Sustainable Lifestyle
We will continue to review and improve our products and lifestyle for a sustainable production and consumption.
JCCU Launches ASC-certified Indonesian Black Tiger Shrimp
JCCU is promoting a project aimed at establishing a sustainable shrimp farming industry. In October 2024, we launched the CO·OP Black Tiger Shrimp, raised in ASC-certified aquaculture ponds, as an ASC-labeled product. ASC certification is an international standard awarded to seafood produced through responsible aquaculture practices that consider environmental and social impacts.
Progress of the FY2023 CO・OP Brand Product Business
Despite challenges such as rising prices and labor shortages, JCCU continues its efforts to support members' daily lives and ensure that CO·OP products are chosen. Initiatives include reviewing product prices, developing items unique to the co-op, and promoting CO·OP products.
JCCU Launches the First Private Brand Products Manufactured in Japan with Alaska RFM Certified Eco-Label
In May 2023, JCCU launched the "CO·OP Sockeye Salmon Roe Bowl" and "CO·OP Salted Sockeye Salmon Fillet," both certified by MSC and Alaska RFM. These certifications indicate that the products were sourced from sustainable fisheries. JCCU aims to ensure that by 2030, at least 50% of the supply of products made mainly from marine ingredients (including those not classified as marine products) will carry a marine eco-label.
Eco-Friendly Shift in Co-op Home Delivery
Co-op CS Net and Co-opdeli have switched to using containers made from recycled materials for their home delivery services. This transition helps reduce both the amount of plastic used and the CO₂ emissions associated with plastic production.
JCCU Receives Various Awards and Certifications
JCCU has contributed to the promotion of Fairtrade products and received the Silver Award at the Fairtrade Japan Award. Its efforts in developing and selling environmentally friendly products were recognized with a second Grand Prize at the Eco Mark Award—a first in the award's history. JCCU was also registered as a "Fair Trade Workplace" for its ongoing use and promotion of Fairtrade-certified products.
CO・OP Sustainable Product Series: First CO・OP Product to Use BAP Certified Shrimp launched
In April 2024, JCCU launched the "CO・OP Authentic Thai Tom Yum Goong Set" made with shrimp certified by BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices). BAP certification is a globally trusted program for hatcheries, feed mills, aquaculture farms, and processing plants of farmed seafood, ensuring environmental and social responsibility, animal health, and food safety at every stage.
Packaging Material Improvement Initiatives Led by Consumer Co-ops
JCCU promotes recycling by reusing PET bottles collected by community-based co-ops as packaging material for CO・OP products.
In addition, the CO・OP Makeup Series has switched to FSC-certified paper packaging, reducing plastic use by approximately 1.6 tons annually.
Seikatsu Club has reduced the thickness of rice packaging, aiming to cut about 2 tons of plastic and CO₂ emissions per year.
JCCU Strengthens Efforts in GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) for Fresh Agricultural Products
JCCU has updated the packaging of two popular banana products from the Philippines to feature the internationally recognized GGN label.
The GGN label certifies that the bananas are produced on farms that meet standards for food safety, labor conditions, human rights, and environmental protection.
Consumers can access producer information via a QR code on the packaging. JCCU aims to source 100% of its fresh agricultural products from GAP-certified producers by 2030.
JCCU Launches First MSC-certified Tuna Product under CO・OP Brand
JCCU has launched the first MSC-certified tuna product under the CO・OP brand: "Bigeye Tuna Cut-Off Pieces (sashimi)." MSC certification is a standard that promotes sustainable fishing and helps protect marine resources. JCCU aims to label over 50% of its seafood-based products with certified eco-labels by 2030.
Enhanced Lineup of CO-OP Brand Products Contributing to Food Waste Reduction
JCCU is developing CO・OP brand products using non-standard or unsellable ingredients. In September 2023, two new items—banana egg buns and fruit jelly—were launched. These efforts are part of the "Consumer Co-op 2030 Environmental Sustainability Policy" aimed at reducing food waste.
Sado Crested Ibis Supporting Rice Project
The Co-opdeli Consumers' Co-operative Union and its member co-ops have donated 3,149,822 yen raised through the Sado Crested Ibis Supporting Rice Project, an activity promoted by Sado City in Niigata Prefecture to promote environmentally friendly agriculture (biodiversity farming) and to support the return of the crested ibis to the wild. The total amount of donations since the project's inception is 32,741,592 yen over 12 years.