Applications Open for 'Eco Mark Award 2026' to Recognize Sustainable Initiatives

The Eco Mark Office of the Japan Environment Association (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Ikubun Niimi) launched the application process for the 'Eco Mark Award 2026' on May 18. This award celebrates entities contributing to the 'formation of a sustainable society,' which is the core mission of the Eco Mark program.

Applications will be accepted until July 17. Following a documentary screening of entry materials and a presentation session, winners will be determined in late October.

An online information session for prospective applicants will be held on June 9.
Details: https://www.ecomark.jp/award/2026/

### Eco Mark Award 2026 Overview

- **Target Initiatives**: Efforts contributing significantly to a sustainable society through consumer choice of eco-friendly products and corporate environmental improvement.
- **Eligibility**: Corporations and organizations actively engaged in the above initiatives (both self-nominations and recommendations are accepted).
*Includes approximately 1,460 Eco Mark license holders, as well as companies, municipalities, schools, and groups with remarkable Eco Mark-related activities.
- **Application Period**: May 18, 2026 (Mon) – July 17, 2026 (Fri)
- **How to Apply**: Submit details of sustainable initiatives (within 800 characters) via the online entry form or Word document.
- **Selection Process**:
1. **Primary Screening**: Document review of entry details.
2. **Final Screening**: Presentation by primary screening qualifiers to determine the 'Gold Prize' (1 winner) and 'Silver Prizes' (approx. 5 winners).
- **Announcement of Results**: Scheduled for late October.

### About the Eco Mark Award
Established in FY2010, this award system aims to publicize excellent examples of eco-friendly product dissemination and contribute to a sustainable society. It consists of two categories: corporate/organizational initiatives and a product-based award (selected from all certified products over the last two years; no application required).

Winners receive a certificate and trophy and are permitted to use the 'Eco Mark Award Logo.' To date, 109 companies and organizations have been recognized.

### Evaluation Points
Awards are given to companies excelling in one or more of the following 'Activity Themes':
1. Raising awareness and market penetration of Eco Mark products.
2. Environmental communication (e.g., campaigns, mark utilization events).
3. Environmental impact reduction (e.g., CO2 reduction, LCA evaluation, CFP).
4. Innovation in technological development.
5. Proposal or construction of new social systems (e.g., recycling systems).
6. Community-based environmental contribution (e.g., tree planting, local production/consumption).

Evaluation is based on indices such as 'Utilization of Eco Mark' (most emphasized), 'Impact on market/society,' 'Continuity,' 'Collaboration,' and 'Innovation.'