Recycling of paper cartons

Dual loops of paper carton recycling
Reborn as recycled products

Use

Growing

Wood is used with zero waste.

Appropriately managed forestry
practices absorb atmosphericcarbon dioxide and discharge
oxygen.

CO2

A used paper carton is ahigh-quality resource.It isreborn as recycled products.

O2

Logged trees are primarily used for construction
materials and furniture. Wood chips made fromthin timber from forest thinning activities, edget r i m s re s u l t i n g f ro m m a n u fa c t u r i n g o f
construction materials, and branches are usedas raw material to produce paper. Long fibers ofacicular trees are suitable for processing of
durable paper cartons.

CO 2 emissions from a 1000 ml paper carton total 32.4 g. The
environmental load resulting from this is very small.
Recycling a 1000 ml paper carton reduces CO2 emissions by 23.4 g.
※Source: Institute for Policy Analysis and Social Innovation "2004 Report of Survey on Life Cycle
Assessment of Containers and Packaging" (Entrusted by the Ministry of the Environment)

Paper recyclers and wholesalersof used (consumed) paper
They sort paper cartons and transport them to recycled paper manufacturers.

Edge trims andt i m b e rs f ro mforest thinning
activities

Recycled paper
manufacturers

Life cycles of a forest

Life span of 50 to 100 years

Paper cartons have lower environmental load※

Chips

Paper manufacturers

Laminated portions are removed andthe base paper (raw paper) portion isd i s s o lve d . A t t h i s p o i n t , fo re i g n
substances such as residual ink are
extracted in order to produce clean pulpthat is suitable for manufacturing
recycled products such as toilet rolls.

Recycling of paper cartonsBase paper (raw paper)
will not be exhausted.
Acicular trees in North America and Northern Europe are mainly
used for production of base paper (raw paper). Forests ofacicular trees are managed according to forestry certifications,and tree trimming, planting of seedlings and growing processes
are conducted systematically. Acicular trees in North America
are raised for approximately 50 to 80 years, and in Northern
Europe they are raised for approximately 70 to 100 years. Treesin both regions are subject to controlled thinning.

Plant

Construction materials
storage site

Paper cartons
Paper cartons refer to a container of milk,
lactic beverages, juices, etc. that do nothave a piece of aluminum laminated to theinside surface.
In addition to 1000 ml, 500 ml and 200 ml
containers are collected, too.

Collection

Wash
Open

Collection methods include
store collection atsupermarkets and othersimilar stores, municipality
collection, group collection
by citizen's groups, andcollection at schools.

DryConstruction andfurniture materials

Seedlings are picked from parent
trees, grown in nursery grounds,
and then systematically planted in
logging forests.

24

Recycling of paper cartons●Dual loops of paper carton recycling

Wash

Open

Dry
Recycling of paper cartons●Dual loops of paper carton recycling25

Outline of COMCEI

Short history●Short history of COMCEI■Short history of JAMRA

Fiscal year

★Activities to strengthen collaboration

Short history

Applicable laws

1984

■ A group of housewives started a milk carton recycling movement to teach their children to recognize the value of things.

1985
to
1993

■ "Japan Milk Carton Recycling Association" was established (1985).
● "Committee for Milk Container Environmental Issues" was established (1992).
■ "Milk carton recycled products mark" was created (1992).
● The Committee participated in "Forestry Fair" held by the Forestry Agency(the Committee participated every year from 1993 to 2008).

Fiscal year

2010
●The Basic Environment Law
was enacted (1993).

● "Basic survey on the present status and trends of beverage paper container (paper carton) recycling" was started.

1996● "The Beverage Paper Container Recycling Council" was established.

1997■ National case study on milk carton collection system was conducted.

1998● Model project for promotion of milk cartons used for school meals was started (Hokkaido).
■ An experimental projected was implemented to build a collection and recycling system of milk cartons used forschool meals (Fukuoka and Hyogo).
■ Convivial meetings were held to promote collection of beverage paper containers (Locations of meeting *1).

1999

★ Local conference to promote paper carton recycling was held (this has been continuing since *1).

