Containers
and Packaging
Background49

Containers and packaging are essential to maintain the quality of products when delivering
them to customers. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, however, are currently unavoidable inthe manufacturing and transportation of containers and packaging. In addition, theexcessive extraction of raw materials for containers and packaging and the improper
disposal of used containers and packaging can damage natural capital. To address thesevarious issues related to containers and packaging, the Kirin Group has promoted 3Rs(Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and has aimed to make containers and packaging lighter, utilize
recycled containers, and achieve a high recycling rate. With regard to paper containers andpackaging, we have been promoting sustainable paper use in order to solve problems
related to human rights in raw material production areas and the destruction of forests. In
2020, we achieved 100% use of FSC-certiﬁed paper for all paper containers at Kirin Brewery,
Kirin Beverage, and Mercian, which we have subsequently maintained. We plan to expand
this initiative to other Kirin Group companies around the world. In response to the problems
associated with plastics, we aim to create a “society that continuously circulates plastics”.

We will create together

A society that circulates containers and packaging in a sustainable way
Develop and distribute sustainablecontainers and packaging

ReduceReuse

RecycleRenewable

Build a resource circulation system tomake containers and packaging sustainable

P.52

Corner-cut cartons, Smart-cut cartons, 6-can pack,paper containers for wine

P.53

PET bottles for wine, roll labels, PET bottles for water,
No label product, Shortening of labels

P.54

Aluminum cans, Lighter returnable glass bottles

P.54

Reuse of glass bottles

P.51

R100 PET bottles, chemical recycling

P.51
P.55

Promotion of more eﬃcient sorting, collection, and recovery
PET bottles, glass bottles, Aluminum cans

P.55

Promotion of recycling in Australia and New Zealand

P.52

FSC-certiﬁed paper containers

����
����

Developed the lightest returnable glass bottles (633mL) in Japanand introduced them into the market on a limited trial basis
Began using 204-diameter aluminum beer cans.

����Completed the switch to full use of the lightest returnable glass bottles (633mL) produced in Japan.

����Began using corner-cut cartons.

����
����

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Began developing and deploying the lightest returnable glass bottles (500mL) in Japan.
Began using PET bottles made from 100% recycled PET resin.
Revised the Kirin Group Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Biological Resources, and declared toachieve 100% use of FSC-certiﬁed paper for all paper containers at Kirin Brewery, Kirin Beverage, andMercian by the end of 2020.
Developed the Kirin Group Plastic Policy.
Began using “R100 PET bottles” made from 100% recycled PET resin for Kirin
Kirin Nama-cha
Nama-cha Decaf
Decaf.
Achieved 100% use of FSC-certiﬁed paper in all paper containers and packaging across Kirin Brewery,
Kirin Beverage, and Mercian.
Began studying technologies for PET resin recycling through chemical recycling in a joint project withseveral companies.
Expanded use of “R100 PET bottles” to cover Kirin Nama-cha and Kirin Nama-cha Hoji Sencha
Sencha.
Began sales of no label products.
Joined the “Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW),” an industry-led NGO.
Began trialing the collection of used PET bottles at convenience stores.
Expanded the collection sites for a demonstration trial on the collection of used PET bottles.
Began joint research to explore industrial applications for PET-degrading enzymes, in order to ﬁnd
applications for chemical recycling.

Joined the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty (Japan)
Started using chemically recycled resin in PET bottles for alcoholic beverages
as the ﬁrst case in Japan
Succeeded in developing technology for PET decomposition and reﬁning

Main Activities

Percentage of recycled PET resin
used at operating companies in Japan
100% by 2050 (Environmental Vision 2050)
50% by 2027 (Plastic Policy)

PET bottle resource circulation●Developed the "Kirin Group Plastic Policy" in 2019, and set a target to replace 50% of
PET resin used in Japan with recycled PET resin by 2027

PET bottles●Expanded the product line of “R100 PET bottles” made from 100% recycled PET resin

Recycled resin ratio●Began selling no label products in 2021 in order to reduce plastic usage.

We will actively

28.0%

of systems foreﬃciently collecting
and using used PET
bottles.

