Resource Circulation & Waste Management
Policies
The NISSIN FOODS Group works to achieve zero emission status by reducing product loss that occurs in manufacturing processes and promoting recycling. Food residues, which make up the bulk of waste from our plants, are reused in animal feed and as fertilizers. We are also reducing sludge by improving wastewater treatment facilities and recycling mixed waste. At manufacturing plants in Japan, achieving a waste recycling rate of 99.5% or higher every year up till FY 3/2031 is set as our target.
To reduce environmental impact of our product manufacturing
processes, the Group established the Basic Policy on
Environmentally Friendly Container and Packaging Design.
Under this policy, we invest in limiting and reusing waste, encouraging
the use of recycled resources, and undertaking research and development
of alternative materials.
To properly carry out the disposal of industrial waste, we have also
established the Industrial Waste Manual and ensure its thorough compliance.
For manufacturing plants in Japan, we conduct audits on the state
of waste management (quantity, identification of types, etc.) based
on in-house standards. The audit results are shared with manufacturing
plants in Japan to help continuously improve the state of waste disposal.
In addition, toward reducing product loss and encouraging recycling,
we also conduct training and internal awareness-raising measures
for employees to raise awareness about waste reduction.
Basic Policy on Environmentally Friendly Container and Packaging Design
- 1. Promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycling) to help create a recycling-based society
-
- 1) Reduce (reduction of waste generation): Aim to reduce container weight and volume and the number of packaging items.
- 2) Reuse: Actively pursue development of refill products. Propose reusable containers.
- 3) Recycle (use of recycled materials): Actively use recycled raw materials and resources. Strive to use highly recyclable materials.
- 2. Environmental impacts
- Avoid use of materials that may have negative effects on the human body or the environment. Promote use of biomass raw materials, which have a low environmental impact.
- 3. Consideration of design
- Give consideration to environment- and people-friendly, easy-to-understand labeling and universal design.
- 4. Assessment of environmental impacts
- Design containers and packaging on the basis of life cycle assessment (LCA), giving consideration to environmental impacts from raw materials to disposal.
Targets
The NISSIN FOODS Group has set the following targets regarding resource circulation and the introduction of environmentally friendly plastic containers and packaging.
- [Targets by FY 3/2031]
-
- ・Maintenance of waste recycling rate of 99.5% or higher in the production processes of plants in Japan*1
- ・Reduction of waste generated in the sale and distribution stages by 50% in Japan*2
- ・Use of environmentally friendly containers and packaging*3 for all products*4
- ・Reduction of total amount of petroleum-derived plastics in containers and packaging per unit sales by at least 20%*5
- *1For Group companies in Japan
- *2For waste generated in the sale and distribution stages, against levels in FY 3/2016
- *3Such as reducing the weight and use of containers, using biomass, paper, and recycled materials, and promoting material recycling and chemical recycling
- *4For Group companies in Japan and overseas, against levels in FY 3/2019
- *5For NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, against levels in FY 3/2019
Development and Improvement of Containers and Packaging
Based on our Basic Policy on Environmentally Friendly Container and Packaging Design, the NISSIN FOODS Group works on reducing the weight and use of containers as well as undertakes research and development of packaging with less environmental impact.
In our environmental strategy EARTH FOOD CHALLENGE 2030, we have set the target of “Complete with Green Packaging” and established numerical targets related to environmentally friendly containers and packaging. We will use the Group’s alternative material technologies to promote efficient use of limited resources toward achieving the targets. In addition, we will promote the spread of renewable energy and container recycling by accelerating research and development related to containers and packaging.
Since January 2019, NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS has been participating as a secretary company in the Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA), a public-private collaboration organization that undertakes the sustainable use of plastic products and development of alternative materials. In 2022, we joined CLOMA’s working group aimed at reducing waste, and we are part of a demonstration experiment for large-scale collection of plastic containers. As part of the working group’s activities, we also signed a partnership agreement in 2023 with Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture for a project that collects and recycles containers for lactic acid bacteria beverages. These containers, made using polystyrene, are collected through resource collection stations. Besides being used for verification of technologies for material processing and productization, the collected containers help to advance initiatives for establishing collection methods for used polystyrene and recycling them.
