Functional Delivery Boxes Paving the Way: ALCONIX’s Leap Toward the Unknown “X”

The Rapid Expansion of E-Commerce and Its Impact: Long Working Hours and Increased CO₂ Emissions

Parcel delivery volumes in Japan have surged due to the growth of e-commerce, reaching 5.07 billion items in FY2023—1.5 times more than in FY2010. However, 10.2% of these parcels require redelivery, which exacerbates long working hours for drivers and increases CO₂ emissions. It is estimated that redelivery results in approximately 254,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, posing a serious social issue.

(Caption Translations) Parcel redelivery emits 254 thousand t-CO2 per year, equivalent to the CO2 capture capability of a pine forest whose dimension is 1.7 times the size of Tokyo 23 Special wards combined.

To address this, from April 2024, a cap of 960 hours per year was placed on truck drivers’ overtime. Additionally, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is considering making “drop-off delivery” a standard service, indicating nationwide efforts to reduce redelivery.

For your reference）

① 物流：宅配便の再配達削減に向けて - 国土交通省」(Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "Logistics: For the reduction of re-delivery of parcel" (in Japanese))
②  トラック|建設業・ドライバー・医師の働き方改革総合サイト　はたらきかたススメ｜厚生労働省(Ministry of Health, labour, and Welfare "Truck: Work Style Reform Portal for Construction, Drivers, and Doctors"(in Japanese))
③ 国土交通省「多様なライフスタイルをささえる持続可能な宅配の実現に向けた手引き」(Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "Guidance for Sustainable Delivery Service to Support Diverse Lifestyles (in Japanese)")

Challenges Surrounding Delivery Boxes

Delivery boxes, which have been installed in residences, railway stations and so on, play a crucial role in preventing theft and damage during drop-off deliveries. While newer buildings tend to have them installed, older properties—especially those over 10 years old—often lack the space or infrastructure for equipment. In response, ALCONIX collaborated with a mailbox manufacturer to develop delivery boxes that can be installed in existing residences, supporting the Group’s sustainability initiatives.

The interview was carried out with Mr. Miyagi of the Business Strategy Department about this enterprise.

For Your Reference）賃貸マンションの宅配ボックス・オートロック設置率を LIFULL HOME'Sが調査 | 株式会社LIFULL(ライフル)(LIFULL Co., LTD "LIFULL HOME'S to Disclose Survey Result of Installation Rate of Delivery Boxes and Automatic Door Lock for Rental Apartment"(in Japanese) )

The Spark: A Single Phone Call from a Business Partner

In autumn 2017, a branch manager from a major security company—who had previously worked with ALCONIX on Waterlogic water dispenser—reached out:

“You specialize in metals, right? Could you make delivery boxes?”

The manager had heard from a major rental housing developer (Company A) that they were struggling to procure delivery boxes. The boxes they were using had severe shipment delays and were difficult to install in existing buildings. Its usability was also poor.

ALCONIX initially contacted three building material manufacturers for quotes, but the prices were far from ideal. Just as the proposal seemed doomed, a flash of inspiration led to reconnecting with an executive from a major shutter manufacturer. That company had expanded through M&A and handled various building materials. They introduced ALCONIX to the president of one of their group companies—a mailbox manufacturer (Company B).

Pursuing a Delivery Box That Solves Housing Challenges

Thus, design discussions for the new delivery box began. Since these boxes are typically installed outdoors, they must withstand rain and wind and remain durable. For new buildings, a flat concrete base is prepared for delivery box. However, existing homes often lack such space.

ALCONIX proposed features to address Company A’s concerns, including waterproofing and ease of installation—features not offered by competitors. Company B’s design team successfully translated these ideas into blueprints. The shutter manufacturer also conducted rainproof testing at its own facility and obtained certification.

As a result, Company A adopted ALCONIX’s product, which now holds the largest share among their offerings for drop-off delivery solution.

Solving Social Issues Through Delivery Boxes

Demand for delivery boxes has grown significantly since development began. The rise of e-commerce and the need for contactless delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption. The “ 2024 logistics issue* ” further increased societal demand to reduce redelivery, prompting the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to introduce subsidy programs to promote delivery box usage.

Sales of ALCONIX’s delivery boxes have doubled since launch, reflecting this growing demand. The government cites infection control and crime prevention for families with children as key reasons for promoting delivery boxes.

It is deeply meaningful that our delivery boxes—developed before the pandemic—are now widely recognized as contributing to society.

* The 2024 logistics issue in Japan: due to two regulations to cap truck drivers' working hours in response to their excessive labor, serious logistical delays are expected to happen.

Conclusion

When a customer approaches with a seemingly unrelated business request, it’s easy to say “we can’t.” But bridging the gap between needs and solutions is the mission of a trading company. Mr. Miyagi from our Business Strategy Department turned a challenge into a business opportunity through insight and ingenuity.

By fully utilizing our network and combining the technologies of each partner, we’ve expanded new possibilities. The delivery box business truly embodies ALCONIX’s leap toward the unknown “X.”

Contact Information Regarding Delivery Boxes

Business Strategy Department: Makiuchi / Miyagi

Inquiries

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