Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu launches paper cup recycling for hand towels

Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu, a popular hot spring facility in Karuizawa, is set to launch a groundbreaking recycling initiative on July 1, 2024. In collaboration with Oji Holdings Corporation and its subsidiary Oji Nepia Co., Ltd., Tombo-no-Yu will recycle used paper cups into hand towels, marking a significant step towards sustainability.

Tombo-no-Yu, which attracts approximately 270,000 visitors annually, uses around 1.2 tons of paper cups each year. These cups are utilized for drinking natural spring water rich in metasilicic acid from the nearby Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary. Traditionally, the plastic laminate coating on these cups has made them difficult to recycle, leading to their disposal through thermal recycling methods, where waste is incinerated to recover energy.

However, in March 2023, Oji Holdings developed a system capable of shredding, washing, and separating the paper from the laminate, allowing the efficient recovery of pulp fibers. This innovation has made it possible to recycle paper cups into new products. Given that the paper cups used at Tombo-no-Yu are relatively clean, they can be recycled without washing. A successful test run conducted in late 2023 confirmed the feasibility of using these cups to produce hand towels, paving the way for the new initiative.

Starting in July, used paper cups collected at Tombo-no-Yu will be transported weekly by Tsuchihashi Co., Ltd. to an Oji Nepia facility. There, the cups will be processed and recycled into hand towels, which will then be returned to Tombo-no-Yu for use. This collaborative effort represents a first for Hoshino Resorts, Oji Holdings, Oji Nepia, and Tsuchihashi.

Tombo-no-Yu has been a cherished destination since 1915, known for its therapeutic waters. The facility’s commitment to environmental sustainability follows a broader trend in the industry towards reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.