Medium bottle

-21%

-19%

-33%

-55%

605g→475g

470g→380g

20.5g→13.8g

63g→28.3g

90g Reduction

6.7g Reduction

34.7g Reduction

130g Reduction(Compare to 1992)(Compare to 2013)●Set targets to use 100% sustainable paper resources at Lion (Australia and New
Zealand) by 2025
●Developed technology for decomposing PET and reﬁning the monomers produced
after decomposition in relation to chemical recycling of PET bottles in 2023
●Started using chemically recycled resin in PET bottles for alcoholic beverages for theﬁrst time in Japan in 2023
●Joined the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty (Japan) in order to establish
an international treaty aimed at eliminating plastic pollution, in November 2023

(Compare to 2002)

Adoption of sustainable paper containers

Material mix of containers and packaging, by weight (Japan)
Kirin Brewery

In 2020, we achieved 100% use of FSC-certiﬁed paper or recycled paperin paper containers and packaging across Kirin Brewery, Kirin Beverage,
and Mercian. We plan to expand this initiative to Kirin Group companies
around the world by 2030.
Gift cartons

Cardboard cartonsfor products

Drink boxes forbeverages

Drink boxes foralcoholic beverages

4%

6%
25%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Glass bottles Aluminium cans
17 kt
71 kt

Steel cans
11 kt

2%

5%

Drink boxes
5 kt

6-can packs
15 kt

23%
PET bottles
65 kt

Mercian35%

Cardboard cartons for products
100 ktGlobal resource use of containers and packaging: 517 kt

Holistic Analysis of Risks
and Opportunities

6-can packs

Kirin BeverageContainers
and Packaging

FSC-certiﬁed paper ratio(Compare to 1984)

PET bottle forthe 2.0-liter water●Maintained our achievement of the 100% use of FSC-certiﬁed paper for all paper
containers and packaging in Kirin Brewery, Kirin Beverage, Mercian

Activity

Large bottle

Aluminium can
350ml●Strengthened collaboration with other companies and local governments as a part ofeﬀorts to collect PET bottles

・ TNFD
TCFD

Improved sustainability of raw materials
for containers and packaging

Weight reduction ratio

50

2023

●Begun technical studies on recycling PET resin using “chemical recycling” in a joint
project with several companies with the aim of creating a "society that continuously
circulates PET bottles"

Environmental
Strategy

promote the creation

38% by 2024 (non-ﬁnancial target)

Message fromTop Management

Targets and Progress

In December 2020, Kirin began technical studies aimed atalkaline components during the refining process, which can thenthe Kirin Group is gradually expanding the use of “R100 PET bottles”

commercialization focusing on recycling PET bottles using chemical

be reused in the decomposition process. Therefore, by combining

made from 100% recycled PET resin.

recycling.

these two technologies, we can realize a resource-circulating

R100 PET bottles use mechanically recycled resin. By using this resin,

In the current mechanical recycling system, there are constituentsrecycling process. With these technologies, we can carry out the

we can reduce petroleum-based resin by 90% and GHG emissions bythat are difficult to remove from resins, and it is understood thatprocesses for decomposing and recycling PET in a short time and50-60%, compared with conventional PET resin..

the quality of resins deteriorates with repeated recycling.

with low energy, reducing environmental impacts and costs.

We began using recycled resin for some of the packaging ofIn chemical recycling, we sort, pulverize and wash used PET

These two PET chemical recycling technologies that we have

Kirin Gogo-no-Kocha Oishii Muto (sugar-free) in February 2014.

bottles. After the processes, we depolymerize them (chemicaldeveloped are currently under patent filing. The Kirin Group

Subsequently, in 2019, we began using “R100 PET bottles,” which use

decomposition treatment), and break down and refine the PET into

is seeking partners to develop practical applications for these

100% recycled PET resin, for Kirin Nama-cha Decaf .

intermediate materials, and polymerize again into PET.

technologies, and we are working to achieve our vision for

Our use of “R100 PET bottles” as of April 2024 is shown below.

It is possible to recycle used PET bottles into new materials as

containers and packaging and create a society that continuously

many times as we want by decomposing them down to molecular

circulates resources, taking the environment into consideration.

size. We can also recycle PET products other than used PET

In 2023, Kirin Brewery introduced chemically recycled resin for 3L

bottles into PET bottles with this technology.