2000

● The Paper Carton Identification Mark was voluntarily established.
● Discussion Meeting to Promote Recycling of Paper Cartons for Beverages was started(this has been continuing since).

●Containers and Packaging
Recycling Law was enacted.

2011●Containers and Packaging
Recycling Law was enforced.

Paper Carton Identification Mark2001

★ Movement for expansion of milk carton collection centers was started (Provision of collection boxes to local communities).

2002★ Activities to expand milk carton collection centers to 10,000 locations was started.

2003★ Survey on paper carton LCA in North America was conducted.

2004● Environmental campaign was started(executed during Environment month and the 3R month each year).
★ Workshop on milk carton recycling was held (this has been continuing since *2).
● Participated in one of the largest class environmental-related exhibitions, called"Eco-Product Exhibition 2004" (this has been continuing every year).

2012●Containers and Packaging
Recycling Law was completely
enforced.
●Basic Law for Establishing the
Recycling-Based Society wasenacted.
●Law for the Promotion of Effective
Utilities of Resources was enacted.

Applicable laws

★ "Milk Packn's Expedition" DVD was produced.
★ The 1st Japan and Korea Forum on Processed Milk Industry Environmental Management (in Seoul, Korea).
★ "Real Story of Paper Carton Recycling" pamphlet was published.
★ Onsite lessons on paper carton recycling was held for the leaders of the movement in Korea (in Korea).
★ Provision of collection boxes to 20,000 locations was achieved.

Milk carton recycled products mark1995

Short history● "Plan 2015 - Action Plan for Recycling of Paper Cartons for Beverages" was established and published.
● The second voluntary action plan for promoting 3R of containers and packaging was announced(The Beverage Paper Container Recycling Council).
● Certified as PCR of "milk".
★ The 2nd Japan and Korea Forum on Processed Milk Industry Environmental Management (in Osaka).
Real Story of Paper Carton Recycling■ "Milk Carton Recycle Mark Promotion Council" was established.
● New organizations for operation of the Committee were started(General Affairs, local organizations, Event Committee).
★ The 3rd Japan and Korea Forum on Processed Milk Industry Environmental Management (in Kyongju, Korea).
★ Survey on paper carton LCA in Northern Europe was conducted.
■ "Friendly environment loop forum - Efforts for utilization of recyclable energy".
Inspection of forestry management practices in Northern Europe★ Workshop at a commercial facility "Ginza Mitsukoshi" (Tokyo).
● A symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary of COMCEI was held.

2013★ A booklet "Story of Waste" was published.
★ Workshop at a commercial facility "Ario Hashimoto (Sagamihara City)".

●Review of the Revised
Containers and Packaging
Recycling Law was started.

and "LaLa garden Nagamachi (Sendai City)".

●Act on Promoting Green
Purchasing was enacted.

■ Supported "Friendly environment loop - Effects and problems of recycling containers and packaging".

● A symposium commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Committee for Milk Container Environmental Issues was held.

Symposium commemorating
the 20th anniversary of COMCEI● Composition analysis of paper cartons in Matsudo City.

● Survey on Paper Carton Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was started (this has been continuing since).

2014★ Workshop at a commercial facility "Isetan Matsudo Store (Matsudo City)" and "LaLa garden Nagamachi (Sendai City)".

2015★ "Milk Carton Recycling - Nationwide Collection of 20 Cases" 4th volume published.
★ "Discussion meeting with paper manufacturers associated with paper carton recycling" was held.

■ "Friendly environment loop forum - Information exchange on activities at welfare organizations associated with milk carton recycling".
● Composition analysis of paper cartons (Machida City).

●Review of Containers andPackaging Recycling Law wasstarted.

■ "Friendly environment loop forum - 30th anniversary memorial meeting of JAMRA".

Participation in "Eco-product 2004".

● Goal of the paper carton collection rate in fiscal 2010 was set to 50% or greater.
● The voluntary action plan for promoting 3R of containers and packaging was announced

2016(The Beverage Paper Container Recycling Council).

2005★ The website for children's environmental education called "Milk Packn's Expedition" was started.
● Sponsoring "Message Box Kit" for enlightening exhibition was started.

★ Nishi Hari project (Construction of local collection system).
★ Survey on paper carton LCA in Northern Europe.

