ZACROS Obtains First-Ever Certification for Film Containers under METI's 'Plastic Use Product Design Certification System' for its 'MONOSOLUTIONS' Polyethylene Monomaterial Refill Pouch

ZACROS Corporation (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Taku Shimoda; hereinafter 'ZACROS') has obtained certification for two products of its 'MONOSOLUTIONS' (*1) polyethylene monomaterial refill pouch under the 'Design Certification System' of the 'Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics' (hereinafter 'Plastic New Law') (*2) of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

This system, under the Plastic New Law, certifies designs of plastic use products that are particularly excellent, as determined by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. This marks the first time a film container has been certified in the household cleaning product container and household cosmetic container categories, and it is also the first certification for a packaging material manufacturer. The high recyclability of the monomaterial structure was particularly highly evaluated, leading to this certification.

Certified products become subject to the Green Purchasing Law, receiving priority selection in procurement by local governments and companies. They also become eligible for debt guarantee support in product manufacturing and subsidies for research and development. Additionally, the certification mark can be printed on the pouch.

Two Certified Products

■ Overview of Certified Products

● MONOSOLUTIONS Flowpack SP (Laundry Detergent 650mL) *Photo Left

Certified in the household cleaning product container category. This is a multi-use refill monomaterial packaging with a spout, designed to hold 650mL of laundry detergent.

● MONOSOLUTIONS Flowpack PL (Shampoo 300mL) *Photo Right

Certified in the household cosmetic container category. This is a single-use refill monomaterial packaging designed to hold 300mL of shampoo. It achieves 'manual openability' and 'ease of pouring,' functions that are difficult to impart to monomaterial structure pouches.

■ Features of ZACROS's Monomaterial Refill Pouch

Conventional refill pouches are made of composite materials, laminating multiple materials to meet quality requirements such as barrier properties and strength. This makes separation by material difficult, limiting recycling applications. ZACROS, aiming to achieve horizontal recycling (pouch-to-pouch) for refill pouches, tackled the challenge of monomaterializing pouches for liquids, which is more difficult. The company successfully developed and mass-produced pouches that are easy to recycle as a resource even after use. While being easy to recycle, they achieve barrier properties that prevent deterioration of contents and strength sufficient for practical use.

■ Product Information

Flowpack Brand Site (MONOSOLUTIONS Introduction Page)

URL: https://flowpack.zacros.co.jp/monosolutions/index.html

ZACROS positions 'Creation of a Sustainable and Prosperous Future' as a key issue and is working towards realizing a society that balances environmental consideration and a rich life. 'MONOSOLUTIONS,' which received this certification, is a refill pouch produced with monomaterials to make film containers easier to recycle. The company will utilize this product technology to contribute to the realization of a circular society.

*For details on the company's sustainability initiatives, please visit the company website.

■ Inquiries Regarding This Matter

ZACROS Corporation, General Affairs Department, Public Relations Group

URL: https://www.zacros.co.jp/contact/

*1 MONOSOLUTIONS

This is ZACROS's original brand. It combines MONOMATERIAL × SOLUTIONS, aiming to solve social issues with monomaterials.

*2 Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics (Plastic New Law)

This is a law to promote initiatives for resource circulation of plastics by all entities involved in the lifecycle, from the design of plastic use products to their disposal and treatment.