As the world's environmental consciousness expands, the practice of upcycling food, the creative re-use of discarded food products, is gaining substantial traction in Japan. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also presents fresh opportunities for culinary creations and other applications. One remarkable example of this movement is the transformation of cabbage cores – the tough inner part of cabbages that is often discarded. Partnering with the Co-Op Deli Consumers’ Co-operative Union based in Saitama, Kewpie Group has ingeniously repurposed these cores to craft delectable soup dishes like minestrone and potage. These items, known for their coarse texture and distinctive sweetness, are made available through a convenient home delivery service exclusively for registered members. Approximately seven tons of cabbage cores are projected to be utilized annually, significantly curtailing unnecessary waste. Despite traditionally being relegated to the trash bin due t...

Cosmetics manufacturers in Japan are ramping up their efforts to reduce plastic usage, responding to growing consumer concerns about plastic waste. Kao Corp., a major household goods maker, initiated a demonstration experiment in February to collect used containers of skincare products like toners and lotions for recycling into bottles. The trial, scheduled to run until the end of July, involves 36 sales outlets, including those operated by Aeon Co. in the Kanto region of eastern Japan. The collected containers, from brands like Twany and other Kao cosmetics, will be converted into materials for producing recycled bottles using Jeplan Inc.'s innovative recycling technology. Kao aims to expand the collection program to more outlets in the future. Fancl Corp., another cosmetics manufacturer, has also increased the number of stores that collect used containers for recycling. Currently, 61 stores, including those in the Tokyo metropolitan area, accept used containers to be repurposed...