Demolen, After 30 Years, Transitions from 'Not Throwing Away' to 'Circulation': Eco-Friendly Paper Packaging 'Musubibako' Connects to Earth's Future

Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Miki Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture; President and CEO: Masaaki Nishikawa; hereinafter 'Saishunkan') has completely renewed the outer packaging for eight core products of its flagship brand 'Demolen' effective Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in collaboration with Otsuka Packaging Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture; President and CEO: Masami Nagahama; hereinafter 'Otsuka Packaging'), a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings. The new packaging adopts 'paper blister packaging' made entirely from FSC®-certified paper as its primary material. This marks a transformation from the long-standing packaging—featuring 'Zanshi Towels' (made from leftover yarn from towel factories) and zip pouches—to the new environmentally conscious 'Musubibako' (Bonding Box), reflecting a deeper commitment to Earth's environment.

Contributing to Society Through Use—Now Extended to Packaging

As a traditional herbal medicine pharmaceutical company supported by nature, Saishunkan holds the belief that 'Demolen cannot exist without the power of nature.' Therefore, the company views environmentally responsible choices—such as giving back to nature and passing its blessings to future generations—as a fundamental 'promise' it must fulfill. This philosophy is evident in its sourcing practices, including the upcycling (creative reuse) of 'sansho seeds'—a byproduct that previously made up a large portion of waste—and contributing to 'species conservation' by using domestically cultivated plants designated as endangered or near-threatened (NT).

For nearly 30 years, the previous packaging—featuring 'Zanshi Towels' from Imabari towel factories and zip pouches—was beloved as a 'do not throw away' package due to its high versatility and ease of reuse in other applications. However, the newly introduced packaging, made from FSC®-certified paper, enables customers to actively participate in forest conservation simply by using the product, thereby deepening Saishunkan's mission of 'contributing to society through use.'

FSC® Certification

FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) is an international forest certification system that verifies products made from sustainably managed forests, evaluated through environmental, social, and economic criteria. It ensures that products are responsibly produced while protecting biodiversity, the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples, and workers.

www.fsc.org (FSC® N004839)

Key Features of the New Packaging: Balancing Environmental Responsibility and Pharmaceutical-Grade Quality

1. 'Plastic-Free' Design Achieving Approximately 30% Annual CO₂ Reduction

With the packaging change, multiple plastic components—such as transparent films wrapping pouches and caps—are being eliminated. By switching entirely to boxes made from FSC®-certified paper, the company expects to achieve an annual CO₂ reduction of approximately 30%.

2. Safety, Openability, and Pharmaceutical-Grade Assurance

The box is designed to stand upright for storage, with high sealing performance via heat bonding to prevent contamination. It ensures virgin integrity to guarantee unopened status and allows for stress-free opening without excessive force. Extensive safety testing after opening has been conducted, leading to the decision for this new packaging.

The Name 'Musubibako' (Bonding Box)

The packaging using FSC®-certified paper is not a passive choice to 'reduce waste,' but an active use of 'circular materials' that reduces dependence on petroleum-based resources and promotes resource circulation. The name 'Musubibako' embodies the vision of 'firmly connecting customers, people, and Earth's future' through the product. Holding the product becomes an act of participation in global forest conservation—an act of social contribution. By accumulating these 'reasons to want to use' the product, Demolen aims to evolve beyond a mere product into a meaningful contribution to the society of the future.

【Otsuka Packaging Co., Ltd.】

Founded in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, in 1954 (established 1912), Otsuka Packaging operates under the corporate philosophy of 'Turning Dreams into Reality,' continuously challenging itself to create attractive packaging. As a packaging materials manufacturer, it specializes in functional and design excellence that maximizes the value of pharmaceutical and food products while delivering safety and peace of mind. In recent years, the company has advanced innovative packaging development by combining its unique technologies with external knowledge and creativity, aiming to reduce environmental impact (e.g., plastic-free initiatives) and accurately convey the maker's intent. It also pursues solutions to social issues and the realization of its philosophy from diverse perspectives. Starting in 2025, it will formally launch sustainable management, promoting internal initiatives and systematic external disclosures. This year, in response to client requests and its responsibility as a supply chain partner that 'wraps, protects, and conveys value' for important products, the company underwent its first EcoVadis sustainability assessment and earned a 'Silver' medal—awarded to only the top 15% of evaluated companies worldwide. Otsuka Packaging aims to bring joy through packaging and contribute to a sustainable society, advancing long-term value creation together with all stakeholders. (https://www.otsuka-houso.co.jp/)

【Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.】

Founded in Kumamoto in 1932, Saishunkan is a 'herbal pharmaceutical company' that manufactures and sells pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics based on traditional herbal principles, including 'Tsu San To' and 'Demolen.' Its hallmark is unlocking the full potential of carefully selected ingredients—based on the idea that 'humans are part of nature'—using pharmaceutical expertise to harness nature's resilient life force for human benefit. Guided by the corporate philosophy of 'connecting with nature and people for a better tomorrow,' aiming for 'the circulation of nature, people, and society,' the company practices sustainability as a way of giving back to nature. Initiatives include owning approximately 30,000 solar panels generating 100% of its annual electricity needs (self-sufficiency rate), and 'kan'yo' (recharging)—a practice of infiltrating rainwater underground to replenish aquifers, returning over 200,000 tons of water annually, exceeding usage, to protect Aso's natural spring water. It also supports the recovery of Miki Town, Kumamoto, through its self-operated hometown tax donation website. Ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2032, the company launched the 'Positive Age Company Declaration,' expressing its desire to create 'days worth looking forward to.' It is advancing a mid-to-long-term business plan to continuously offer unique 'Kampo-inspired solutions' to customers, employees and their families, partners, local communities, and the planet. (https://www.saishunkan.co.jp/)