Applications for the “CHOICE! ZERO WASTE AWARD,” which recognizes eco-friendly, recyclable products, will begin on April 30th! Products that meet the screening criteria will be awarded a certification mark.

On Friday, April 30th, SUTE.lab, a team in which Ishizaka Sangyo Co., Ltd. participates, began accepting applications for the “CHOICE! ZERO WASTE AWARD,” an award recognizing eco-friendly, recycled products. This new award allows companies selling recycled products to be evaluated and certified for the sustainability of their production processes and makers. It recognizes only products that are truly beneficial to the planet, rather than being human-centered or convenient or easy to use.
 
▼CHOICE! ZERO WASTE: https://choice-zero.org
 
■The “CHOICE! ZERO WASTE AWARD,” a project of SUTE.lab
, a zero-waste initiative in which our company participates, is a platform for the organization’s activities. It was launched with the aim of spreading the value of choosing not to waste to consumers.
 
We have established our own unique standards and are seeking truly zero-waste products that are conscious of the sustainability of the production process and makers. The award will be introduced on the special website that has already opened.
 
Products that meet the judging criteria will be allowed to use the “CHOICE! ZERO Mark,” which certifies them as excellent zero-waste products. This will allow consumers to see at a glance that they are sustainable.

The application criteria are that the product must be circular and easily available to consumers. Products must meet the strict standards to be certified. The judging criteria are (1) the circularity of raw materials, (2) the sustainability of production, and (3) their integration into everyday life.
 
The deadline for submissions is May 14th, and the winners will be announced on May 30th. The award ceremony and the announcement of the judges’ award are scheduled for July 30th.
 
 
<“CHOICE! ZERO WASTE AWARD” Event Overview>
・Application Criteria (Selection Policy): The product must be circular and readily available to consumers (including sales channels).
・Entry Website: https://choice-zero.org/award/
・Judging Criteria:
(1) The circularity of raw materials,
including natural and renewable sources, will be evaluated based on the “circularity” of the product and its surrounding packaging.
(2) Sustainability of Production:
Evaluation is based on “sustainability,” taking into account factors such as the cleanliness of energy consumed in the production process, fair trade, business sustainability, and the preservation of traditional culture.
(3) Integration into Daily Life:
Evaluation is based on “integration into daily life,” including the beauty of the design, ease of use, and ideas that encourage continued use.
Schedule:
April 30: Application Opening;
May 14: Application Deadline
; May 30: Announcement of Certified Works/SUTE.lab Conference (Planned);
July 30: Certification Ceremony and Jury Award Announcement (Planned)
 
 
 
■ Aiming for a Society Where Waste Doesn’t Revert to Landfill, Changing the Negative Economic Trends
Ishizaka Sangyo has a vision of a society where waste does not become landfill, known as “Zero Waste Design.” They have been working to realize a circular economy, aiming for zero-waste industrial waste disposal and achieving a 98% reduction and recycling rate.
 
In Japan, the recycling rate for industrial waste is approximately 50%, while the recycling rate for general waste is approximately 20%. In 1970, approximately 27 billion tons of resources were converted into products, and in 2017, approximately 93 billion tons. However, most of this was discarded as waste after consumption, with less than 10% being reused. The amount of discarded waste continues to increase year by year, and it is estimated that by 2050, the world’s resource usage will double, and the amount of waste on the planet will also double.
 
Mass production, consumption, and disposal—this negative economic cycle continues. Therefore, we aim to promote sustainable products to consumers, increase the value of zero-waste products through this mark, and create a society where consumers can easily understand and feel confident about their products. The “CHOICE! ZERO WASTE AWARD” is one such initiative.
 
We hope that many products will be submitted and that products bearing the “CHOICE! ZERO Mark” will be widely distributed.