PET bottles as containers for Tap Marchè and TAPPY, that are beer

In December 2023, we developed two technologies, anserving systems, at bars and restaurants. This was the first attemptalkaline decomposition method and a method of refinement by

to introduce chemically recycled resin for PET bottles for alcoholic

electrodialysis. We developed the alkaline decomposition method

beverages in Japan.

at Kirin Central Research Institute and the method of refinement

In this way, we are aiming to establish a circular economy for PET

by electrodialysis in joint research with the Faculty of Science andresin products.

Society that continuously circulates plastics

Promotion of more efficient plastic sorting and collection

By giving new life to PET
bottles as new PET bottles

51

Petroleum resin usage-90%

GHG emissions
from production

GHG
GHG

-50%~
-60%

1

Aiming to create “a society that continuously circulates plastics,”

From petroleum-derived tobio-derived raw materials

YAKKYOKU CO.,LTD., and as of March 2024, this trial has moved toBusinessmaterials users

PET bottles forbeverages
General consumers

Overseas exports(for clothing, etc.)
Kirin Nama-cha : 525 ml (First photo from left)
Kirin Nama-cha Hoji Sencha : 525ml(Second photo from left)
Kirin Nama-cha Karada-Hare-cha：525ml (second from right in the photograph)
Kirin Nama-cha caffeine Zero：430ml(The right photo)*Product photos are as of the end of April 2024.

2

Some

Collection contractors
and government

Thermalrecycling3

Promotion of more efficient sorting,collection, and recovery
New recycling routes that Kirin is focusing on for the future
Existing recycling routes
One-way routes

Used PET bottles are collected and sorted using collection boxes
installed in WELCIA’s dragstores, and once collected at WELCIA's
Ishizuka Green PET Corporation.
Flow of collecting, recycling, and product creation
WELCIA
Consumers

RetailCollection
at stores
Gatheringat distribution
centers
Sale ofproducts

Kirin
Intermediate
treatment

Recycling

BeveragemakerCompaction
treatment

Resinrecycling

Recreationof products

Holistic Analysis of Risks
and Opportunitiese c ti o nregular operation.

distribution center, they are delivered to recycler Far Eastern
Reduction ofresin usage

sumpt
Con Use ion/c y c li n g

C o llWaste materials
and clothingd u c ti o n

Used PET bottles

P ro

Re

Existing recyclers
Mechanically recycled resin

Chemical Recycling Resin
Chemical recyclers

Creation of
new recycling routes
with chemicals

4in June 2022, we launched a commercial-scale trial with WELCIA

Containers
and Packaging

Other thanbeverage bottles

New resin

ActivityEngineering, Waseda University. This refining method regenerates

In accordance with the Plastic Policy that we established in 2019,

・ TNFD
TCFD

Chemical recycling

Environmental
Strategy

R100 PET bottles

Message fromTop Management

Sustainable PET bottles

Reduce
6-can pack

At the end of November 2020, the Kirin Group achieved the 100%

The Institute for Packaging Innovation developed “corner-cut

In addition to being easy to hold and remove, 6-can packuse of FSC-certified paper in all paper containers and packaging

cartons,” and we introduced them to the market in 2004. The

containers of beer are designed to be lightweight. For example,

at Kirin Brewery, Kirin Beverage, and Mercian. This initiative covers

beveled corners mean that the carton has eight sides, which

we have installed a cut-out section at the sides of the pack to fit

all paper containers, including “6-can packs,” “gift boxes,” “paper

makes the carton stronger, and the cardboard thickness has been

the can edge (Kirin patent), and use a “can bottom lock structure”

containers,” and “cardboard cartons for products,” and it is the

reduced. This results in a 10.9% reduction in the weight of theto stabilize the bottoms of the can with paper. These innovations

first declaration and achievement of such a target by a Japanese

carton compared to conventional cartons.

have resulted in a reduction in packaging materials of 4 grams,

manufacturer. In 2022, we revised the “Action Plan for the

Quantity of paper saved byeliminating corners

Sustainable Use of Biological Resources,” and expand companies
complying the action plan to Kyowa Kirin, Kyowa Hakko Bio,or 8%, per 500 ml 6-can pack. At the same time, they have also
improved the pack’s can-holding power.
Layered for comparison

Lion, Koiwai Dairy Products. We began related initiatives in thesecompanies.

17.5mm
Of the same thickness,more corners makethe object more load-bearing.

