Last year, Publicis Groupe Japan launched a national challenge to create awareness about human microplastic consumption. It was built on the fact that over the course of a year, each person unknowingly consumes the equivalent of one lunchbox worth of plastic waste. The environmental issue of plastic waste is also a threat to human health.

The Trash Bento Challenge, hosted by Publicis Groupe Japan’s Gomirai Project Team, part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Committee, welcomed incredible entries from across Japan in its inaugural year, drew attention at Japan’s EcoPro exhibition and sparked action in local communities, raising awareness about waste issues nationwide. 

This year the Trash Bento Challenge is open to anyone on Earth under the theme, Recycle – For the Earth, For Our Bodies. It invites competitors to pick up litter, let their creativity run free, and turn what they find into a one-of-a-kind bento box creation.

“Maybe you care about the environment. Maybe you love making things. Maybe you’re looking for the perfect summer research project. Whatever your reason, I encourage you to enter,” explained Yukichi Shikata, creative director at Publicis Groupe Japan and a member of the Groupe’s SDG Committee. “Your entry might inspire someone. It might make them smile. And it might be the first step towards changing behaviour.”

Gareth Mulryan, CEO at Publicis Groupe Japan, added, “We received such a phenomenal response to last year’s contest that we’ve decided to welcome international entries this year. The more we can raise awareness of the health problems caused by trash and microplastics, and the more trash that’s collected from local neighbourhoods and kept out of our oceans and waterways, the better we can take incremental steps towards real and lasting change.” 

To enter, pick up trash in your neighbourhood, then use it to build a one-of-a-kind bento box inspired by this year’s theme. Take a photo of your finished piece, and submit it here, along with your thoughts on the cleanup experience and the inspiration for your Trash Bento. 

All submissions will be evaluated by Publicis Groupe Japan’s Gomirai Project Team, along with two guest judges – Misa Enomoto, a chef, fermentation meister and cookbook author; and Shuichi Takizawa, a comedian and sanitation worker who shares insights on environmental issues through social media, writing and lectures.

Prizes include: 

• Grand Prize: Stay at the Zero Waste Action Hotel in Kamikatsu, Tokushima. This Grand Prize covers a one-night stay for a family of three.   
• Appetite-Inspiring Award (judged by Misa Enomoto): Win an eco-friendly bento lunchbox made from coffee grounds and bamboo powder – plant-based materials that return naturally to the earth. 
• Recycle Meisger Award (judged by Shuichi Takizawa): Win a MyBottleYakusugi made from unutilized Yakusugi cedar left behind in warehouses – a beautiful example of upcycling through thoughtful design.

There are also prizes awarded to the Happy Fish Award winner, the Future Genius Award winner, and the My First Step Award winner to inspire future change makers of all ages.

The Trash Bento Challenge was featured at the ACT with Courage Exhibition at Cannes Lions 2025. This year’s competition is running with the support of local government and sponsors, including PADI and Atoa aquarium in Kobe, which hosted a trash bento workshop as part of an exhibition called Plastic Oceans: A Changing Future, August 7-8. 

For updates, follow Publicis Groupe Japan’s Instagram account, and enter before Sunday, August 31, 11:59 PM (JST) here. Read the Terms & Conditions.