JCCU reports on the progress of both the "Nationwide Living Support Campaign" and "Ethical Consumption Products (ethical products)", which are priority areas of the co-op product business.

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the global outlook is uncertain. The effect has caused a sharp depreciation of the Japanese Yen and rising prices, as well as raw material shortages coupled with significant price increases for commodities. These all affect household budgets.

In order to respond to this, Consumer co-ops nationwide are conducting the "Nationwide Living Support Campaign" to support the lives of co-op members together. They inform members of affordable prices and quality co-op products with the aim to support co-op members' lives as much as possible. Co-op stores nationwide are using the common logo of this campaign on POPs and banners at their stores.

Although the content of the campaign differs by region, sales of daily-delivery items such as tofu, chikuwa (tube-shaped fish paste cake), natto (fermented soybeans), and milk have been strong sales. By business category, the sales promotional tools are more effective in stores than home delivery, resulting in better results in stores.

 　　   

                        Co-op Sapporo store view                         Co-opdeli home delivery flyer

JCCU is working to develop and raise awareness of ethical products to promote sustainable production and consumption. Co-ops nationwide are also promoting an understanding of ethical consumption and sustainable society through campaigns related to ethical products, as well as learning activities and events for co-op members. In FY2021, 59 consumer co-ops (compared to 40 in the previous year) organized learning sessions related to the SDGs, ethical consumption, and climate change, and 44 consumer co-ops (33 co-ops in the previous year) carried out events and hands-on activities.

In FY2022, the supply amount (sales) of ethical consumption co-op products was 216.9 billion yen, 106.5% compared to the previous year. The supply amount of Eco Mark-certified products (185% compared to the previous year) and FSC-certified products (119% compared to the previous year) grew. The container and packaging issues of existing products were addressed, as well as the supply value of MEL-certified dried shirasu (Whitebait) products has grown significantly.

● Co-op Sustainable series has been expanded. 

In addition to the three lines of the Co-op Sustainable series, "Protecting Ocean Resources," "Protecting Forest Resources," and "Organic," the series has added a new line of products "Using Recycled Materials" which use refill bottles made of recycled PET. The number of product items at the end of FY2022 is 195 (up 68 from the previous year), and the estimated supply volume is 17.4 billion yen (116.9% of the previous year).

● Accelerates response to plastic issues.

They are accelerating their response to the plastic problem by promoting the use of recycled PET bottles for "CO·OP Carbonated Water," the third largest PET beverage seller, as well as paper containers for tomato juice, cooking oil, and other products. In addition, the number of product items switched to recycled/plant-derived plastics increased by 280 to reach 792 by the end of FY2022.

Related JCCUNEWS: 

"JCCU's FY2021 report on supply of ethical consumption products and FY2022 target"