Last Updated: 2008.02.26
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At Distribution
In an effort to build a highly efficient distribution system, UNIQLO constantly works to improve or revamp distribution flows. In addition, UNIQLO is working to reduce the weight of cardboard boxes used in product transport to improve distribution loading efficiency. In FY 2006 UNIQLO reduced the weight of packing boxes of every shape by an average of approximately 10%.
It also teamed up with its distribution partners to begin collecting hangers following delivery and reusing them at production sites overseas.
Shipping Package
UNIQLO is working to reduce the use of polyethylene shipping packages used to maintain product quality when shipping products from factories. In FY 2006, it switched, on a trial basis, from packaging individual pieces to packaging multiple pieces for certain products. This reduced the number of packages it used by two million.
The initiative was expanded to other product items by its production partners in FY 2007, resulting in a further reduction of ten million packages.
Shopping Bag
UNIQLO uses shopping bags made of paper and of polyethylene at its stores. In line with the strengthening of the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law, UNIQLO has switched to materials that do not give off noxious gases and that make shopping bags lighter. In FY 2007, UNIQLO reduced the weight of its polyethylene shopping bags, resulting in a further reduction of approximately 350 tons of material used compared to the previous year.
Additionally, in December 2007 UNIQLO introduced polyethylene shopping bags using the “Nano Hybrid Capsule 2 (NHC2) additive.” These were researched and developed by Professor Masahiko Abe at the Science and Engineering Department of the Tokyo University of Science. NHC2 helps increase the strength of the bag and reduces its weight by roughly 20% and CO2 emitted during incineration by about 40%. This new shopping bag thus reduces about 60% of CO2 emitted altogether compared to the previous model.
