Accelerating the Development of High-Value-Added, Original Products

「Expanding the range of the functional sheet “Cold-Resistant PPiP-Talc,” which provides performance equivalent to cold-resistant PP while reducing plastic use by approximately 25%」

「In addition to the effects of product price revisions, steady sales of profitable lightweight products jointly developed with eco-products and raw-material manufacturers produced a positive ¥4.5 billion contribution in sales activities.」

「Amid continued increases in raw material prices, our group is actively promoting reductions in plastic use. By pursuing product weight reduction and lowering costs, we are proposing ways to curb increases in customers’ purchase prices while also expanding sales of these products as highly profitable strategic products. We developed and launched new general-purpose prepared-food containers that are approximately 10.3% lighter on average than conventional products while maintaining sufficient strength for automatic lid-closing machines. Switching to these new products is expected to reduce plastic use by 680 tons annually.」

「In particular, sales volume of large sushi containers, which achieve approximately 60% weight reduction compared with conventional non-foamed containers, increased substantially to 163.5% of the previous year’s level from April to September 2024, including non-foamed containers. We also successfully developed new general-purpose prepared-food containers that achieve average weight reduction of 10.3% compared with conventional products while maintaining sufficient strength for automatic lid-closing machines, and will launch 80 models and 220 items sequentially.」

「For large sushi containers (※2), we achieved approximately 60% weight reduction for the container body alone compared with our previous non-foamed containers. Sales volume of large sushi containers in the second half increased to 146% of the previous year’s level, including non-foamed containers. We have also launched sushi and sashimi containers with body weight reduced by 40–50% using this technology and are expanding sales.」

「Sales volume of large sushi containers in December alone increased to 142% of the previous December’s level, including non-foamed containers. We will continue launching new products that use this new technology.」

「Amid rising prices for raw materials, electricity, and other goods, we developed and are proposing Japan’s first low-foaming, lightweight container, the “New Low-Foam PSP Container,” which is substantially lighter than non-foamed containers and reduces plastic use. The product was developed by combining Sekisui Kasei Co.,Ltd.’s foaming technology with our proprietary mold-design technology based on double-sided vacuum forming. For large sushi containers (※2), it achieves approximately 60% weight reduction for the container body alone compared with our non-foamed containers, while maintaining equivalent strength and a sharp shape. We and Sekisui Kasei Co.,Ltd. have jointly filed a patent application.」

「We are advancing proposals for low-foam PSP containers that are substantially lighter than conventional non-foamed HIPS containers, reducing plastic use. This new product uses newly developed low-foam PSP sheets and molding technology. For large sushi containers (※2), it achieves approximately 67% weight reduction compared with HIPS containers. As contract processing fees for recycling under Japan’s Containers and Packaging Recycling Law continue to rise, switching to low-foam PSP containers can substantially reduce plastic use and lower customers’ burden of recycling-related fees. Sashimi containers with a gently sloped serving surface that reduces the need for shredded daikon radish, known as “Tsumazero containers” (※3), are also seeing wider adoption because they help reduce customers’ costs and food waste and improve operations.」

「Amid progress in reducing plastic use and CO2 emissions, as well as the expansion of low-stack designs, labor saving in response to labor shortages, takeout and delivery demand, and new markets such as home delivery and frozen foods, we have developed products with a focus on functions that can contribute to customers’ productivity and earnings growth, and launched the following products as major achievements.」

「Specifically, we are proposing products suited to customer needs, including Multi FP containers with both heat and cold resistance and insulation, Eco OPET containers that are less likely to break under frozen conditions, cold-resistant PPi-talc containers that reduce plastic use compared with conventional products, and flexible packaging materials that can be used together with the containers (※2).」

「For the frozen-food market, we are proposing products suited to customer needs, including Multi FP containers with both heat and cold resistance and insulation, Eco OPET containers that are less likely to break under frozen conditions, and cold-resistant PPi-talc containers that reduce plastic use compared with conventional products.」

「Amid progress in resource conservation and CO2 reduction, as well as weight reduction, low-stack designs, labor saving in response to labor shortages, rising demand for takeout and delivery, and the expansion of new markets such as home delivery and frozen foods, we have developed products with a focus on the functions required by the market. The following products were launched as major achievements.」

「As new products for the takeout and delivery market, we launched dedicated noodle containers that retain heat and resist soup leakage, containers using interlocking closures that reduce the risk of loads collapsing during transport, and containers with eye-catching designs that look attractive when posted on social media.」

