2R+B Strategy

For PET bottles, we are committed to maximizing resource efficiency by reducing resin usage and incorporating recycled materials. We aim to replace virgin petroleum-based materials with renewable alternatives to the extent possible. This approach is guided by Suntory Group’s unique 2R+B (Reduce, Recycle + Bio) Strategy.

Reduce: Lightweighting

For around 2 decades, Suntory Group has been working to reduce the weight and thickness of PET bottles, caps, and labels. We strive to effectively use resources while maintaining and improving quality at the point of consumption (quality of contents and ease of bottle use).

Change in Weight of 550mL Suntory Tennensui (Mineral Water) PET Bottles^*1

• *1
  500ml capacity through 2009.

Change in Weight of 2L Suntory Tennensui (Mineral Water) PET Bottles

For more information, see Reduce: Lightweighting.

Efforts Focused on Achieving 100% Sustainable PET Bottles by 2030
Recycle: Promotion of “Bottle-to-Bottle” Horizontal Recycling

As the next step after lightweighting, and as a core activity toward achieving the 2030 goal of 100% sustainable PET bottles, is the “Bottle-to-Bottle” Horizontal Recycling process, where used PET bottles are transformed into new ones.
Starting with the introduction of 100% recycled PET bottle^*1 in 2012—the first in Japan’s soft drink industry—we have been advancing “Bottle-to-Bottle” Horizontal Recycling. We also developed the world’s first “FtoP direct recycling technology,”^*2 which reduces CO₂ emissions compared to conventional methods.

• *1
  Mechanical recycling.
• *2
  Joint development among 4 companies including Kyoei Sangyo Co., Ltd.

For more information, see Recycle: Promote “Bottle-to-Bottle” Horizontal Recycling.

Efforts Focused on Achieving 100% Sustainable PET Bottles by 2030
Bio: PET Bottles Using Bio-based Material

To achieve 100% sustainable PET bottles, Suntory Group prioritizes “Bottle-to-Bottle” Horizontal Recycling for its low environmental impacts, aiming to repeatedly circulate PET bottles as resources in a sustainable society. However, in the broader beverage market, new resources are needed for recycling into products other than PET bottles and to accommodate market growth. Consequently, alongside promoting “Bottle-to-Bottle” Horizontal Recycling, we are developing bio-based PET bottles to supplement the shortage of recycled materials.
In 2013, we introduced PET bottles with 30% plant-based materials for Suntory Natural Water in the 550ml size, and since 2023, this has been expanded to all 2L bottles as well. In 2013, we introduced PET bottles with 30% plant-based materials for Suntory Tennensui (Mineral Water) 550ml PET bottles, and since 2023, this has been expanded to all 2L bottles as well.

PET bottle using 100% plant-based material (right)
Current PET bottle (using 30% plant-based material) (left)

In 2019, we succeeded in producing paraxylene, a precursor that constitutes 70% of PET bottle material, from non-food plant-based sources (wood chips) that do not impact the food supply chain. By 2021, we successfully developed prototypes of 100% plant-based PET bottles using this technology, marking a significant step toward commercializing PET bottles made entirely from plant-based materials without affecting the food supply chain.

• *
  Excluding some products for vending machines.

Collaboration with Stakeholders

Initiatives for Recycling Used Plastic

R Plus Japan Ltd. was established as a joint venture by 12 companies (including Suntory Group) across the value chain for the purpose of contributing to resolving plastic-related challenges and achieving a sustainable society. Operations began in June 2020, and as of March 2025, the initiative has expanded to include 48 companies and is working to develop technologies to recycle used plastics to be recycled efficiently.
Currently in Japan, it is said that many plastics other than PET bottles are incinerated*. This new technology involves chemical recycling that directly converts general plastics, including PET bottles, back into basic chemicals (such as benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylene, and propylene) that serve as raw materials for plastics. This process requires fewer steps than traditional chemical recycling methods that go through an oilification process, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions and energy consumption. We expect that once established, this technology will allow for more efficient recycling of a larger amount of used plastics.
R Plus Japan aims to address global plastic issues by developing technology and implementing it socially through cross-industry collaboration.

