[EST] Limited Edition: Discarded Bananas Used as Deodorant Charcoal! EST and Dole Collaborate to Launch "Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use Banana Charcoal"
EST Co., Ltd. is launching "Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use Banana Charcoal," a limited-edition refrigerator deodorizer utilizing "Banana Charcoal" from Dole's food loss reduction project "Mottainai Banana Project," available from May 27th. This product upcycles "off-spec" bananas, contributing to sustainability and offering consumers an eco-friendly product for their homes.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 20:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 12:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 12:52 (96h 50m after Collected)
EST Co., Ltd. will launch "Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use Banana Charcoal" as a limited edition product on May 27th, at supermarkets, drugstores, home centers, and online shops nationwide. This product uses "Banana Charcoal" from Dole Co., Ltd.'s "Mottainai Banana Project," which promotes "Smile with Fruit." as its brand message.
The price is open, but the estimated retail price is around 470 yen (tax included).
### Development Background
The "Banana Charcoal" used in this product is a sustainable material commercialized as part of Dole's "Mottainai Banana Project." It is made from bananas deemed "off-spec" for various reasons such as exterior blemishes, size, or shape.
This project aims to rescue off-spec bananas that would otherwise be discarded due to minor exterior issues or size despite being carefully grown. It has a track record of rescuing approximately 2,000 tons of bananas in FY2024 and received the "Environmental Vice-Minister's Award" at the "Reiwa 7th year Food Loss Reduction Promotion Award" organized by the Ministry of the Environment and the Consumer Affairs Agency in 2025.
EST, in agreement with Dole's food loss reduction efforts and environmental considerations, has made this collaboration a reality.
### Comment from the Person in Charge of the "Mottainai Banana Project"
Akiko Naruse, Manager, Marketing Headquarters, Assistant General Manager, Dole Expansion Promotion Office, Dole Co., Ltd.
"I feel it is highly significant that the banana charcoal born from 'Mottainai Banana' has met EST Co., Ltd.'s 'Deodorant Charcoal' and become a product that can be used in daily life."
"Bananas that would have been discarded for being off-spec now take on the familiar role of refrigerator odor control, reborn as a "sustainability you can feel at home." This product offers a gentle way to participate in food loss reduction without having to do anything special. We hope people will feel this sense of participation through this product."
"Dole will continue to expand initiatives that transform 'mottainai' (wasteful) into positive and enjoyable value, in cooperation with many companies."
### About "Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use Banana Charcoal"
"Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use Banana Charcoal" is a deodorizer formulated with "Banana Charcoal," made by carbonizing off-spec bananas from the "Mottainai Banana Project," and "Activated Charcoal."
The jelly containing these two types of charcoal effectively deodorizes unpleasant odors. Through formulation adjustments, it achieves the same deodorizing effect as the conventional "Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use."
The package design is based on "black," symbolizing both deodorant charcoal and banana charcoal, with a large banana graphic in the center. The cap of the unit is also yellow, inspired by bananas.
### About the "Mottainai Banana Project" and "Banana Charcoal"
Dole is working towards zero landfill disposal of fruit. Bananas that are still delicious but deemed "off-spec" due to reasons such as exterior blemishes, size, or shape are named "Mottainai Bananas."
Driven by the desire to save as many such bananas as possible, the "Mottainai Banana Project" was launched in September 2021. Currently, over 200 companies are participating.
"Mottainai Bananas" are reborn into various food products such as drinks and sweets. Initiatives are also promoted to offer and sell "Mottainai Bananas" themselves through workplace subscription services like "Office de Dole" and at retail stores. Furthermore, the "Mottainai Fruits" project has been expanded to include other fruits beyond bananas.
・Project Site: https://www.dole.co.jp/lp/jp/mottainaifruits/
The "Banana Charcoal" used in this collaboration was launched for sale in 2025 with the aim of expanding the utilization of "Mottainai Bananas."
Compared to general charcoal, it is very light and easy to crush. Since bananas are carbonized whole, they have a unique and fun "banana shape."
・About "Banana Charcoal":
https://www.dole.co.jp/lp/jp/bananasumi/
### About the "Deodorant Charcoal" Brand
"Deodorant Charcoal" works by the jelly-like charcoal shrinking and becoming smaller as it is used.
The price is open, but the estimated retail price is around 470 yen (tax included).
### Development Background
The "Banana Charcoal" used in this product is a sustainable material commercialized as part of Dole's "Mottainai Banana Project." It is made from bananas deemed "off-spec" for various reasons such as exterior blemishes, size, or shape.
This project aims to rescue off-spec bananas that would otherwise be discarded due to minor exterior issues or size despite being carefully grown. It has a track record of rescuing approximately 2,000 tons of bananas in FY2024 and received the "Environmental Vice-Minister's Award" at the "Reiwa 7th year Food Loss Reduction Promotion Award" organized by the Ministry of the Environment and the Consumer Affairs Agency in 2025.
EST, in agreement with Dole's food loss reduction efforts and environmental considerations, has made this collaboration a reality.
### Comment from the Person in Charge of the "Mottainai Banana Project"
Akiko Naruse, Manager, Marketing Headquarters, Assistant General Manager, Dole Expansion Promotion Office, Dole Co., Ltd.
"I feel it is highly significant that the banana charcoal born from 'Mottainai Banana' has met EST Co., Ltd.'s 'Deodorant Charcoal' and become a product that can be used in daily life."
"Bananas that would have been discarded for being off-spec now take on the familiar role of refrigerator odor control, reborn as a "sustainability you can feel at home." This product offers a gentle way to participate in food loss reduction without having to do anything special. We hope people will feel this sense of participation through this product."
"Dole will continue to expand initiatives that transform 'mottainai' (wasteful) into positive and enjoyable value, in cooperation with many companies."
### About "Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use Banana Charcoal"
"Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use Banana Charcoal" is a deodorizer formulated with "Banana Charcoal," made by carbonizing off-spec bananas from the "Mottainai Banana Project," and "Activated Charcoal."
The jelly containing these two types of charcoal effectively deodorizes unpleasant odors. Through formulation adjustments, it achieves the same deodorizing effect as the conventional "Deodorant Charcoal Refrigerator Use."
The package design is based on "black," symbolizing both deodorant charcoal and banana charcoal, with a large banana graphic in the center. The cap of the unit is also yellow, inspired by bananas.
### About the "Mottainai Banana Project" and "Banana Charcoal"
Dole is working towards zero landfill disposal of fruit. Bananas that are still delicious but deemed "off-spec" due to reasons such as exterior blemishes, size, or shape are named "Mottainai Bananas."
Driven by the desire to save as many such bananas as possible, the "Mottainai Banana Project" was launched in September 2021. Currently, over 200 companies are participating.
"Mottainai Bananas" are reborn into various food products such as drinks and sweets. Initiatives are also promoted to offer and sell "Mottainai Bananas" themselves through workplace subscription services like "Office de Dole" and at retail stores. Furthermore, the "Mottainai Fruits" project has been expanded to include other fruits beyond bananas.
・Project Site: https://www.dole.co.jp/lp/jp/mottainaifruits/
The "Banana Charcoal" used in this collaboration was launched for sale in 2025 with the aim of expanding the utilization of "Mottainai Bananas."
Compared to general charcoal, it is very light and easy to crush. Since bananas are carbonized whole, they have a unique and fun "banana shape."
・About "Banana Charcoal":
https://www.dole.co.jp/lp/jp/bananasumi/
### About the "Deodorant Charcoal" Brand
"Deodorant Charcoal" works by the jelly-like charcoal shrinking and becoming smaller as it is used.