「As new products for the takeout and delivery market, we launched dedicated noodle containers that retain heat and resist soup leakage, containers using interlocking closures that reduce the risk of loads collapsing during transport, and containers with eye-catching designs that look attractive when posted on social media (※2).」

「As new products for the takeout and delivery market, we launched dedicated noodle containers that retain heat and resist soup leakage, containers using interlocking closures that reduce the risk of loads collapsing during transport, and containers with eye-catching designs that look attractive when posted on social media (※2).」

「Amid progress in resource conservation and CO2 reduction, as well as weight reduction, low-stack designs, labor saving in response to labor shortages, and growing delivery demand, we have developed products with a focus on the functions required by the market. The following products were launched as major achievements.」

「As a new market, we are expanding into the hospital and care-food market through collaboration with a major institutional catering provider. In the frozen-food market, adoption of Multi FP containers has begun after frozen-food manufacturers evaluated their ability to reduce weight compared with conventional containers while providing cold and heat resistance from -40°C to +110°C and insulation.」

「As demand for takeout and delivery increased rapidly, we launched dedicated noodle containers in October 2019. In addition, from July 2020 we launched containers using interlocking closures that make stacked containers less likely to collapse during transport, as well as hinged-lid lunch boxes designed to improve ease of eating by allowing the lid and main body to be separated. Shipments of these dedicated containers are increasing.」

「Our group is accelerating the development and range expansion of high-value-added new products suited to consumers’ lifestyles, seeking to increase sales and improve margins. As labor shortages at food retailers become chronic, we are focusing on container proposals that help balance effort and efficiency. Adoption is expanding for replenishment trays, containers sized to fit storage cases, and tape-free containers with secure interlocking closures. “Raw ingredients to prepared food,” using microwave-compatible Multi FP containers, has become a standard retail product as retailers and food manufacturers develop seasonal menus as a new way to convey the flavor of fresh ingredients.」

「Our group is accelerating the development and range expansion of high-value-added new products suited to consumers’ lifestyles, seeking to increase sales and improve margins. As labor shortages at food retailers become chronic, we are focusing on container proposals that help balance effort and efficiency. Adoption is expanding for replenishment trays, containers sized to fit storage cases, tape-free containers with secure interlocking closures, and set-menu containers using inserts.」

「In July 2019, we began collaborating with a major food-delivery portal, and in October 2019 we began selling containers designed specifically for noodle deliveries. The new containers hold soup in the main body and noodles in an inner dish, making soup less likely to spill and helping retain heat during delivery so that products can be delivered to customers while maintaining their flavor. They can also increase the number of meals delivered per trip, contributing to delivery efficiency. We will continue developing containers for an increasingly diverse range of delivery menus. In addition, in July 2019 we began collaborating with a major institutional catering provider serving hospitals and care facilities and with the food-service industry, and began supplying containers for “Everyone’s Sunday,” a special menu designed to give patients and residents at hospitals and care facilities the experience of eating out on Sundays.」

「For new products, adoption is expanding for tape-free containers with secure interlocking closures, hors d’oeuvre containers using cassette-style inserts, and set-menu containers using inserts, as proposals to improve operations in response to labor shortages at food retailers. In addition, lightweight PSP low-foam containers introduced at FP Corporation Fair 2019, which reduce weight while maintaining the appearance of conventional products, and attractive containers using “fixed-position molding” technology, in which patterns are positioned identically, are receiving many inquiries.」

「As a new market, we are expanding into the frozen-food container market by leveraging the Multi FP container’s cold and heat resistance from -40°C to +110°C and its insulation properties. In the growing market for delivery and institutional catering containers, demand is increasing for high-value-added products that address labor shortages and provide functionality, and we are pursuing initiatives to expand adoption.」

「In terms of sales, our group’s original products, including Multi FP containers, Multi Solid containers, OPET transparent containers, new transparent PP containers, and recycled products such as Eco Trays, Eco APET containers, and Eco OPET containers, continue to perform well. The sales ratio of original products rose from 58% at the end of the previous consolidated fiscal year to 60% at the end of the current consolidated fiscal year.」

「Seasonal menu development for “raw ingredients to prepared food,” using original products, has gradually become established, and the number of participating companies has reached 114. Further expansion is expected nationwide. In addition, we plan to expand into the frozen-food container market by leveraging the Multi FP container’s cold and heat resistance from -40°C to +110°C, oil resistance, and insulation properties.」