Plastic Reduction Initiatives
In June 2021, NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS abolished the plastic sticker for closing the cover of CUP NOODLES. This allows us to reduce the use of plastic raw materials by 41 tons in total*. The company switched to a new double-tab cover that allows the cover to be properly closed without a sticker. In addition, the company has been selling OWAN DE TABERU CUP NOODLES and OWAN DE TABERU CHICKEN RAMEN, which is a set combining a small number of noodles with ingredients since 2017. It can help reduce domestic waste after eating as it allows the taste of CUP NOODLES and CHICKEN RAMEN to be enjoyed by using small bowls found at home and just pouring hot water. Currently, the OWAN DE TABERU series are available for a total of seven products in the CHICKEN RAMEN, CUP NOODLES, and NISSIN NO DONBEI series.
- *The total weight of the plastic sticker used for the regular and large sizes of CUP NOODLES.
NISSIN FROZEN FOODS has nearly completely phased out the use of plastic trays in the noodle products of its proprietary brand. For pasta and yakisoba products, the company is reducing the use of plastic raw materials by placing liquid sauce directly on top of the noodles and rapidly freezing it, thereby eliminating liquid sauce packages.
In September 2020, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS started the OISHII
ECO NOODLES project, which offers environmentally friendly
products to customers. The project incorporates three
themes—extending best-before dates, use of eco packaging,
and eco-friendly preparation—and applicable products have
the OISHII ECO NOODLES logo on their packaging.
Regarding the eco packaging efforts, the company is reducing plastic usage through measures such as reviewing the packaging methods for some products and eliminating plastic trays.
BONCHI is switching to eco packaging and has abolished the use
of plastic trays. The introduction of eco packaging helps to
reduce the generation of household waste after consumption.
Example of Reducing the Quantity of Plastics Used in FY 3/2025
Reduction of annual usage (t)
| Plastics | ||
|---|---|---|
| NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS | Recycling scrap material generated during the molding process of containers for products such as NISSIN YAKISOBA U.F.O. and NISSIN DONBEI, reusing it as recycled material in parts of NISSIN YAKISOBA U.F.O. containers | 45 |
| NISSIN CHILLED FOODS | Eliminating plastic trays for the YUMEITEN CURRY UDON series | 3.2 |
| NISSIN CISCO | Revising packaging for GOROGURA, COCONUT SABLE, and CHOCO FLAKES | 11.0 |
| MYOJO FOODS | CHUKA ZANMAI changes its packages | 4 |
Use of ECO Cup
The NISSIN FOODS Group is expanding the use of ECO Cup, which
uses the renewable resource paper as its main raw material.
Starting with the use of ECO Cup for CUP NOODLES by NISSIN FOOD
PRODUCTS in 2008, we are increasing our usage rate of paper
containers, expanding the use of ECO Cup to overseas business
corporations, with China in 2009, the Americas in 2015, and Asia
in 2016.
Furthermore, in December 2019, we switched the container for CUP
NOODLES of NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS to the Biomass ECO Cup which has
even less environmental impact.
The Biomass ECO Cup is a container that achieved a biomass level of 81% by using plant-derived biomass plastics to replace a portion of the petroleum-derived plastics. In addition, the amount of petroleum-derived plastics used in each cup has been almost halved compared to the ECO Cups, reducing CO2 emissions in the life cycle by approximately 16%.
Partly from Marine Plastics
In November 2021, NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS introduced pallets made
from recycled plastic waste found at places such as beaches.
Plastic waste collected at these places before it flows into the
ocean contains a lot of impurities and has deteriorated, making it
extremely difficult to recycle and reuse. Therefore, most of such
waste is buried in landfills. However, by combining marine plastics
with other plastic raw materials in an optimal composition for recycling,
the plastic pallets introduced by NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS retain substantial
strength.
This is the first time a Japanese company is using such pallets for
product transportation and storage, and the company plans to fully
switch to these pallets by 2030.
Chemically Recycled* Polystyrene Paper (PSP) Cups
NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS conducts research and development of containers aimed at effectively using resources and reducing waste. In February 2024, we succeeded in prototyping a chemically recycled PSP cup, which is a first for instant noodle containers. Chemically recycled materials are used for the PSP cup to help effectively use resources.
- *Chemical recycling is a process where used polystyrene products that were collected are broken down chemically and recycled into chemical substances such as styrene.
