DNP Awarded 46th Kinoshita Prize for Heat Insulating Paper Cup

Jun 23, 2022

Tokyo, June 23, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) is proud to announce that the Company has been awarded the 46th Kinoshita Award in the R&D Category by the Japan Packaging Institute (JPI) in recognition of the development of the microwave compatible heat insulating paper cup¹ for Japanese market.^​​

As the name suggests, the new cup uses paper, which is a renewable resource, as an alternative to plastic to reduce the environmental burden. In addition, as a result of DNP's proprietary processing technology that folds the leg portion of the paper cup inward to flatten it, the new cup also exhibits functionality and safety features that make it possible to suppress incidence of scorching, even when heated in a microwave oven. 

The Kinoshita Award was established in commemoration of the late-Mr. Matasaburo Kinoshita, the second chairman of the JPI, and his many years of meritorious service in the packaging industry. Each fiscal year, awards are made recognizing those who have made distinguished achievements in packaging-related areas, including R&D, improvements and rationalization, or the creation of new fields. 

The R&D division, for which DNP received the award, was selected based on the following criteria:

- Research and development into the manufacturing, processing and application techniques of packaging materials and containers.

○Development of new packaging machinery or improvement of machinery performance.

Research and development of packaging materials and containers with original configurations, surface treatments, and shapes that meet the preferences of consumers and users.

Research and development of packaging optimization for environmental conservation.

(Complies with the revised Containers and Packaging Recycling Law and the Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources).

The microwave compatible heat insulating paper cup can also be used as a food container following heating in a microwave oven, and can be easily used for a wide range of cooking ideas using a microwave oven, including simmering and steaming.

Paper, a renewable resource, is mainly used, and can reduce the amount of plastic used by about 90% and CO2 emissions^２ by about 54% compared to plastic containers of the same size. In addition, since the container can be crushed and disposed of, such disposal can be achieved in a more compact manner than with a plastic container. 

Currently, multiple companies, mainly those involved in frozen foods, are considering the adoption of this product.

DNP constantly considers the harmonious coexistence between business activities and the global environment, and promotes various measures to realize a sustainable and better society, along with more comfortable lifestyles.

Regarding packaging for foods and daily necessities that are familiar to consumers, we have developed eco-friendly packaging³ as we look to provide society with the three values of CO2 reduction, resource recycling, and the conservation of the natural environment. And we are developing and providing a variety of environmentally friendly products and services by combining our technological strengths. 

In Japan, we are witnessing a diversification in eating habits in line with an increase in single-person, double-income, and elderly households. This is leading to increased demand for microwave oven-based cooking, particularly for frozen foods.

To meet these needs, the microwave compatible heat insulating paper cup developed in 2020, as a cooking container made from paper materials, is a product that can help overcoming social challenges, by reducing the plastic volume used, and CO2. We will also strive to become a New Standard for food containers, while also successfully creating foods that match consumer lifestyles.

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