To popularize Cartocan, a paper beverage can, an association was established in April 2004 by thirty Japanese companies, including beverage manufacturer Pokka Corporation and Toppan Printing Company.

JfS reports that Japanese timber, including wood chips and wood from thinning plantation forests, accounts for more than 30 per cent of the paper used to manufacture Cartocan containers.

The purchase of products made of domestic timber such as plantation thinnings contributes to securing revenue needed for forest management that aims to revitalise the forestry sector and prevent forest degradation in Japan.

Cartocan made its market debut in 1996 in Japan, but it has not yet become popular. The new association plans activities to raise awareness about Cartocan as well as to gather and transmit relevant information, based on the recognition that increased supply and demand of Cartocan can help address global warming