Key Facts
• June 2025: Osaka Expo kitchen trucks required to use reusable tableware.
• 26 trucks from 8 contractors mandated to adopt reusable dishes.
• Reusable tableware costs set at $0.35–$0.85 per item.
• Some vendors switched to disposable paper trays and cups.
• Moriguchi City vendor ceased reusable tableware use mid-June 2025.
• Kobe City vendor used reusable dishes for only a few items.
• Vendors cited high costs and poor cost-effectiveness as reasons.
• Reusable tableware costs three times higher than standard events.
• Vendors must report disposable use to the Expo Association for approval.
• Reusable dishes reduce CO2 emissions by up to 75% compared to disposables.
• Past events like Kyoto’s Gion Festival adopted reusable tableware since 2014.
• Expo Association may terminate contracts for non-compliance.
• Experts highlight the need for better promotion of sustainability goals.
Summary
At the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, reusable tableware was mandated for kitchen trucks to promote sustainability. However, some vendors opted for disposable containers, citing high costs and poor cost-effectiveness. Reusable dishes, priced at $0.35–$0.85 per item, are three times costlier than standard event rates due to additional costs like damage coverage and staff wages. The Expo Association, aware of the issue, plans to address non-compliance and may terminate contracts if necessary. Experts emphasize the importance of promoting the Expo’s sustainability goals and supporting compliant vendors. Reusable tableware, proven to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, has been successfully implemented in past events like Kyoto’s Gion Festival and F1 Grand Prix. The Expo’s large-scale adoption serves as a critical test for future widespread use.