Quantity of paper
saved by making
cardboard core thinner52

New 6-can packPrevious 6-can pack

Reducing the weight of paper containers for wine
Since March 2022, Mercian has reduced the weight of containers for
its wine. Specifically, this innovation was applied to five types of wine,

Activity

middle
core

-8.9%

10mm

・ TNFD
TCFD-2%

Environmental
Strategy

Corner-cut cartons

Message fromTop Management

Sustainable
paper containers

namely FRANZIA (red, white, dark red) bag-in-box and FRONTERAFSC-certifiedlabeling

Smart-cut cartons
The smart-cut carton is based on the corner-cut carton technology.
In addition to the reduction in weight, the corners of the longedges at the top of the carton have been cut to fit the space
FSC C137754

created by the lids of the 204-diameter can.

®

This has resulted in a 16% weight reduction compared to the previous
corner-cut carton. The Institute for Packaging Innovation developed

For these products, Mercian uses bag-in-box containers, consist ofouter paper boxes and inner flexible plastic bags. By reducing theweight of the outer box from 190g to 143g, by approximately 25%, we
reduce the use of paper resources by around 31 tons per year.

Containers
and Packaging

FSC logo(Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay) wine-fresh servers.

Lightweight bag-in-box packaging

the smart-cut carton in conjunction with a container and packaging

Holistic Analysis of Risks
and Opportunities

manufacturer, and obtained a joint design registration.
smart-cut
cardboardcases

FSC ®C137754*Product photos are as of the end of April 2024 or at the time of the event.

62.25mm
204
Diameter 66.3mm
can*Product photos are as of the end of April 2024 or at the time of the event.

Reduce

In 2022, the Institute for Packaging Innovation developed a 720ml

The Institute for Packaging Innovation has developed and put into

PET bottle for wine that is the lightest in Mercian’s history. We

practical use the lightest 2L PET bottle for water produced in Japan,

reduced the weight by 5g, from 34g to 29g. Mercian expects that theat 28.3g. We reduced the weight of the 2L PET bottle from 63g prioruse of this lightweight PET bottle for all 720ml PET bottle products

to June 2003 to 28.9g in 2015. We further reduced the weight in April

that it produces and sells to reduce PET resin use by approximately

2019 by improving the bottle’s screw top, including making the screw

83 tonnes per year and GHG emissions by approximately 286 tonnes.

threads narrower and the screw portion shorter, thereby putting it

The lightweight PET bottle received the “46th Kinoshita Award forinto practical use as the lightest such PET bottle produced in Japan.

Packaging Technology.” The bottle won the award partly because

These efforts will result in annual reductions of PET resin use of

we reduced resin use by approximately 15% while maintaining theapproximately 107 tonnes and GHG emissions of approximately 375“Bordeaux shoulder shape” and a “clean body shape,” and partly

tonnes. In addition, for some 2L and 1.5L large PET bottle products,

because the fact that it uses the Kirin Group's gas barrier coatingsuch as Kirin Gogo-no-Kocha and Kirin Nama-cha, we reduced thetechnology, which uses DLC*1 film, to keep wine fresh for a longweight by approximately 16%, from 38.2g to 32.2g, by improving theperiod of time.

molds of preforms. We have been gradually introducing these bottles

Natural Water No Label , exclusively online. In June 2022, we began
test sales of Kirin Nama-cha No Label with Paper Sticker at somemass merchandise stores in the Tokyo metropolitan area. By attachingsmall paper stickers that provide required information, we can sell
individual products without conventional labels. In August 2023, weannounced PET bottle direct printing technology compatible withrecycling processes.
No label productNo label withpaper sticker

Direct print to
PET bottleof PET resin use of approximately 439 tonnes and GHG emissions of

34g

Reduced29g

weight by 5g

approximately 1,515 tonnes.

*This product is fictional.

Weight reduction of 2L PET bottles for water
Previous

Improved

Shortening of labels and packaging materials

53

width of labels on bottles

21g

2003

7g

2010

6.1g

2015

0.6g

2019

2022

Sencha that we released in
2022. By reducing the size
thinner by switching to rollmain types of labels for PET bottled soft drinks: shrink labels and

63g

42g

labels, we reduced resin

35g
28.9g

roll labels. We place shrink labels over bottles in the filling plant,

28.3g

label thinner. Customers can easily remove the label, contributing tosorting trash and recycling. At Kirin Beverage, we use roll labels forsome products sold exclusively in vending machines, such as Kirin

Namacha , Kirin Gogo-no-Kocha Oishii Muto , Kirin Loves Sports , Kirin
Amino Supplement C , and Kirin Tennensui Natural Mineral Water.
Since February 2023, additional roll labelers have been installed at
Kirin Beverage Shonan Plant and Shiga Plant to expand application ofroll labels on the company’s brands.

