In a major step toward environmental responsibility, Nippon Shoji has officially launched a new initiative to transition its product packaging to eco-friendly alternatives across all retail and distribution channels. This move is part of the company’s broader sustainability roadmap, reinforcing its commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of product quality and consumer satisfaction. Starting this quarter, customers will begin to notice a fresh look on many of their favorite products — a change that goes beyond aesthetics and into the heart of sustainable business practices.
Nippon Shoji’s new packaging line will feature biodegradable wraps, recycled materials, and minimal plastic content, with a focus on reducing waste generated through day-to-day operations. Additionally, the company is introducing reusable shopping bags, compostable containers, and paper-based wrapping solutions for fragile goods. Over 60% of products sold in stores and distributed via wholesale partners are expected to be transitioned to eco-packaging formats by the end of the fiscal year.
“Our responsibility is not just to our customers, but to the planet we all share,” said Ms. Aiko Fujimura, CEO of Nippon Shoji. “We’ve spent over a year researching the most effective, scalable, and sustainable packaging solutions that align with our brand values. This transition marks a meaningful change — one that reflects the growing awareness and urgency around climate issues.”
To ensure that the switch to sustainable packaging doesn't compromise quality, the company has partnered with certified packaging manufacturers in Japan and Europe who specialize in environmentally safe, food-grade materials. Each material has undergone rigorous testing for durability, safety, and performance in varying temperatures, especially for the company’s line of imported food products and perishable goods.
In-store, customers will also be greeted with new signage and displays that explain the sustainability effort, including educational graphics about how to recycle or reuse the packaging they receive. A “Green Label” icon will be added to each item that qualifies under the eco-packaging program, helping shoppers make more informed choices. Furthermore, Nippon Shoji’s loyalty program will now offer bonus points to customers who decline plastic bags at checkout or bring their own reusable containers.
This environmental pivot has already had ripple effects across the company’s logistics and supply chain departments. Warehouse teams have been retrained to handle new materials with care, and delivery partners have adapted their practices to support the more delicate eco-packaging during transport. Procurement teams are now working with vendors to adopt similar standards, ensuring alignment from source to shelf.
Nippon Shoji has also made a pledge to reduce its packaging waste by 40% over the next three years, tracking key metrics such as plastic usage, cardboard consumption, and landfill output. These data points will be made available to the public via the company’s upcoming Sustainability Report, scheduled for release later this year. The report will outline both achievements and areas for improvement, reflecting the company’s transparency and accountability to its stakeholders.
While this initiative stems from environmental concerns, it also responds to shifting consumer values. Studies have shown that modern consumers, especially younger demographics, are more likely to support brands that demonstrate ethical and sustainable practices. Early customer feedback gathered during a pilot phase in selected branches indicated overwhelming support for the transition — with many expressing pride in shopping at a store that reflects their environmental values.
In the long run, Nippon Shoji plans to expand the scope of its sustainability programs beyond packaging. Ongoing research is underway into energy-efficient store operations, waste-to-energy systems, and low-emission delivery vehicles. Internally, the company has begun promoting “green office” practices such as reduced paper usage, electronic invoicing, and carbon offset programs for corporate travel.
With the launch of this eco-friendly packaging initiative, Nippon Shoji sends a clear message: environmental sustainability is not an optional upgrade — it is an integral part of how the company does business moving forward. Through thoughtful action, long-term investment, and collaboration with both customers and suppliers, Nippon Shoji aims to lead the way in building a cleaner, more responsible future for the retail industry.