TOKYO, May 19 (Kyodo) — Kirin Beverage Co. has developed the lightest two-liter plastic bottle to be produced in Japan in a joint project with Kirin Brewery Co. to reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions in its manufacturing process, according to Kirin Beverage.
The major Japanese drink maker said it has succeeded in reducing the weight of the new product to 35 grams, making it 7 grams lighter than the bottle currently in use but just as strong. The company has also amended the shape of the bottle to make it easier for consumers to use.
Kirin said it will start using the bottle in late October for one of its mineral water brands.
The move comes at a time when companies in the Japanese beverage industry are turning increasingly to light plastic bottles deemed to help curb carbon dioxide emissions.
