SEED Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takao Sato, hereinafter "SEED") and Menicon Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Naka-ku, Nagoya; Director, Representative Executive Officer, CEO: Yasushi Kawaura, hereinafter "Menicon") have conducted a joint delivery pilot project in the Kyushu region since July 2025, utilizing the transportation network of Fukutsu Express Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture; President and CEO: Hiroyuki Kumano, hereinafter "Fukutsu Express").

Based on the results achieved, the three companies are pleased to announce the commencement of full-scale operations starting September 1, 2026.

In recent years, demand for disposable contact lenses has surged both domestically and internationally, increasing the need for more stable and efficient logistics systems. At the same time, the logistics industry faces significant challenges, including the "2024 problem" related to driver work-style reforms and the looming "2030 problem" concerning future transportation capacity shortages. These issues necessitate fundamental initiatives toward achieving sustainable logistics.

Against this backdrop, joint delivery—where multiple companies consolidate shipments for shared transportation—has gained attention as an efficient logistics solution. SEED and Menicon launched a joint delivery pilot project in the Kyushu region starting July 1, 2025.

The pilot demonstrated significant results, including an approximate 48.5% reduction in CO2 emissions※1, prompting the transition to full-scale operations from September 1, 2026. Under this initiative, SEED and Menicon will consolidate eligible shipments, leveraging Fukutsu Express’s extensive transportation network and expertise in route and delivery management to improve load efficiency and streamline distribution.

In addition to deliveries to selected Menicon Group retail outlets in Kyushu that were part of the pilot, the program will now expand to include shipments to SEED and Menicon customers in Kyushu who support this initiative. The companies aim to further expand participation by encouraging more customers to join.

Through this collaborative effort, the three companies will continue contributing to the realization of a sustainable society within the logistics sector.

※1 CO2 emissions reduction calculated using the modified ton-kilometer method for deliveries to 25 target stores in Kyushu, confirming approximately 48.5% reduction (based on Menicon’s internal data).

Reference: Press release at the start of the pilot project

https://ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/7743/announcement/112482/00.pdf

＜About SEED Co., Ltd.＞

SEED is a contact lens manufacturer headquartered in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. Founded in 1957, following the initiation of contact lens research in 1951, the company will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year as a comprehensive specialist in eye care. SEED offers a wide range of contact lenses and related products to meet diverse customer needs, aiming to create a society where various forms of visual joy can be experienced. Its products are delivered to over 50 countries and regions worldwide, including Asia and Europe.

https://www.seed.co.jp/

＜About Menicon Co., Ltd.＞

Since developing Japan’s first corneal contact lens in 1951, Menicon has operated under the corporate slogan of “contributing broadly to society through better vision.” Prioritizing eye safety, the company conducts R&D, employs proprietary advanced manufacturing technologies, and offers the Melsec Plan to support long-term, comfortable, and secure eye health. As a comprehensive contact lens manufacturer, Menicon produces not only lens materials and designs but also lens care products, operating globally in over 80 countries from its base in Nagoya.

https://www.menicon.co.jp/company/

＜About Fukutsu Express Co., Ltd.＞

Fukutsu Express is a comprehensive logistics company with approximately 400 logistics hubs nationwide, utilizing distribution and information infrastructure to deliver customers’ goods across Japan. By integrating diverse transport methods—including trucking—with warehousing, distribution processing, and information management, the company provides seamless, end-to-end logistics services tailored to diverse customer needs.

https://corp.fukutsu.co.jp/corp/company/

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership