Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) has announced the introduction of a "My Bottle Use Promotion Program" in collaboration with Sato Corporation and Zojirushi Mahobin Co., Ltd. This initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions by minimizing the use of plastic cups and PET bottles. The program will kick off in May 2025 and run for six months, targeting a reduction of 14,500 used PET bottles and a decrease in CO2 emissions by 1,740 kg-CO2e.
In May 2021, MUFG declared its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with its mid-term management plan that prioritizes solving social issues, including environmental sustainability. The "My Bottle Use Promotion Program" is a significant step in this direction, actively engaging employees in environmental action.
The program will be implemented at the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation headquarters, where employees from the three collaborating companies—Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking, and Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities—will participate. About 400 employees, selected through a public recruitment process, will utilize their own bottles in the office to replace disposable plastic containers.
By encouraging the use of personal bottles, MUFG aims not only to cut down on plastic waste but also to foster a culture of environmental awareness among its workforce. The program will include pre- and post-implementation surveys to assess its effectiveness, alongside quantitative analysis of the reduction in used PET bottles and CO2 emissions.
The initiative utilizes Sato's advanced automatic recognition technology, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and a newly developed application designed to visualize the amount of CO2 reduction achieved. Additionally, Zojirushi will provide specially designed washing machines to facilitate the cleaning of personal bottles, ensuring that employees can maintain their usage easily.
Professor Misuzu Asari from the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies will oversee the evaluation of the program's effectiveness, ensuring that the results contribute to future efforts in addressing social challenges related to environmental issues.
MUFG, established on April 2, 2001, has a capital of 2,141.5 billion yen as of March 31, 2025. The group is a leading player in the financial sector, offering a wide range of services, including commercial banking, trust banking, and securities.
In contrast, Zojirushi Mahobin Co., Ltd., founded in 1918, has positioned itself as a brand focused on creating solutions for everyday living, producing a variety of household appliances such as rice cookers and electric pots. The company aims to enhance the quality of life through its innovative products.
Sato Corporation, established in 1940, is a global enterprise that specializes in automatic identification technologies. With consolidated sales of 143.4 billion yen as of March 2024, Sato operates in over 90 countries, providing various solutions that optimize information management in different sectors.
The "My Bottle Use Promotion Program" exemplifies how businesses can take proactive steps towards sustainability. By involving employees directly in environmental initiatives, MUFG not only addresses pressing ecological issues but also cultivates a sense of responsibility and awareness among its staff. This collaborative effort with Sato and Zojirushi highlights the importance of partnerships in tackling environmental challenges.
As the program unfolds, it is expected to serve as a model for other companies looking to implement similar sustainability initiatives. The hope is that through such programs, more organizations will recognize their role in combating climate change and will take meaningful actions to contribute to a more sustainable future.