No label productProduct released
in 2021

Product released
in 2023

Shortening of paper packaging
materials for six-bottle packs

tonnes. We have made thepaper packaging materials

Since March 2021, we have been selling Kirin Nama-cha No

for the 525ml and 600ml

Label 6-Pack and Kirin Nama-cha Hoji Sencha No Label 6-Pack at

products in the six-bottle

merchandise stores in Japan. We have also been selling Kirin Nama-packs of no label productscha No Label and Kirin Nama-cha Hoji Sencha No Label exclusively

shorter than those of theonline. In May 2022, we expanded our range of no label products

products we launched

Product released
in 2021

Product released
in 2022with the launch of Kirin Gogo-no-Kocha Oishii Muto (sugar-free) No

in 2021, reducing paper

Label and Kirin FIRE ONE DAY Black No Label exclusively online. In

consumption. We also use FSC-certified paper for packaging materials

April 2023, we began sales of a new product, Kirin Shizen-ga-Migaita

and display a label of the certification.
*Product photos are as of the end of April 2024 or at the time of the event.

Holistic Analysis of Risks
and Opportunities

wrapping them around the PET bottle, which enables us to make thetonnes and GHG emissionsof approximately 400

then apply heat to shrink the label. This means a certain thicknessof labels is required. On the other hand, we attach roll labels by

use by approximately 180

Containers
and Packagingof the labels and making it

Since September 2020, Kirin Beverage has used “roll labels” on somePET bottle products for sale in vending machines. There are twofor the 600ml Kirin Nama-cha and Kirin Nama-cha Hoji

reduction

reduction

reduction

reduction

Use of roll labels〜2003

Shortening of labels

Activity

We have shortened the* Abbreviation for Diamond-Like Carbon (Patent No. 4050648, etc.), a technologythat forms a thin film of carbon on the inside of PET bottles to inhibit thepermeation of oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide and other gases.

・ TNFD
TCFD

since December 2020. These efforts will result in annual reductions

Environmental
StrategyLightest PET bottles for water produced in Japan

Message fromTop Management

Reducing the weight of PET bottles for wineReduce

Reuse of glass bottles

In 2011, we achieved a weight reduction of our aluminum cans

Our returnable glass bottles for beer are the lightest among those

In Japan, people have collected and reused glass bottles over andapproximately 29% with our 204 diameter can compared with the

produced in Japan in all sizes (633mL, 500mL, and 334mL). As wellover since the Meiji Era (more than a hundred years ago). Returnable

209 diameter can which was standard at the time, by reducing theas being light in weight, returnable glass bottles need to be durable

glass bottles come back to plants and are washed thoroughly inside

diameter of can lids, narrowing the top and bottom edges, thinning

enough to maintain their returnable functionality and strong enoughand outside to make them as clean as a new bottle. After stringently

the walls. Working with materials manufacturers, we developed an

to ensure consumer safety and security of mind. To solve thischecking the bottles for scratches and cracks with an empty bottle

aluminum can with thinner can lids and a body in 2016. We havedilemma, the Institute for Packaging Innovation created the lightest

inspection machine, we put the bottles back into production lines

reduced the overall weight of the can by approximately 5% (fromreturnable glass bottles by making excellent use of innovations suchand fill them with beer. When handled carefully, returnable glass

14.6g to 13.8g). This represents a weight reduction of 33% (6.7ɡ)as a ceramic coating that forms a thin film on the bottle’s outsidebottles last for an average of about eight years. This means they arefrom the 209 diameter can. Weight reduction is necessary for both

surface, an impact-resistant shape design, and a bottle mouth designused around 24 times.

steel and aluminum cans. In particular, aluminum requires a largethat satisfies the conflicting requirements of being easy to open andamount of electricity for smelting, so weight reduction contributes

able to be sealed tightly and that is also strong enough not to chipsignificantly to the reduction of Scope 3 GHG emissions.

