional requirements, Otsuka Packaging and Saishunkan Pharmaceutical have collaborated on packaging development. Otsuka Packaging's core business includes the planning, development, manufacturing, and sales of packaging. In addition to proposing its own proprietary technologies and enhancing packaging functionality, the company has recently begun offering simultaneous proposals for packaging machinery design and implementation.
■ Features of the New Packaging for 8 Domohorn Linkle Products
The newly redesigned packaging for the "Domohorn Linkle" products adopts a "blister" format with all primary materials made of paper. A "blister" consists of a tray for holding the product and a lidding paper that seals the tray. The new packaging, named "Musubi-bako (Bonding Box)," symbolizes "connecting Domohorn Linkle with customers and the future of the Earth," allowing customers to participate in forest conservation through the product. There are two key points to this redesign into a paper-based blister format.
Application of Otsuka Packaging's Proprietary Heat Seal Coating Liquid
A heat seal coating liquid is applied to bond the inner surface of the tray and the lidding paper, enabling thermal bonding without adhesives. Additionally, to prepare for potential damage during transportation, the heat seal coating liquid is water- and oil-resistant, reducing the risk of product leakage and penetration into the paper.
Automated Packaging System for Fully Paper-Based Blister Packaging
Alongside the adoption of the heat seal coating-based blister format, an optimized automated packaging system proposed by Otsuka Packaging has been introduced, replacing Saishunkan Pharmaceutical's conventional filling lines and manual wrapping processes for pouches and thread towels. This enables full automation of tray heat sealing, product filling, lidding paper supply, and thermal bonding of the tray and lidding paper.
Installed Automated Packaging System
Along with the packaging redesign, the companies expect to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 30%. The transition to all-paper packaging improves recyclability, and the paper material itself considers sustainability by using FSC®-certified paper. Furthermore, the introduction of the automated packaging system enhances productivity, significantly contributing to both companies' goals of realizing a sustainable society.
* Otsuka Packaging Industrial (FSC®-C131331), Saishunkan Pharmaceutical (FSC®-N004839)
* Company names, products, and services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
* The content of this press release is accurate as of the date of announcement and is subject to change without prior notice.
Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Established
1959 (Founded 1932)
Capital
100 million yen
Representative
CEO Masaaki Nishikawa
Headquarters
1363-1 Teranaka, Miki Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto 861-2201, Japan
Employees
857 (as of April 2025)
Business
Manufacturing and sales of cosmetics, quasi-drugs, pharmaceuticals, and health foods
URL
https://www.saishunkan.co.jp/
Otsuka Packaging Industrial Co., Ltd.
Established
1954 (Founded 1912)
Capital
58 million yen
Representative
President and CEO Masami Nagahama
Headquarters
1 Higashitsuji, Otsu-cho, Naruto City, Tokushima 772-8511, Japan
Employees
324 (as of December 31, 2025)
Business
Planning, development, manufacturing, and sales of printed paper containers, cosmetic corrugated cases, plastic molded products, and packaging machinery
URL
https://www.otsuka-houso.co.jp/
FAQ
What is the main purpose of the Domohorn Linkle packaging redesign?
To reduce environmental impact and achieve sustainability by eliminating plastic and cutting annual CO2 emissions by approximately 30%.
What material is used in the new packaging?
100% paper 'blister' packaging using FSC®-certified paper, balancing recyclability and environmental care.
What are the benefits of the automated packaging system?
Improved productivity, reduced manual labor, stabilized quality, and enhanced efficiency and working conditions.
What are the features of the heat seal coating technology?
Enables thermal bonding without adhesives, with water and oil resistance to prevent leaks and maintain airtightness.
When was this initiative implemented?
Launched in 2025, aligning with the brand's 50th anniversary. Specific rollout dates based on announcement timing.