2006

2007

■ 20th anniversary memorial meeting of JAMRA.

●Revised Containers and Packaging
Recycling Law was enacted.

●Review of the Revised
Containers and Packaging
Recycling Law wascompleted.

Venues of local conference to promote paper carton recycling (1998 to 2016)

Hokkaido, Hakodate, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Yamagata, Niigata, Nagano, Shiga, Gunma, Warabi, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tokyo (northern and eastern parts), Akishima, Kanagawa,
Yokohama, Kuwana, Kasuga, Shizuoka, Gifu, Ishikawa, Fukui, Mie, Aichi, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo (Kobe and Hanshin area), Akashi, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi, Fukuoka,
Kitakyushu, Oita, Saga, Kumamoto, Okinawa● "Plan 2010 - Action Plan for Recycling of Paper Cartons for Beverages -＊2 Venues of milk carton recycling workshop (2004 to 2016)

Toward collection rate of 50%" was established and published.
● Participated in the main event of the environmental moth "Eco-fair 2007"(this has been continuing every year).
■ Supported "Friendly environment loop - Recycling Association" (this has been continuing every year).
★ Survey on paper carton LCA in North America was conducted.
Participation in Eco-Life Fair 2007.
★ Onsite lessons on milk carton recycling was started (this has been continuing since *3).
★ The movement for further expansion the number of milk carton collection centers (20,000 locations were targeted).

Asahikawa City, Sapporo City, Saitama City, Fujimi City, Shibuya ward, Shinagawa ward, Koto ward, Nakano ward, Kita ward, Nishitokyo City, Yokohama City, Atsugi City, Sagamihara City,
Yokoshibahikarimachi, Otsuki City, Kofu City, Shimizu Town, Chikusei City, Nisshin City, Osaka City, Nishinomiya City, Matsuyama City, Kochi City, Beppu City, Naha City

● Participated in the Toyako Summit Memorial General Environmental Exhibition 2008.

2008★ Conference on employment of CTMP for beverage cartons.

2009★ A book "Paper Carton Manifesto" was published.

26＊１
Local Conference To Promote Paper Carton Recycling was held

● "Plan 2020 - Action Plan for Recycling of Paper Cartons for Beverages" was established and published.
● The third voluntary action plan for promoting 3R of containers and packaging was announced (The Beverage Paper
Container Recycling Council).
★ Survey on paper carton LCA and fact-finding survey on paper carton recycling in North America was conducted.
★ Leaflet of "Real Story of Paper Carton Recycling" was published.
■ The theme this year was "The State of Required Paper Carton and Its Suitability for Recycling".

Outline of COMCEI●Short history＊3 We visited the following schools to run the onsite lessons on milk carton recycling (2007 to 2016)●Revised Containers andPackaging Recycling Law wascompletely enforced.

Aomori City Izumikawa Elementary School, Sendai City Shoryo Elementary School, Sukagawa City Abukuma Elementary School, Mito City Akatsuka Elementary School, Chikusei City Ueno Elementary
School, Chikusei City Isa Elementary School, Motegimachi Motegi Elementary School, Hagamachi Hagaminami Elementary School, Nogimachi Tomonuma Elementary School, Ota Chuo Primary
School, Kawaguchi City Tozukaminami Elementary School, Koshigaya City Obukurohigashi Elementary School, Konosu City Akamidaidaiichi Elementary School, Ichihara City Chiharadaisakura
Elementary School, Noda City Futakawa Elementary School, Shibuya Ward Kakezuka Primary School, Edogawa Ward Shinozakidaini Elementary School, Nishitokyo City Mukoudai Elementary School,
Machida City Oyama Elementary School, Ome City Imai Elementary School, Yokohama City Tsunashima Elementary School, Yokohama City Hie Elementary School, Yamato City School Education
Study Group, Hiratsuka City Okazaki Elementary School, Minami Alps City Shiranehyakuta Elementary School, Hokuto City Mukawa Elementary School, Komagane City Akaho Elementary School,
Toyama City Shinjo Elementary School, Kanazawa City Izumino Elementary School, Tarui Cho Iwade Elementary School, Godo Cho Godo Elementary School, Shizuoka City Togendai Elementary
School, Hamamatsu City Hamana Elementary School, Nisshin City Higashi Elementary School, Nisshin City Nishi Elementary School, Okazaki City Yamanaka Elementary School, Minamiise Cho
Nantohigashi Elementary School, Nabari City Mihata Elementary School, Osaka City Benten Elementary School, Osaka City Turumachi Elementary School, Kishiwada City Jyoutou Elementary School,
Kaizuka City Chuo Elementary School, Amagasaki City Wakaba Elementary School, Nishinomiya City Takagi Elementary School, Oji Cho Ojikita Elementary School, Matsue City Kashimahigashi
Elementary School, Hiroshima City Ushitashinmachi Primary School, Hiroshima City Niho Elementary School, Hiroshima City Nukushina Elementary School, Hiroshima City Omachi Elementary
School, Fukuyama City Hikino Elementary School, Mitoyo City Matsusaki Elementary School, Mitoyo City Omi Elementary School, Kochi City Kamoda Elementary School, Yoshinogawa City Kamiura
Elementary School, Kitakyushu City Tenraiji Elementary School, Saga City Wakakusu Elementary School
Outline of COMCEI●Short history27