「In terms of sales, our group’s original products, including Multi FP containers, Multi Solid containers, OPET transparent containers, new transparent PP containers, and recycled products such as Eco Trays and Eco APET containers, continue to perform well. Multi FP containers in particular are used for prepared-food and bento containers. Their insulation properties have enabled unprecedented product development using microwave heating, including “raw ingredients to prepared food,” and adoption is expanding alongside proposals for creating new retail display areas. For transparent containers, we have expanded the range of OPET transparent containers and new transparent PP containers. Adoption is growing for transparent lids used with microwave-compatible prepared-food and bento containers, as well as interlocking hinged-lid containers suited to prepared-food menus such as fried foods. Eco APET containers are used for summer noodle containers with inner dishes, vegetable salad containers, and lidded containers for produce. Sales of summer noodle containers with inner dishes remained strong this summer as extremely hot days continued.」

「In terms of sales, our group’s original products, including Multi FP containers, Multi Solid containers, OPET transparent containers, new transparent PP containers, and recycled products such as Eco Trays and Eco APET containers, continue to perform well. Multi FP containers in particular are used for prepared-food and bento containers, and their use is expanding alongside proposals for creating new retail display areas, as they enable unprecedented product development using microwave heating. For transparent containers, we have expanded the range of OPET transparent containers and new transparent PP containers. Adoption is growing for transparent lids used with microwave-compatible prepared-food and bento containers, as well as interlocking hinged-lid containers suited to prepared-food menus such as fried foods. Eco APET containers are increasingly being used for summer noodle containers with inner dishes, vegetable salad containers, and lidded containers for produce.」

「Sales of our original products, including Multi FP containers, Multi Solid containers, OPET transparent containers, new transparent PP containers, and recycled products such as Eco Trays and Eco APET containers, remain firm. The sales ratio of original products rose from 54% at the end of the previous consolidated fiscal year to 58% at the end of the current consolidated fiscal year.」

「As the market for prepared foods, or the “food-away-from-home” market, expands through food retailers and food-processing vendors, adoption of our original products compatible with microwave heating is growing. We are accelerating the development and range expansion of high-value-added new products suited to consumers’ lifestyles, increasing the sales mix of our original products, and seeking to increase product sales and improve margins. In addition, alongside initiatives to reduce environmental impact through CO2 reductions and proposals to improve labor productivity in response to labor shortages, we are working to expand sales of recycled products and general-purpose products.」

「We are accelerating the development and range expansion of high-value-added new products suited to consumers’ lifestyles, increasing the sales mix of our original products, and seeking to increase product sales and improve margins. In addition, alongside initiatives to reduce environmental impact through CO2 reductions and proposals to improve labor productivity in response to labor shortages, we are working to expand sales of recycled-material products and general-purpose products.」

「Sales of our original products, including Multi FP containers, Multi Solid containers, OPET transparent containers, new transparent PP containers, and recycled-material products such as Eco Trays and Eco APET containers, remain firm. New-design and new-function containers, centered on our original products, are being evaluated by customers not only for their functionality as containers but also for the advantages of their material properties, including oil resistance and heat resistance.」

「Sales volumes of our original products, including Multi FP containers, Multi Solid containers, OPET transparent containers, new transparent PP containers, and products made from recycled materials such as Eco Trays and Eco APET containers, are increasing. Original products accounted for 53% of our sales in the current consolidated fiscal year.」

「Multi FP containers are used for pots and soup containers, hot prepared-food containers, and chilled bento containers. By developing a lidded, deep, heat-resistant container with a new heat-resistant inner dish, we have made possible unprecedented product development using microwave heating together with new transparent PP containers, and adoption is expanding alongside proposals for creating new retail display areas.」

「Multi FP containers are used for pots and soup containers, hot prepared-food containers, and chilled bento containers. By developing a lidded, deep, heat-resistant container with a new heat-resistant inner dish, we have made possible unprecedented product development using microwave heating together with new transparent PP containers, and adoption is expanding alongside proposals for creating new retail display areas.」

「We are seeking to increase product sales and improve margins by accelerating the development and range expansion of high-value-added new products and increasing the sales mix of our original products.」

「Along with introducing and upgrading state-of-the-art production equipment, we will accelerate the development of products that meet customer needs by pursuing comprehensive technological innovation, including product weight reduction, the development of new functions and new materials. These products will include high-quality, high-value-added products and low-priced products that combine quality and functionality.」