Loop and Aeon's partnership in Japan launched initially in 19 stores in May 2021, and has since expanded to more than 70 stores throughout the Tokyo and Kyoto regions. Aeon continues expanding to more stores and cities. At participating Aeon stores, consumers can purchase their favorite Japanese national brands - like Pocari Sweat, Luv Hair, and Xylitol gum, as well as international brands such as Heinz ketchup and Ariel laundry detergent - all in elevated, reusable packaging. When purchasing a Loop product, customers temporarily pay a 100% refundable deposit, and can return the packaging once empty to a Loop drop-off point located at any participating Aeon store or other Loop drop-off location throughout Japan. Once returned, the packaging is then sorted and cleaned by Loop before being refilled by the brands and sold again. Aeon has announced Loop as its primary sustainability initiative and is committed to making reuse a convenient, attractive, and accessible alternative to single-use for Japanese consumers. Loop has received numerous government awards and support from the Japan Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, the City of Tokyo, Kyoto Prefectural Government, Hiroshima Prefectural Government, and other Japanese cities. The success of the initiative to date has proven there is high demand amongst the Japanese public for reuse models.

Goals and Impact:

Loop is building a scalable reuse ecosystem that enables our brand, retail, and restaurant partners to create alternatives to single use disposable products and packages, creating less waste and reducing overall environmental impact. Loop's central objective is to enable citizens to buy anywhere and return anywhere, making reuse just as convenient and accessible as single-use is today. Join us in building a global circular economy, and be part of our vision for a waste-free world.