Overview

• Yokohama installed a reuse-cup vending machine at City Hall in what the city says is the first unit of its kind in Japan.
• The system from NOMU ENTERPRISE, proposed through the city's co-creation channel, uses a biomass outer case that users keep and a stainless inner cup that is collected, washed, and reused.
• City officials say the demonstration aims to curb single-use plastic and cut related CO2 emissions from beverage containers.
• Local reporting indicates a roughly one-year trial with a Tokyo startup to evaluate user demand and financial viability.
• In a separate effort, Yokohama, Morinaga, and TerraCycle began collecting inゼリー pouches at Tsurumi Sports Center for material-sorted recycling with plans to turn the plastic into litter-picking tongs.