- Usage Rate of Paper Containers and Packaging*1
-
FY 3/2021: 62.9%
FY 3/2022: 63.4%
FY 3/2023: 62.4%
FY 3/2024: 62.0%
FY 3/2025: 62.2%
- *Ratio of paper containers and packaging used in the containers and packaging of NISSIN FOODS PRODUCTS, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS, and NISSIN FROZEN FOODS based on the Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging
Reduction of Packaging Materials
The NISSIN FOODS Group uses cardboard for packaging materials,
and at the same time, reduces the amount of packaging
materials used by optimizing the sizes of product containers.
We also adopt an alternating top-up, top-down configuration
which allows the same number of products to be packed in
smaller cases.
In addition, we promote the adoption of cardboard that uses FSC®*
certified paper and procurement that allows limited resources to
be used effectively.
- *Abbreviation of the Forest Stewardship Council®, a program that strives for proper management of forest as well as the use and conservation of sustainable forest resources
Example of Reducing the Quantity of Cardboard Used in FY 3/2024
Annual amount of material reduction effect (tons)
| Cardboard | ||
|---|---|---|
| MYOJO FOODS | Revising cardboard sizes for all CUP YAKISOBA products | 96.7 |
| NISSIN CISCO | Revising cardboard sizes for GOROGURA, CISCORN, COCONUT SABLE, and CHOCO FLAKES | 145.7 |
Reduction of Food Loss
The NISSIN FOODS Group is working to reduce food loss by extending the best-before dates of its products.
| 2014 | NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS and MYOJO FOODS |
・Cup-type noodles: 5 months → 6 months ・Bag-type instant noodles: 6 months → 8 months |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | BONCHI |
・BONCHIAGE, PEANUT AGE, TSUNA AGE ARARE, and PONSUKE: 150
days → 180 days ・AJI KARUTA and KARASHI MENTAIKO OOGATA AGESEN: 120 days → 150 days (except for certain products) |
| 2020 | Nissin Foods (Thailand) | ・Bag-type instant noodles in the 10-baht price range: 6 months → 8 months |
| NISSIN CHILLED FOODS |
・Fresh noodle products: 20 days → 40 days ・Steamed noodle products: 15 or 20 days → 27 days | |
| 2023 | NISSIN CHILLED FOODS |
・GYORETSU NO DEKIRU MISE NO RAMEN: 40 days → 60 days ・MEN NO TATSUJIN NAMA RAMEN: 50 days → 70 days |
| NISSIN YORK |
・PILKUL 400 series, PILKUL MIRACLE CARE 65ml×8, TOKACHI
DRINK YOGURT series, MAINICHI NOMU KETSUATSU CARE YOGURT,
HIZA ACTIVE 65ml×6, the APPLE LACTIC ACID BACTERIA 900g:
18 days → 21 days ・PILKUL MIRACLE CARE 195ml：25days → 28 days | |
| 2025 | NISSIN CISCO | ・GOROGURA series: 8 months→10 months |
NISSIN CHILLED FOODS launched its OISHII ECO NOODLES project in September 2020, actively offering environmentally friendly products to customers. The company is working to reduce food waste by introducing its proprietary technology that maintains good taste for long periods to extend the best-before dates of products.
OISHII ECO NOODLES projectIn addition, as part of its efforts to reduce waste in the sales and distribution area, the Group donates products that are approaching their expiration date to food banks.
Support for Poverty through Product DonationsPrevention of Air Pollution
Response to Air Pollutants
Each NISSIN FOODS Group plant has set voluntary standards more rigorous than those stipulated in laws, regulations, and ordinances for sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are causes of air pollution, as well as for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), which are indicators of water pollution. Plants monitor the state of pollution based on their voluntary standards. Also, we have formulated an emergency response procedures manual to prepare against damage to plant facilities and outflow of environmental pollutants into the surrounding area and periodically conduct drills that envision emergency situations.
Response to Fluorocarbon
We carry out proper processing of fluorocarbons in accordance with laws and regulations, based on the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons (Fluorocarbon Emissions Control Act) that came into effect in April 2015. Plants directly managed by NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS* use fluorocarbons as coolants for air-conditioning equipment, cooling devices, and such. Simple inspections to prevent fluorocarbon leakage are conducted quarterly, and periodic inspections are performed by external specialist organizations once every three years.In addition, the Shizuoka Plant of NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, NISSIN F.D. FOODS, and SAITAMA NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS introduce equipment using natural refrigerants (ammonia and CO2) when replacing freezers and refrigerators.
