Interview
Cleared durability concerns.
Communicated initiative validity through visualization of environmental impact reduction.
- 会社名Aleph Co., Ltd. (Bikkuri Donkey)
- 業種Food & Beverage
- 用途 Garbage bags, printed materials
- URLAleph's SDGs
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【Challenge】
Exploring concrete initiatives toward achieving the company-wide goals of reducing CO₂ emissions by at least 46% compared to fiscal 2013 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
In preparation for publishing the corporate book, considering switching to new materials that can withstand long-term use compared to conventional paper and require less water during manufacturing.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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【Products Adopted】
Corporate Book
Garbage Bags (LimeAir Bag)
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【Effects】
Corporate Book: Reduces water usage by approximately 17 tons*. The production of this book achieves carbon offsets for approximately 1.9 tons of CO₂ emissions associated with printed materials.
Garbage Bags: Expected to reduce petroleum-derived plastic usage by approximately 27% annually and greenhouse gas emissions (including CO₂) by approximately 23%*.
*Estimated by TBM (from raw material procurement to incineration disposal). Compared to 100% HDPE. May vary depending on manufacturing conditions, etc. This is a reference value and not a guaranteed value.
Aleph Co., Ltd. is a company that operates restaurant businesses, including the hamburger steak restaurant chain “Bikkuri Donkey.” It aims to provide experiences that satisfy both body and soul through food and fill customers with smiles. Simultaneously, it actively promotes initiatives toward realizing a sustainable society, such as setting its own action guidelines, action goals, and action plans, with the goal of contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.
This time, we spoke about the background and effects of introducing the “Corporate Book” and “Garbage Bags,” which were newly adopted as part of these initiatives.
Management Strategy Aligned with the SDGs
Please share your sustainability mission and specific action plans.
Aleph: Our company has integrated the SDGs into our management strategy through 2030, categorizing activities into three areas: “Positive,” “Negative,” and “Neutral.” We also aim to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 46% compared to fiscal 2013 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Our first practical initiative was introducing food waste processors in our stores in 1997 to begin recycling. Furthermore, since the early 2000s, we have worked to reduce material waste, such as reusing wooden plates used for hamburger dishes even when scratched, rather than discarding them. In recent years, as reducing plastic waste has become a global goal, we are also focusing our efforts on initiatives aligned with national policies.
SDGs Report 2024:https://www.aleph-inc.co.jp/_data/2024_aleph_sdgs_rep.pdf
Innovation requiring minimal water usage
Please tell us what prompted you to introduce LIMEX.
Aleph: Around 2020, while our company was searching for alternative materials to paper and plastic, we learned about LIMEX, which uses limestone as its primary raw material, and took notice. We saw its novelty and rarity in the low water usage it offers—a feature absent in existing options like FSC-certified paper or recycled materials—and in the increasing number of business card applications we observed.
Compared to ordinary paper, LIMEX Sheet requires almost no water resources during manufacturing and does not use wood pulp as a raw material, thereby contributing to the conservation of forest resources. Furthermore, compared to PP or PET sheets, it enables reductions in greenhouse gases including CO₂ and in the use of petroleum-derived plastics.
The durability I was concerned about is also not an issue.
Please tell us how you proceeded with the consideration when introducing garbage bags, and the points you considered at that time.
Aleph: We conducted an internal review of the material’s durability, cost, and impact on operations. While durability was initially a concern compared to our conventional products, repeated testing at our pilot store confirmed it is suitable for use. Even now, as we roll it out to stores nationwide, it continues to perform without operational issues.
We also adopted LIMEX for our corporate book. Could you tell us about the background and key evaluation points?
Aleph: In completely revamping our company brochure, we wanted to focus not only on its role as a means of conveying information, but also on the material itself. After prioritizing durability, texture, and tear resistance, we decided to adopt this paper. The cost difference compared to FSC-certified mixed paper was within acceptable limits, and we judged the long-term benefits to be significant.
Stable supply, which was an absolute requirement for implementation
What were the key points your company particularly emphasized when ultimately deciding to adopt LIMEX?
Aleph: The key points for introducing this new product are its quality and a production system capable of stable supply. We determined that a sufficient supply system is in place and decided to proceed with the introduction.
Additionally, when disposing of the product, we needed to confirm whether the material of the garbage bags complies with each municipality’s collection rules. Based on the materials you provided, we understand we can use them with confidence.
In municipalities without designated bags, there may be a requirement for “transparent” or “semi-transparent” garbage bags. The LimeAir Bag offers equivalent opacity compared to standard 100% HDPE (semi-transparent) bags.
Visualizing impact communicates the value and significance of our efforts. A communication tool that conveys our environmental initiatives.
The release quantitatively communicates environmental initiatives using numerical data. How is this aspect evaluated internally?
Aleph: We believe that using objective, common evaluation standards is important for realizing our corporate mission of “business development that values nature.” I believe that using LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) to visualize the effects of reducing environmental impact is very meaningful. Recently, there has been a risk of being criticized as “greenwashing” when communicating environmental initiatives. However, I feel that having objective data makes it easier to demonstrate the validity and rationale of our initiatives both internally and externally.
After introducing the product, what kind of feedback did you receive from employees and business partners who actually used it?
Aleph: When we present our corporate book, some people notice its texture is entirely different from conventional paper. Their eyes often catch the LIMEX explanation on the back cover, and we receive positive feedback such as, “It feels different from paper—interesting.”
Considering expansion into new fields
How do you plan to utilize LIMEX going forward?
Aleph: We currently use this material for corporate books and trash bags, but we see significant potential for its application in other uses such as cooking utensils and equipment. For example, we are currently exploring possibilities to meet on-site needs, such as microwave-safe containers and plastic products requiring high durability.
Aleph Co., Ltd., which operates various restaurant businesses including Bikkuri Donkey, has integrated sustainability into its management strategy and promotes environmental considerations across a wide range of areas, from store operations to corporate tools. TBM will continue to support Aleph Co., Ltd.’s efforts to advance societal sustainability within the food service industry.
FAQ
I want a price list.
Please fill out the inquiry form and let us know the product you are looking for.
How long will it take to deliver?
Clear files and business cards can be delivered within the same delivery time as regular products. For more information, please contact us using our inquiry form.
I’d like to know how to dispose of LIMEX after use.
[For Businesses]
When disposing of LIMEX as business waste, please treat it as industrial waste. LIMEX products are flammable. Please dispose of them in accordance with your local municipality’s rules.
[For Consumers]
LIMEX products are flammable. When disposing of them, please follow your local municipality’s rules.
*Do not mix LIMEX products with recycled paper. For more information, please see here.
I’d like to receive a LIMEX sample.
Please contact us using this inquiry form.
I’m looking to be involved in the sales and development of LIMEX products.
TBM is always looking for partners to sell and develop LIMEX products. Please contact us using this inquiry form.
