The Co-opdeli Consumers' Cooperative Union (hereinafter Co-opdeli), a federation of six consumer co-ops in the Kanto-Shinetsu region, has switched from using polystyrene cold storage containers (body and lid) to containers made with 50% recycled materials for its home delivery services, effective April 21, 2025. This initiative aims to reduce the use of plastic in consumer co-op operations.

The recycled material includes cold storage containers that are no longer in use at Co-opdeli. With this switch, the recycling of cold storage containers becomes possible, and it is estimated that approximately 339 tons of plastic will be saved annually, 261 tons from container bodies and 78 tons from lids, based on 2023 usage data.

The new containers will be used to deliver refrigerated, frozen, and fresh produce items to co-op member households. Before the transition, Co-opdeli tested the durability and potential storage issues of containers made with 50% recycled materials. After confirming no issues, the switch was approved.

Using recycled materials in the new containers also reduces CO₂ emissions associated with plastic production. This switch is expected to cut approximately 291 tons of CO₂ annually, 234 tons from the container bodies and 57 tons from the lids.

Co-opdeli supports the Ministry of the Environment's "Plastics Smart" initiative. The new containers will clearly indicate the use of recycled materials and display the "Plastics Smart" logo mark.