• *
  Includes thermal recovery (heat utilization), in which heat generated during incineration is recovered and utilized for power generation and heat supply.

For more information, visit the R Plus Japan website.

Social Activities

Suntory Group employees make an effort to change their lifestyle, promote sorting and collection, and actively participate in social contribution activities such as cleaning up rivers and beaches.
Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage conducted a beach cleanup near Hanoi in cooperation with Ocean Conservancy, a global marine nature conservation organization, with employees and their families.

Alliance Membership

Reduce: Lightweighting

Lightweighting in Cans

We are furthering the lightweighting of cans such as those used for beer and coffee, aiming to minimize resource usage while maintaining the usability for customers.
Initiatives for aluminum cans include reducing the lid diameter of beer cans in 2008 and thinning the body of beer and chu-hi cans in 2014. In addition, we have implemented thinner bodies for steel coffee cans, steadily advancing our efforts in lightweighting.

Boss Rainbow Mountain Blend
The Premium Malt’s
-196℃ Chu-Hi Strong Zero Double Lemon

Lightweighting of Glass Bottles

In 2014, the medium glass bottle of The Premium Malt’s was lightened by approximately 10g, bringing its weight down to 460g. The body of the bottle where the label is applied was indented by 0.2 to 0.3 mm to prevent scratches when bottles collide. Furthermore, we improved the design to minimize chipping when opened with a bottle opener, enhancing the overall quality of the bottle.

The Premium Malt’s medium glass bottle

Reducing the Weight of Cardboard

Suntory Group is working to reduce the environmental impacts of beverage cartons by using short-flap cardboard cartons in cooperation with the industry. We began using these cartons in 2012 for non-alcoholic beverages in small PET bottles, achieving about a 20% reduction in paper use compared to traditional cartons. We have used short-flap cardboard cartons for beer and RTD products since 2019.

Short flap cardboard cartons that reduce cardboard usage on its sides

Reuse: Promoting Collection and Reuse of Containers

Recycle: Promoting Container Recycling

The World’s First 100% Recycled Aluminum Can

Suntory Spirits Ltd. launched the world’s first 100% recycled aluminum can^*1 in its limited editions of The Premium Malt’s CO₂ Reduction Can (350ml, 5.5% ABV) and The Premium Malt’s Kaoru Ale CO₂ Reduction Can (350ml, 6% ABV) in 2022. This first of its kind 100% recycled aluminum can^*1 was jointly developed by UACJ Corporation and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. and emits 60% less CO₂ compared to when creating a regular aluminum can^*2.

• *1
  First as a commercialized SOT (Stay on Tabs) can which uses only recycled aluminum derived from canned materials (based on research by Toyo Seikan Group and UACJ, as of July 2022).
• *2
  350ml beverage aluminum can produced by Toyo Seikan Group using UACJ aluminum material.

First Adoption of Low-Environmental-Impact Can Lids “EcoEnd™” for Beer Products

We have adopted EcoEnd™ can lids, which emit approximately 40%^*1 less greenhouse gases (GHG) during manufacturing, for some of our beer products. The production of new aluminum ingots uses large amounts of electricity, resulting in a larger GHG footprint and environmental impact than recycled aluminum. EcoEnd™ reduces the use of new aluminum ingots by 41% by increasing the percentage of recycled raw materials^*2 to 75% through adjusting the post-melting composition and developing manufacturing techniques. With these lids, we have been able to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 40% while ensuring the same quality as conventional beverage can lids.

• *1Compared with Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd. conventional products. Reduction per lid.
• *2GHG emissions are 3% of new aluminum ingots.

