FamilyMart pilots blockchain for PET bottle recycling

Major convenience store operator FamilyMart has partnered with Itochu Corporation, Itochu Plastics Inc., and Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. to launch a pioneering initiative leveraging blockchain technology to track and enhance the recycling of used PET bottles.

The collaborative project, termed as ‘BLUE Plastics (Blockchain Loop to Unlock the value of the circular Economy)’, is making strides towards the optimization of plastic resource circulation. On June 8, the companies announced a trailblazing experiment utilizing blockchain for tracking the entire life-cycle of a PET bottle, from collection to regeneration.

This revolutionary experiment comes in the wake of a successful pilot project conducted at a FamilyMart store in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, last year. The first-of-its-kind test harnessed blockchain’s capabilities for recycling purposes and yielded encouraging results – doubling the collection rate and improving label removal and cleaning standards.

In this second round of the experiment, the companies, with the support of Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, are venturing beyond just collecting PET bottles. They’re aiming to track the entire recycling process up to the creation of recycled products. Some of the collected PET bottles are set for a transformation into regenerated plastic bottles for Coca-Cola products, while others will find new life in textiles and other applications.

The tracking app developed for this project offers multiple features: tracking of deposited bottles, CO2 reduction display due to recycling, and an engaging feature where users can grow virtual plants based on the number of bottles deposited. Additionally, the latest update has integrated PET bottle rankings across all stores and participants, a mapping feature, and enlightening content on recycling.

The PET bottle collection drive runs from June 15 to August 31, with the app remaining functional until September 30. Those participating in the initiative and answering a web survey via the app during this period will receive a Coke ON drink ticket as a token of appreciation. While unfortunate that it is temporary while following up with more consumption incentives, it will be interesting to see what this collaboration will show us.