IHI Holds an “i-Base Zero Waste Month” Event Based on Resource Recycling at the Yokohama Office
From December 2nd to 27th, 2024, the Corporate Research & Development Division held an event called “i-Base Zero Waste Month” at the Yokohama Office’s i-Base (Innovation Space). This event was held as part of efforts to create a circular economy, which is an material issue within the IHI Group. i-Base users were not allowed to bring in or take out trash with them, with the goal of not only reducing the amount of trash being produced but also having each individual feel that resource circulation affects them as well.
During the event period, the trash cans in the i-Base were replaced with several recycle bins to recycle trash as a resource. To reduce the amount of paper cups being used, reusable cups were brought in, and personal bottles were recommended to those visiting the i-Base. Also, staff members were stationed near these new recycle bins as “Zero Waste Concierge.” They interacted with both employee and non-employee visitors by giving explanations on how to sort items into the recycle bins.
During this month-long event, IHI was able to create an opportunity for the users to understand how the act of throwing away trash affects the resource environment. Some comments that were made about this event included, “This made me think about how I could spend my days without making trash.” and “It was a good opportunity for me to understand the effect of being able to make items a resource again, based on the design choices made by manufacturers.” The comments make it clear that this event served as a good opportunity for those on the manufacturing side to consider circular economy when creating products.
The event also provided the organizer, the Corporate Research & Development Division, with a new perspective that could be applied to IHI’s technological development. For example, ideas such as, “By going through the experience of disassembling and separating items that are similar to IHI’s products, we could explore the possibility of designing products that are easy to recycle.” were brought up. Interest also increased in creating a design that has zero environmental impact, and in designing products and services that contribute to resource recycling without the user noticing. Incorporating the perspective of recycling resources in the search for technological themes could provide an opportunity to find new directions for research and development.
The IHI Group will continue to promote efforts aimed at creating a circular economy through these activities.