Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and P&G Podium Made from Recycled Plastic

The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee will implement the project, with P&G providing operational support. Starting June 19, P&G plastic bottles and refill products (similar products from other companies are also eligible, but PET bottles are excluded) will be collected at approximately 2,000 Aeon stores nationwide. These will be used as recycled material for the podiums. Collection will end once the required amount is gathered.

At the outset, Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori stated that to make the Tokyo Games contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Organizing Committee has previously promoted projects like the "Medals from Urban Mines" initiative and a project utilizing wood provided by municipalities nationwide for part of the Athletes' Village. He added, "This time, we will also utilize some of the problematic marine plastic. We want to convey the usefulness of recycling, which aligns with the Games' concept, to the world."
Stanislav Besera, President of P&G Japan, introduced how the P&G Group shares a common vision for "environmental sustainability" and is undertaking various initiatives to minimize environmental impact. He stated, "We are honored to be part of this wonderful project. I am confident this will become a true legacy. With everyone's power, society can be changed."

Attending the event were P&G Olympic and Paralympic Project Passionate Support Leader and JOC Sports Environment Ambassador Shuzo Matsuoka; Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee Sports Director Hiroyuki Murofushi; All-Japan Karate Team member Ayumi Uekusa; and Japanese Paralympic Triathlon Team member Yukako Hata. They engaged in a lively discussion about their expectations and enthusiasm for the Tokyo Games.
Matsuoka stated, "I hope it will be a Games where everyone can participate. This project is one way to achieve that. I want to do my utmost so that many people can reach their 'mental podium.'" Murofushi added, "I'm particularly interested in the newly adopted sports like karate and urban sports. It's a wonderful Games where both the medals and the podiums are made from recycled materials."

  Demonstration of depositing items into collection boxes

Athlete Uekusa remarked, "Seeing the fierce determination of international competitors in matches makes me truly feel the Tokyo Games are approaching. I want to win and further raise the profile of karate." Athlete Hata then joked, "I think both sports and environmental issues must be sustainable. I'm already thinking about what I'll say when I stand on the podium in Tokyo. Just kidding," which drew laughter from the audience.