Outline of COMCEICOMCEI publications

Members list
3 related associations

The Committee provides DVDs andleaflets that explain characteristics ofpaper cartons and how they are recycled
in an easy-to-understand manner.

DVD "Milk Packn's Expedition"
COMCEI has prepared adetailed DVD version of a
website called "Milk
Packn's Expedition" that istargeting at e l e m e n t a r yschool students. This is an
educational tool that helps
them think about theenvironment and learn theimportance of initiating theirown activities. We send it
free of charge to schools
and organizations that
apply.

"Story of Waste""Real Story about Paper Carton Recycling" has beenedited for children and features interestingillustrations of Milk Packn.

28

Outline of COMCEI●COMCEI publications

DAIRY TOCHIGI AGRI. CO-OP

INASA MILK ASSOCIATION

Harigai Milk Industry Co.,Ltd.

Kannami toubu nougyoukyoudou kumiai

Federation of Milk Processors Co-operatives

Tochigi Meiji Milk Co. Ltd

TOKAI MEIJI.CO.Ltd

KUMAMOTO DAIRY CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Tochigi Milk Co., Ltd.

Asagiri Milk Products Co.,Ltd

KUMAMOTO MILK INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
Nihon Tetra Pak K.K.
ISHIZUKA GLASS Co.,Ltd,
Dai Nippon Printing Co.,Ltd.
TOPPAN PRINTING CO.,LTD.
BF&Package Co., Ltd.
TOKYO PAPER MFG, CO. ,LTD

"Real Story of Paper Carton Recycling"

HORAI Co.,Ltd.
【Gunma】【Hokkaido】

CHUOSEINYU CO.,LTD.

Haruna Dairy Cooperatives

Aichi Brother Company Co.,Ltd.

Tomo Dairy Cooperative

TOKONAME MILK LIMITED PARTNERSHIP COMPANY

GUNMA MILKJOINT BUSINESS COOPERATIVES【Saitama】
MORI MILK Co., Ltd.
SEIBU RAKUNOU
JA Saihoku Rakunou

123 dairy companies【Aichi】

osawa milk Co., Ltd.
【Chiba】【Mie】
Ouchiyama Dairy Agricultural Cooperative【Kyoto】
HIRAYA MILK
JA Kyoto Rakuno Center【Osaka】
SEN-NAN Dairy Products Co.,Ltd.

FURUYA MILK PRODUCTS CO.,LTD

NIPPON DAIRY CO-OPERATED CO.,LTD.

SHIMABARA AREA DAIRY FARMERS COOPERATIVE【Kumamoto】

Kuma Dairy Agricultural Cooperative
JA ASO
Limited Partnership (Corp.) HOTTA KOUNYUUSHA【Oita】KYUSYUNYUGYO CO.,LTD
JA-Shimogo
Koyama Dairies Co., Ltd【Miyazaki】
MINAMI NIHON RAKUNO KYODO CO.,LTD【Kagoshima】
kagoshimakenrakunounyuugyoukabushikigaisya【Okinawa】"Recycling Workshop for Creating
and Playing with Milk Cartons"

Satsuraku Dairy Agricultural Coop

Chiba Hokubu Rakuno Dairy Cooperative

Vitamin Milk Products Co.,Ltd

OKINAWA MEIJI MILK PRODUCTS CO.,LTD.

