- Lighter Bottle Top Helps Further Reduce Environmental Impact -

Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd. has managed to reduce the weight of its 2-liter 
plastic bottle from 28.9 grams -- the lightest of its kind in Japan as of March 
20, 2019 -- to 28.3 grams by making the bottle's top part lighter. This 
achievement is a result of the company's drive to "improve the sustainability 
of raw materials for plastic bottles" under the "Kirin Group Plastic Policy," 
an initiative established by Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. to promote the 
sustainable use of plastics and the circulation of resources. The lighter 
plastic bottle will be used for "Kirin Alkali Ion Water" starting in April this 
year.

The debuting 2-liter plastic bottle, now the lightest in Japan at 28.3 grams, 
has been developed in collaboration with the Kirin Group's Research 
Laboratories for Packaging Technologies by successfully reducing its weight 
through modification of the threaded portion of the bottle top with a narrower 
screw thread and a shorter screw.

By utilizing this plastic bottle, the company will be able to reduce the use of 
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin by about 107 tons* per year and cut CO2 
emissions by about 375 tons* per year.
*Estimated by the company on the basis of sales results for 2018

(Image: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/201903224551?p=images)

Kirin Beverage has long been pursuing activities to reduce environmental 
impact. In developing environmentally conscious containers and packaging, the 
company introduced an ultra-light "pecology bottle" for the 2-liter plastic 
bottle of "Alkali Ion Water" in June 2003, slashing its weight from the 
previous 63 grams to 42 grams. The "pecology bottle" was further applied to the 
2-liter plastic bottles of "Kirin Nama-cha (green tea)" and "Kirin Amino Supli" 
in March 2005 and to the 1.5-liter plastic bottle of "Kirin Gogo no Kocha 
(black tea)," in April 2008.

In November 2010, the weight of the "pecology bottle" was further brought down 
to 35 grams (38 grams for some products) and a new "pecology bottle" was 
introduced for all home-use 2-liter plastic bottles with a universal design, 
making it easier for users to hold them and serve what is inside.

A new design was chosen in March 2015 for the 2-liter bottle of "Alkali Ion 
Water" as it evolved into a new "pecology bottle" that was easier to hold, 
handle and discard, weighing 28.9 grams. The company vows to continue making 
the bottle lighter still while considering convenience for customers.

The Kirin Group is committed to playing its role as a responsible alcohol 
producer and addressing three key social issues: "health and well-being," 
"community engagement," and "the environment." By fulfilling these commitments, 
the Group brings joy to society and a bright future to our customers.

Official website: https://www.kirin.co.jp/company/english/
* Product image can be downloaded from the above site.


SOURCE: Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd.