On April 1, 2026, a report published by the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC)--comprising international organizations related to cooperatives and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)--introduced initiatives by Japanese consumer co-ops as one of the practical examples contributing to "Responsible Consumption and Production."

The report introduces initiatives by cooperatives around the world aimed at achieving SDG 12 ("Responsible Consumption and Production").

It highlights how Japanese consumer co-ops have promoted environmentally conscious production and responsible consumption through close collaboration with producers and active member participation.

Excerpt from the COPAC Report(Cooperative Contributions to SDG 12)

Sustainable Management and use of Natural Resources (Target 12.2)
Consumer co-ops play a key role in shaping upstream production systems through their procurement policies and long-term partnerships with producers. Consumer purchasing choices, in turn, play a significant role in influencing how products are produced.
In Japan, consumer co-operatives work closely with producers to establish environmentally responsible production standards. They also promote reductions in the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, while ensuring stable demand through their joint purchasing system.

Promote Universal Understanding of Sustainable Lifestyles (Target 12.8)
Consumer co-ops demonstrate how democratic ownership can transform consumption patterns. The Seikatsu Club Consumers' Co-operative Union engages its members directly in product design and sourcing decisions, ensuring full transparency regarding raw materials, production processes, and environmental impacts.
This participatory model enables consumers to actively shape more sustainable consumption practices.

About the COPAC Report
COPAC has been publishing a series of reports aligned with the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, summarizing the contributions of cooperatives to the SDGs.

The report released in April, titled "Building a Better World Together: Cooperative Contributions to the SDG 12," was prepared as part of this series.

JCCU and consumer co-ops nationwide will continue to work in collaboration with domestic and international partners, producers, and local communities to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Related Information
COPAC Report
12-ENG-responsible-sonsumption-and-production.pdf
COPAC webpage
IYC 2025 Series: Building a Better World Together - Cooperative Contributions to SDG 12 - COPAC