HOKKAIDO HOSHO MILK PLANT Co.,Ltd.

Chiba-raku Dairy Cooperative

Ikaruga Milk Plant CO.,Ltd.

OKINAWA MORINAGA MILK INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

This book is full of ideas such as how
to make postcards from handmade
paper and how to craft objects out ofmilk cartons. It is distributed in events
such as recycling workshops and ecolife fairs.

SHIN SAPPORO NYUGYO CO., LTD

EZAKI GLICO CO.,LTD.

Mariya milk industry

KUMIAI DAIRIES LIMITED

Recycling Workshop for Creating
and Playing with Milk Cartons

Genki Seikatsu Co., Ltd.

MORINAGA MILK INDUSTRY CO.,LTD.

Awajishima Milk Co.,Ltd.

Miyahira Dairy Corporation

Hokkaido Dairy Corporation Co.,Ltd.

KYODO MILK INDUSTRY CO.,LTD.

MACHIMURA FARM ,Inc.

KOIWAI DAIRY PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

TOYOTOMI MILK PRODUCTS【Aomori】【Miyagi】
TOUHOKU MORINAGA MILK INDUSTRY CO., LTDfurukawa milk industry Co. Ltd
YAMADA MILK PRODUCTS
Michinoku Milk Co.,Ltd.
Touhoku Glico Dairy Products Co.,Ltd【Yamagata】
Fuji Milk Co., Ltd.
GOTO Farm Co.,Ltd
Ohu Dairy Cooperative"Nationwide Collection of 20 Cases" 4th edition

YAEYAMA GENKI

Hakodate Milk

Fujiya Milk Co., Ltd.

"Milk Carton Recycling - Nationwide Collection of 20
Cases" 4th edition
Separate collection of paper cartons
re q u i re s c o m m u n i t y p e o p l e ' sunderstanding of the recycling andcreative ideas in the collection. Thiscase book introduces actual
recycling activities carried out by
citizen's groups, local governments
and various business sectors
throughout Japan to assist readerswhen they are confronted withproblems.

【Hyogo】
TAMBA MILK CO.,LTD.

【Iwate】

Book "Paper Carton Manifesto"
Nihon Hyouron Sha

MEGMILK SNOW BRAND Co., Ltd
Meiji Co., Ltd.

HAGIWARA MILK PLANT Co.Ltd.

Book "Paper Carton Manifesto"
This book details characteristics ofpaper cartons and recycling activities
in order to submit recommendations
for the future of our planet while
enhancing consciousness about themeaning of recycling. The writers
include Mr. Inose, president of
ECOIPS, Ms. Hirai, representative of
JAMRA, and seven members of
COMCEI, among others.

【Tokyo】

Hokkaido Milk Product Co.,Ltd.

kurasimamilk.Co,ltd.

DVD "Milk Packn's Expedition""Real Story of Paper Carton
Recycling"【Nagasaki】

Japan Dairy Association

7 Carton manufacturers"Story of Milk Cartons"【Shizuoka】

Japan Dairy Industry Association

Yotsuba Milk Products Co., Ltd.

"Real Story of Paper Carton
Recycling"
The main points of "RealStory of Paper Carton
Recycling" is summarized
and printed on a two-pages p re a d . P l e a s e u s e i t f o r
education combination with
the quiz panels.

"Story of Waste""Story of Milk Cartons"
It is for early elementary
school children. It shows thelife of a milk carton - from its
birth to finally being recycled
into a new product - in aneasy to understand mannerusing cartoons. Thispublication is recommended
for use in events such asworkshops where many
visitors bring their children.

