Japan-based healthcare group Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. will begin a nationwide rollout of PET bottles made entirely from recycled PET resin from late January, marking a significant step in reducing the environmental footprint of its beverage products.
Once fully implemented, more than 90% of the company’s PET bottle beverages, by volume, will be packaged in containers made from 100% recycled PET. Otsuka estimates the shift will cut greenhouse gas emissions by around 5,300 tonnes.
The move forms part of Otsuka Group’s Plastics Statement, under which the company is seeking to phase out fossil fuel-derived materials and prevent plastic waste from leaking into the natural environment. Within its nutraceuticals business, Otsuka has already introduced label-free bottles in 2021 and PET bottles containing recycled resin in 2022, alongside ongoing efforts to reduce packaging weight.
To support bottle-to-bottle recycling, which uses collected PET bottles as raw material for new containers, Otsuka has signed resource-circulation agreements with 30 local governments across Japan, including Tokushima Prefecture, where the group was founded. The company also works with local communities and organisations to promote recycling awareness and has supported PET bottle collection and recycling at large-scale events such as international sports competitions and outdoor music festivals.
Otsuka said it will continue to expand environmentally focused initiatives as part of its efforts to support a decarbonised, circular economy.
