Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) will sponsor the 49th Sapporo Marathon scheduled to be held on October 6, 2024 (Sunday) as a sustainable partner. DNP will visualize environmental impact at this event, collect resources such as clothing, and promote environmental awareness through initiatives using behavioral design to support sustainable event operations.

The 'Sapporo Marathon,' which started in 1976, is the largest citizen marathon event in Northern Japan with over 0.01 million participants annually. In addition to the half marathon, there are fan pairs running with parents, the open event 'Anyone 1km' that anyone can participate in, allowing a wide range of citizen runners to participate. The theme of the 49th edition this year is 'RecycRun (Recycle×Run),' aiming to protect Sapporo's rich nature and promote a sustainable event that can continue in the future. Various environmentally friendly initiatives will be implemented, such as encouraging participants to bring their own bottles and cups, implementing plogging (a fitness activity originating from Sweden that combines picking up litter with jogging), and changing the distribution method of athlete bibs for Sapporo citizens from mail delivery to pickup at sports depots to reduce CO₂ emissions. Through these efforts, each individual involved in the event will be prompted to think about environmental issues and transition to voluntary action.

DNP's Initiatives at the 49th Sapporo Marathon

1. Visualization of CO₂ emissions and waste output

DNP will visualize the CO₂ emissions and waste output in event operations to create indicators for future years and promote awareness for reducing environmental impact. Through these initiatives, DNP will contribute to conducting more sustainable event operations in the future and reduce CO₂ emissions and waste output.

2. Collecting clothing for recycling into next year's event merchandise

Clothing collection boxes will be set up at the main venue, Makomanai Sekisuiheim Stadium, to gather unwanted clothing. The collected clothing will be recycled and used for tools and merchandise for next year's event.

3. Fostering participants' environmental awareness using DNP's behavioral design.

Utilizing Behavioral Design*2 (a design method that supports behavioral change and habit formation using insights from behavioral economics and behavioral science) to design photo spots and other elements placed at the tournament, aiming to cultivate awareness of the environment among participants and runners. Plans include setting up photo spots to increase the rate of bringing and using 'My Bottle' and 'My Cup'.

■ Overview of the 49th Sapporo Marathon

• Date: October 6, 2024 (Sunday)
• Venue: Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium, Sapporo, Hokkaido
• Organizer: Sapporo Marathon Organizing Committee
• Secretariat: Sapporo City Sports Association, General Incorporated Association
• Official Website:

Future developments

DNP will continue to strengthen initiatives such as creating mechanisms for consumer participation in environmentally friendly activities, in addition to supporting the promotion of sports and improving the sustainable operation of events. Through these initiatives, DNP will support the realization of "Zero Carbon Hokkaido" and the "Zero Carbon City" aimed at by Sapporo City, ensuring harmonious growth between the environment, economy, and society. DNP will work together with local communities and residents to address regional challenges, aiming for the achievement of carbon neutrality and a society in harmony with nature.

*1 DNP has set forth the "DNP Group Environmental Vision 2050" as a representation of the desired state for the realization of a sustainable society by 2050.

*2 About DNP's action design →

*3 About Zero Carbon Hokkaido →

*4 About the "Sapporo City Zero Carbon City Declaration" →

* The specifications and service contents of the listed products are as of the date of announcement. Please note that they may be subject to change without notice.