Shifting to Recycled Paper Containers

Conventional paper containers for alcoholic beverages have an aluminum-metallized coating inside to preserve product quality. However, separating the paper and aluminum for recycling has been difficult. New paper containers have improved recyclability through the use of non-aluminum transparent barrier coatings.
We have adopted highly recyclable paper containers for shochu, spirits, and wine. As of April 2024, we have switched approximately 90% of conventional paper containers for alcoholic beverages to the new containers.

Suntory Umeshu
Delica Maison

Introduction of Cans Using Green Aluminum^*1

In January 2024, Suntory Spirits Ltd. introduced Green Aluminum^*1 in its limited edition of The Premium Malt’s (350ml, 5.5% ABV). The Green Aluminum used in this product was designed and produced in a joint effort among 4 other companies from different fields; Sumitomo Corporation, Sumisho Metalex Corporation, Kobe Steel, Ltd. and Daiwa Can Company. The Green Aluminum was allocated using a mass balance^*2 method, and reduced CO₂ emissions by 25%^*3 compared to conventional aluminum cans^*4.

• *1
  Aluminum produced using renewable energy sources with reduced CO₂ emissions.
• *2
  Under the mass balance approach, for a product manufactured by mixing a material that has a specific characteristic with those without that characteristic, the characteristic can be allocated to a part of the output of the product in proportion to the amount of the material with the characteristic used in the production process.
• *3
  Verified and validated from a third-party impartial and neutral standpoint by DNV Business Assurance Japan K.K.
• *4
  350ml beverage aluminum cans published in the Japan Aluminum Association Beverage Aluminum Can Inventory Survey Report (July 2023).

The Premium Malt’s 350ml

Use of FSC^®-Certified Cardboard

Suntory Group uses FSC-certified* paper packaging materials for its domestically produced products. For the beverage business, we completed the switch to FSC-certified cardboard packaging for all Suntory Tennensui (Mineral Water) brand products in 2018. For the alcoholic beverage business, we have adopted the use of FSC-certified cardboard packaging and six-pack paper packaging, and promote the use of FSC-certified paper packaging throughout the Group.

• *
  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that certifies timber produced from forests globally as well as the distribution and manufacturing processes of the cut timber. We are creating a mechanism for consumers to support responsible forest management by identifying wood produced from responsible forest management and their associated products, and delivering those products to consumers. This certification considers the environmental conservation of these forests and recognizes timber produced in an economical and sustainable manner which generates revenue for the local community.

By-products and Waste Generation Performance

• *
  Data covers 27 production plants in Japan and 52 production plants overseas.

Recycling Rate of Japanese Plants and Flow for Reuse of By-products and Waste Generated in Each Production Process

By-products and Waste Generation, Recycling Rate and the Purpose of Use for Recycled Products

• *
  Data covers 27 production plants in Japan

Applications of Recycled Materials

The by-products and waste generated by Suntory Group are being resourcefully reused for various purposes.

• 

  Barrel cabinet

• 

  Dining Set TARURU

• 

  Drink sampling tray made from barrel

Products in the line-up of Suntory Barrel Story created from whisky cask materials that have fulfilled their distillery role.

For more information, see Suntory Barrel Story.

Establishing a Circular Utilization Cycle for Food Waste – Izutsu Maisen Co., Ltd.

Izutsu Maisen Co., Ltd. is actively working to reduce and reuse food waste so as not to waste the precious gifts of nature. A symbolic effort in this regard is the establishment of a circular utilization cycle for bread crusts.
Izutsu Maisen cuts off the crusts of the bread when they make their popular fillet katsu sandwiches. These bread crusts are generally given to business operators who are able to recycle them as feed. Since 2012, recognizing that feed mixed with bread crusts is well-suited for pig cultivation, the company developed an original brand of pork called “Amai-Yuwaku.” This pork is then used as a raw ingredient for tonkatsu and other products, thus creating a circular utilization system.

Original Amai-Yuwaku pork brand