Lion Reports 11-Year Achievement of 'Toothbrush Recycling' Activity

Lion Corporation (President and CEO: Masayuki Takeshita) has been promoting the collection and recycling of used toothbrushes as part of its environmental initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable future through plastic resource circulation. This activity, which began in June 2015, has now reached its 11th year in May 2026. During this period, a total of 33.5 tons (approximately 2.68 million toothbrushes) have been collected, and we are pleased to report on these achievements.

(Note: Calculated at 12.5g per toothbrush)

As a top manufacturer of toothbrushes, Lion Corporation has been promoting the collection, recycling, and re-resourcing of used toothbrushes since 2015 to advance the circulation and reuse of plastic resources. We believe that it is our responsibility to reduce the environmental burden and contribute to a recycling society by not disposing of plastic, which is essential to life, but instead making it reusable.

【Achievements and Collection Results So Far】

1. 'Toothbrush Recycling Program' for Consumers

Since June 2015, we have provided a system that allows consumers to participate in toothbrush recycling. This program is free to join for individuals and groups.

・Collection Period: June 2015 - April 2026

・Registered Collection Points: 1,724

・Collection Results: 30.2 tons (approximately 2.42 million toothbrushes)

2. Collaboration with Local Governments

Since April 2020, we have been collaborating with local governments to make toothbrush recycling a more familiar habit for consumers. The collection results from the start of collaboration in each local government are as follows.

<Tokyo's Sumida Ward>

・Collection Period: April 2020 - March 2026

・Collection Points: Public facilities, public elementary and junior high schools, etc., totaling 47 locations

・Collection Results: 1,226 kg (approximately 98,000 toothbrushes)

・Activity Topic: In addition to the above collection points, the cleaning office regularly collects resources from parks, etc., and toothbrushes are also included in the collection targets.

Scene at Sumida Ward's Otowa Park April 2026

<Tokyo's Itabashi Ward>

・Collection Period: August 2022 - March 2026

・Collection Points: Public facilities (children's centers, libraries, etc.), local shopping streets, etc., totaling 47 locations

・Collection Results: 1,317 kg (approximately 105,000 toothbrushes)

・Activity Topic: Molded products made from recycled toothbrush materials are distributed to local residents through events such as the ward festival.

<Tokyo's Taito Ward>

・Collection Period: April 2023 - April 2026

・Collection Points: Public facilities, public elementary and junior high schools in the ward, commercial facilities, etc., totaling 50 locations

・Collection Results: 599 kg (approximately 47,000 toothbrushes)

・Activity Topic: To teach children about toothbrush recycling, a kaleidoscope craft event using crushed pieces of toothbrushes was held (June 2025).

<Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture>

・Collection Period: November 2024 - April 2026

・Collection Points: Himeji City Hall Main Building, public facilities, etc., totaling 16 locations

・Collection Points: 249 kg (approximately 20,000 toothbrushes)

・Activity Topic: Blocks were molded from the collected toothbrushes and presented to Himeji City (March 2026).

Left: Lion Himeji Factory's Sasaki Factory Manager Right: Himeji City's Marutani Mayor

3. Collaboration with Askul Corporation, which operates a business-to-business mail-order service

Collaboration with Askul Corporation for the promotion of toothbrush recycling aimed at improving employees' health and promoting environmental awareness. Additionally, a 'mouthwash cup' was molded from recycled toothbrush materials and sold in limited quantities.

Mouthwash Cup

'The Future is Coming' Exhibition

Site Information ASKUL: https://www.askul.co.jp/p/WWK2430/

LOHACO: https://lohaco.yahoo.co.jp/store/h-lohaco/item/wwp7455/

Future Prospects

Lion's purpose (existential meaning) includes not only the realization of health care for people's minds and bodies but also the realization of a sustainable society. Therefore, we will continue to promote this activity to realize not only 'healthy habit formation' but also the habit of 'not wasting plastic' through toothbrushes that everyone uses. We will also continue to develop technologies to recycle collected toothbrushes into high-quality recycled resins and utilize recycled resins with high utility.

【Related Information】

・Lion's 'Toothbrush Recycling' Activity https://www.lion.co.jp/ja/sustainability/toothbrush-recycling/

・Resource Circulation https://www.lion.co.jp/ja/sustainability/env/resources/activity01.php

・News Release: Lion's 'Toothbrush Recycling' Activity Starts at Private Kindergartens/Recognized Child Gardens in Saitama Prefecture

May 28, 2025

https://www.lion.co.jp/ja/news/2025/4905