when opened.
CustomerTransitioning weight of the 350ml aluminum cans

54

Diameterandweight of
the body

mm
5.3g

64.7

mm
3.9g

62.3
mm
3.1g

62.3

62.3

mm
3.1g

mm

2.9g

＋

＋

＋

＋

66.3

66.3

66.3

66.3

66.3

15.2g

14.7g

12.1g

11.5g

10.9g

20.5g

18.6g

15.2g

14.6g

mm

-6.7g

mm

mm

mm

＋
mm

344mL bottle

-21%

-19%

-10%

605g→475g
130g
reduction

470g→380g

390g→350g

90g
reduction

39g
reduction

Store

Molding

Kirin plant

WashingReborn as
a new beer bottle.

Used bottles collected
at the brewery.

Gently yetthoroughly cleaned.

Melting
Broken downbottles are melted.

Bottles that pass theinspection are filledwith beer and reusedfor products.

Rinsing
Carefully rinsed
in warm andcold water.

13.8g

33% reduction

GHG reduction eﬀect of lighter medium-size bottles

about

930t

reductionof GHG*Product photos are as of the end of April 2024 or at the time of the event.

1.5 mmless thanprevious
bottles*Calculated on
Previous Lightest inassumption ofJapan
10 million bottles a year

Previous

Lightest inJapan

Culletproduction

Inspection

Cullet istransported to glass
bottle factories

Bottles that do notpass the inspection are
broken down into
raw materials forglass bottles.

Strictly checked forsmall marks andfine cracks.

Holistic Analysis of Risks
and Opportunities

We applied aceramics coating
technology

Glassfactory

Containers
and Packaging

Theweight of
the cans

69.8

2011
2016
204Diameter 204Diameter

500mL bottle

Activity

Diameterandweight of
the lid

1973
1985
1994
209Diameter 206Diameter 204Diameter

633mL bottle

・ TNFD
TCFD

Lightest returnable glass bottles in Japan

Environmental
Strategy

Reducing the weight of aluminum cans

Message fromTop Management

Reusecommenced in November 2023.

Promotion of recycling in Australia and New Zealand

The Kirin Group promotes recycling of PET bottles as a member ofLion has established the “Sustainable Packaging Strategy” towhich is bidding to be coordinator of the Tasmanian scheme

promote recycling. In order to promote this strategy, the company

expected to commence in 2024.

has established Lion's Sustainable Packaging Project Steering Group,

The majority of Container Deposit Schemes in Australia are

and has set the following goals. Lion is also promoting activities toexperiencing strong growth in returns of containers, particularly

achieve these targets, which are aligned with those of the Australianthose that have only been implemented in recent years. State

Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO).

governments of the older schemes, such as South Australia (the best

the Council for PET Bottle Recycling in Japan. Under the council’s
Fourth Voluntary Action Plan (FY2021-FY2025), members of thecouncil are working toward a target recycling rate of at least
85% (base year: FY2004). In 2022, the recycling rate was 86.9%,
achieving the target.In October 2022, Kirin Beverage introduced new

performing scheme in Australia) and Northern Territory, are currently

recycling boxes, specially designed by soft drink industry to prevent
other objects than PET bottles, next to vending machines, in orderto reduce contamination by foreign substances. We had installed
1,000 boxes by the end of 2022. We will continue cooperating with
the industry to promote bottle-to-bottle recycling activities.

●Increasing recycled content to at least 50% by 2025.
●100% of Lions packaging material to be reusable, recyclable,or compostable by 2025

looking at legislative changes to modernize their schemes andfurther increase rates of return, including increased automation andtechnology, streamlining of scheme governance and management,
and broadening the scope of containers subject to the scheme.

●A commitment to zero avoidable waste to landfill by 2025

Lion is working closely with all scheme entities and relevant● Promoting activities to achieve these targets, which aregovernments to look at additional initiatives and policy developmentaligned with those of the Australian Packaging Covenant
Organisation (APCO).

to further drive growth in return, particularly in sectors such ascommercial (such as hospitality) and industrial, public place, andhigh rise buildings.

