Hands Initiates Lithium-Ion Battery Product Collection and Recycling Program for Circular Living

Hands Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and Executive Officer: Satoru Sakurai) has commenced a new initiative for the collection and resource recovery of lithium-ion battery products. This program, launched on April 13, 2026, is a collaborative effort with VOLTA Co., Ltd., Ruitech Co., Ltd., and Ecomotion Co., Ltd., and aims to address the societal challenges of increased environmental burden and fire accidents resulting from the improper disposal of lithium-ion battery-powered products. The first phase of this initiative is the "Handy Fan Recycling Campaign," which began on April 13, 2026. In recent years, the rapid proliferation of products using lithium-ion batteries, such as mobile batteries and small household appliances, has highlighted issues with unclear proper disposal methods and fire accidents due to improper disposal. Furthermore, a significant portion of collected lithium-ion batteries are currently landfilled or incinerated, indicating a lack of effective resource utilization. The four companies—VOLTA, Ruitech, Ecomotion, and Hands—are collaborating to establish and operate a comprehensive domestic recycling flow. This process covers the entire lifecycle from "collection" to safe "inspection, packaging, and transportation," followed by "crushing and sorting," and finally "resource recovery." The Handy Fan Recycling Campaign allows customers to trade in one unwanted handy fan for each new handy fan purchased. This offer is available at 46 Hands stores, excluding specific locations (Shizuoka, Nagoya, Nagoya Mozo Wonder City, Nagoya Matsuzakaya, Kuwana, Nara, Kintetsu Wakayama, Miyazaki, Naha Main Place, Urasoe West Coast Parco City, Ginowan Convention City stores; all Hands Be stores; all PLUGS MARKET stores; and Hands Net). The voucher issuance period is from April 13, 2026 (Monday) to September 30, 2026 (Wednesday). The collection period is from April 13, 2026 (Monday) to October 12, 2026 (Monday/Holiday). Collection takes place at the consultation counter on the handy fan sales floor. Hands' sustainability efforts, spanning 50 years since its founding, are rooted in the philosophy of "creating new lifestyles through hands" and valuing the culture of repairing and extending product lifespans. This commitment now extends to "resource circulation" and "solving social issues." Hands aims to continue contributing to society as a lifestyle partner, fostering a sustainable future in collaboration with customers and business partners.