- *NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS (Kanto Plant, Shizuoka Plant, Kansai Plant, Shiga Plant, Shimonoseki Plant)
Other Initiatives
Eco-friendly Preparation
We promote environmentally friendly preparation methods, such as
requiring less water during preparation or reducing CO2 emissions when boiling water. For example, a unique technology
was adopted for NISSIN NO RAMENYA-SAN, and FRY PAN HITOTSU DE
that allows them to be prepared without the need to drain boiled
water. Besides using less water for boiling, there is no need to
separately prepare hot water for the soup. The amount of water
used is reduced by approximately one-third compared to products
with the need to drain boiled water, and CO2 emissions from boiling water can also be reduced.
We also sell products that reduce the amount of water used or CO2 emitted during preparation, including NISSIN SONO MANMA UDON
NOODLES that can be eaten simply by pouring sauce or broth over
the noodles.
In addition, the Frozen KANZEN MEAL CUP NOODLES Mysterious Meat Fried
Rice being sold by NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS is prepared in a microwave
oven as-is in its bag, using packaging and containers that allows
the product to be eaten without the need for plates. This eliminates
the need to wash dishes and helps to reduce the use of water.
Appropriate Disposal of Waste
The NISSIN FOODS Group has established the Industrial Waste
Manual and ensures its thorough compliance. When signing
outsourcing agreements with waste disposal operators, we clearly
state that we check and assess contractors’ sites using our own
checklist before signing the agreement as well as annually when
the agreement is in effect. The details stated in agreements are
checked by the Legal Division or Sustainability Development
Division of NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS before being signed.
In addition, waste manifests, waste quantities, and other information
are properly managed by the Sustainability Promotion Division.
Recycling of Containers and Packaging
In Japan, companies that use containers and packaging are obligated to recycle their materials under the Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging. NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, MYOJO FOODS, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS, NISSIN FROZEN FOODS, NISSIN CISCO, NISSIN YORK, and BONCHI outsource the recycling of containers and packaging to the Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association, and pay recycling operation contract fees for paper/plastic containers and packaging in accordance with the weight of products manufactured and sold. Collected recyclable materials sorted from municipal household garbage are used to produce such things as pallets, imitation wooden logs, benches, and reconstituted paperboard by companies outsourced by the association.
- Trend in Recycling Operation Contract Fees
-
FY 3/2021 FY 3/2022 FY 3/2023 FY 3/2024 Contract Fees (million yen) 437 522 523 519
Participation in External Training Programs
To enhance employees' knowledge of the circular economy, we are utilizing the educational programs of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK-based non-profit organization established with the aim of realizing a circular economy. Since 2024, employees of the NISSIN FOODS Group have been participating in the Circular Economy Masterclass* organized by Exeter University in the UK, one of the Foundation's educational programs.
- *A program where participants from global companies in different industries engage in case study presentations and discussions over a period of six weeks, learning from each other to improve their skills and build networks that transcend national and industry boundaries.
Related Information and Data
Waste
Food Waste
- *Food waste data does not include the amount of waste from logistics warehouses (mainly food waste).
Plastic Use and Recycling
| FY 3/2022 | FY 3/2023 | FY 3/2024 | FY 3/2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic use*1 (1,000 tons) | 17.3 | 16.7 | 16.3 | 16.5 |
| Petrochemical plastic use*2 (1,000 tons) | 16.8 | 15.7 | 15.2 | 15.3 |
| Percentage of recyclable plastic packaging *2 | 46% | 47% | 49% | 49% |
| Percentage of compostable plastic packaging | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Percentage of recycled materials in plastic packaging | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.3% |
- *1Amount of plastic used by NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS in product containers and packaging
- *2Plastic volume excluding biomass-based plastics and recycled plastics
- *3Percentage of plastic in single-material packaging materials used by NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS in product containers and packaging
Packaging Material Use
| FY 3/2022 | FY 3/2023 | FY 3/2024 | FY 3/2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper use (t) |
74,324 (71%) |
76,313 (71%) |
72,798 (75%) |
72,378 (72%) |
| Metal can use (t) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Glass bottle use (t) | 1.7 | 2.8 | 63 |
144 (80.6%) |
- *1Numbers in () indicate the percentage of recycled or certified materials
- *2Scope NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS, and NISSIN FROZEN FOODS