・ TNFD
TCFD

New recycling boxes and stickers to raise awarenessLion is also a member of the not-for-profit entity TasRecycle Limited,

Environmental
Strategy

Recycling of PET bottles

Message fromTop Management

RecycleAs glass accounts for the highest proportion of Lion's material

55

recycled content of glass bottles.
Australia has container deposit schemes in seven of its eight states

Recycling of glass bottles
We turn old returnable glass beer bottles and one-way glass
new glass bottles. In particular, we are pursuing uses for cullet
made from colored glass, which cannot easily be reused for glass
bottles. We are expanding potential ways to recycle this material
for other applications, including building materials and road paving
materials.

The Kirin Group is pursuing the use of aluminum cans that use
a high rate of recycled metal. We have also joined the Japan
Aluminum Can Recycling Association, and we provide assistancefor the collection of used aluminum cans. Through such measures,
we are promoting the recycling of empty cans. Can manufacturers
recycle aluminum cans discarded at breweries and reuse 100% ofthem as aluminum cans for beer.

Lion plays an important role in Australia’s Container Deposit
Schemes, and is involved in the management or coordination of
every scheme in operation.
Our involvement dates back nearly fifty years in South Australia,
where Lion holds a majority of shares in Marine Stores Pty Ltd, acollection coordinator that aggregates collected materials for reuse
and recycling across South Australia and Northern Territory.
In Queensland and Western Australia, Lion participates in theadministration and operation of Container Deposit Schemes as amember of the not-for-profit Container Exchange (QLD) Limited andWA Return Recycle Renew Limited (WARRRL) entities, which were
established and appointed as Producer Responsibility Organisations
to coordinate those schemes.
In New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Lion
participates in Exchange for Change (EfC), a joint venture thatcoordinates the two schemes.
In Victoria, Lion participates as a member of not-for-profit entity
VicReturn Limited, the coordinator of the Victorian scheme, which

Holistic Analysis of Risks
and Opportunities

Recycling of aluminum cansand territories, with Tasmania to commence a scheme in 2024.

Containers
and Packaging

bottles into cullet, for use primarily as the raw material for making

Activity

inputs, Lion is working closely with its supplier to increase theChange in weight of PET bottles(Kirin Alkali Ion Water 2L PET bottle)

Can lighter transition

Progress in weight reduction of cartons and 6-can packs

-17%

35g
-18%

70

42g

60

Introduction start in 2015

35g

-2%

Introduction start in 2010

50
40

28.9g

-33%

63g

30
20

28.9g

15

2010

2015

2020

1990

1995

Introduction start in 2006

20

Introduction start in 2016

-5%

15.2g

2000

10

14.6g
2005

2010

13.8g

−7.7g

Introduction start in 2004

−22.2g30

Introduction start in 2015−26.2g2020

PET bottles: Trends in the use of recycled PET resin (Japan)

2020

2015

Introduction start in 2015

Activity

2005

−4g

・ TNFD
TCFD

2000

18.6g

0

−1.6g

Introduction start in 199410

Introduction start in 2009

(g)

14.6g

Introduction start in 2011

5

10
1995

20

-18%

Introduction start in 2003

1990

15.2g

28.3g

Introduction start in 2019

42g

-4%

(g)

Carton(350ml Loose)Environmental
Strategy(g)

6-can packs(350ml)

350ml Aluminum cans

2L PET bottle

Message fromTop Management

Key data related to Containers and Packaging

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

56
Returnable beer bottles lighter transition
Large bottle
(g)
650

550

-19%

475g

470g

380g

Test introduced in 2014 The total
amount of switching in 10 years

Introduction start in 1993
All introducted in 2003

Sale

Small bottle

Collection(million bottles)

(%)

(%)

300

120

40

100

107

98

98

400

All introducted in 1999

80

351g

182.6
182.3

107.3
114.6

104.8

89.5
88.1

102.6

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

60

131.9

126.8

20
0

2019

2020

2021

2022

28

30
20

40

0
1990

100

2023

10

1.9

1.5

2019

2020

4.9

8.3

0
2021

2022

We provide the latest updates on our initiatives related tocontainers and packaging on the following website.
https://www.kirinholdings.com/en/impact/env/3_3a/2023

Holistic Analysis of Risks
and Opportunities

350

100

-10%

390g

96.2

200

500
450

Collection rate

Containers
and Packaging

600

Medium bottle

-21%

605g

Kirin Brewery trends in sale and collection of returnable glass bottles