Zenbird Editorial TeamAeon Agri Create and Toyohashi Biomass Solutions have completed a circular agriculture demonstration facility in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture. The Kazo Circular Economy Research Base integrates small-scale methane fermentation with advanced liquid fertiliser technology. The project aims to establish a regional resource cycle by converting food and agricultural waste into cherry tomatoes. Cultivation trials are scheduled to begin this spring.
The initiative is part of a joint research project supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under a subsidy programme for small and medium enterprise business development. The two companies began their collaboration in June 2025 to accelerate the social implementation of technologies that reduce environmental impact.
The facility uses agricultural residue from the Aeon Saitama Kuki Farm and food waste collected from tenants at Aeon Mall Kasukabe. The methane fermentation plant extracts energy from the collected waste. The remaining liquid digestate is processed using Probioponics technology. This method employs specific microorganisms to break down organic matter in water, mimicking soil processes to convert waste into nitrogen that plants can easily absorb. This prevents the organic matter from rotting in the water and creates a stable liquid fertiliser for hydroponic use.
The resulting liquid fertiliser is used in an adjacent greenhouse to produce cherry tomatoes. These tomatoes are then supplied to Aeon Group retail stores, completing a regional loop of energy and nitrogen resources. This model addresses the significant environmental burden of the agricultural sector, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions when combined with forestry and other land use.
The partners intend to establish a foundation for sustainable food production.
[Reference] Aeon Agri Create News Release (Japanese)