【Tochigi】【Fukushima】
Rakuou milk products Co.,Ltd.
Tohoku-kyodo Milk industry Co.,Ltd
Aizu Chuoh Nyugyo Corporation
Matsunaga milk Co., Ltd.
Fukushima Milk Co., Ltd.
【Ibaraki】
IBARAKI DAIRY PRODUCT INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Koshin Milk Products Co,Ltd【Kanagawa】
Takanashi Milk Products Co.,Ltd.
YOKOHAMA MILK INDUSTRY CO.,LTD.

【Tottori】
DAISEN Dairy agricultural cooperative【Shimane】

13 supporting members
Oji Eco Materials Co.,LtdKISUKI Daily Product

NISHINIHON EIZAI CO.,LTD

Yasugi Milk Product Co.,Ltd

Nissey Sangyo co.,Ltd.

【Okayama】

NIPPON PAPER CRECIA CO.,LTD

KONDO MILK PRODUCTS CO.,LTD.

OHAYO DAIRY PRODUCTS CO.,LTD

DAIWA ITAGAMI CO., LTD.

Ashigara Milk Products Co.,Ltd.

KAJIHARA MILKPRODUCTS CO.LTD

SHIN-EI PAPER MFG.CO.,LTD.

Kyoudou Milk Co., Ltd.

HIRUZENRAKUNOU NOUGYOU KYOUDOU KUMIAI

Marutomi Paper Company

okayamanisinougyoukyoudoukumiai

YAMADAYOUJI SYOUTEN CO., LTD.

【Nagano】
YATSUGATAKE MILK Co.,Ltd.

【Hiroshima】

CRESCO Corporation

Sanyo Milk Industry Co., Ltd.

WestRock Asia Co.

TOYO MILK INDUSTRY CO.,LTD.

Masukoo Paper Company

Niigata-ken Nokyo Milk Co., Ltd.

Hiroshima Kyodo Milk Industry Co.,Ltd.

Stora Enso Japan

HARADA Daily Products.CO.,LTD.

Chichiyasu Co.,Ltd.

Weyerhaeuser Japan Ltd.

MATSUDA MILK co.ltd【Niigata】

Tsukada Milk Products.Co.LTD
Sado Milk Products Ltd.
【Toyama】
Tonami Milk Co., Ltd.
Kokuto milk
【Ishikawa】
i.Milk Hokuriku Co.,Ltd.
【Gifu】
Hida Rakuno Dairy Cooperative
Bokuseisha Ltd.
Seki Milk Co., Ltd.
Mino Dairy Cooperatives【Yamaguchi】
Yamaguchi Kenraku Milk industry Co.,Ltd
houfurakunou agricultural cooperative
Nishimotobokujou

As of the end of August, 2016

【Kagawa】
Shikoku Meiji Co.,Ltd.
【Ehime】
SHIKOKU MILK PRODUCTS CO.,LTD.
【Kochi】
Himawari Milk
【Fukuoka】
nishirakunyuugyou Co.,Ltd

TOMOE DAIRY PROCESSING CO., LTD

Omu Milk Products Co.,Ltd.

Ibaraku Co.,Ltd.

NAGATOSHI-MILK CO., LTD.

KANTO MILK INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Outline of COMCEI●Members list

29

Dairy product and paper container manufacturers collaborate to recycle

Paper Carton
Recycle Loop

paper containers such as milk cartons to preserve the environment.

Committee for Milk Container Environmental Issues
Nyugyo Kaikan, Kudan Kita 1-14-19, Chiyoda Ku, Tokyo 102-0073
Phone: +81-3-3264-3903, Fax: +81-3-3261-9176
http://www.yokankyo.jp

A message to members of paper carton collection associations
Please contact schools, local governments, public facilities, retail stores, and welfareorganizations to gain their cooperation with regard to installing collection boxes. At the sametime, set up a system to enable regular collection of paper cartons. If you do not know where
paper cartons are collected, contact the section in charge of the local government/public
administration.

Contact the following for more information:

Japan Milk Carton Recycling Association (JAMRA)
Phone: +81-3-3360-1098, Fax: +81-3-3360-7090
Higashi Nakano 4-6-7-201, Nakano Ku, Tokyo 164-0003

This book has been produced using eco-friendly vegetable oil ink.

Published: January 2017