Okeanos Launches Innovative Sustainable Material Solutions in Tokyo

On May 12, 2026, Okeanos, a pioneering company in sustainable materials, made an ambitious move by establishing its first subsidiary in Tokyo, Japan. This strategic launch focuses on the introduction of their flagship technology, the "Made from Stone™" material, aimed at replacing traditional plastic packaging with environmentally friendly options. This innovative material is mineral-based and designed to be integrated into existing production lines, reducing the use of petroleum-derived plastics by up to 60% in final products.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has recognized Okeanos as a foreign enterprise that contributes to sustainable urban transformation. Additionally, the company's technology has been evaluated as a vital asset within the city's "GX Foreign Company Market Entry Support Program," underscoring its potential to advance green transformation (GX).

The Technology Behind Made from Stone™

The core component of the Made from Stone™ material is calcium carbonate, which has been a long-standing filler in Japan's manufacturing sector. Okeanos has now converted this resource into a primary packaging material that can significantly reduce the plastic content in final products by as much as 60%. This development addresses not only sustainability concerns but also enhances sortability in recycling processes, thanks to the material's lower density compared to conventional plastics.

Okeanos's technology requires no new machinery or alterations in production processes, making it an attractive option for brands looking to demonstrate their environmental commitment transparently. The solution provides measurable ecological benefits that brands can readily communicate to their consumers.

Currently, commercial production is being carried out in 14 factories worldwide, with converters and brand owners in North America, Europe, and Latin America adopting this innovative material across various applications including flexible packaging films, rigid containers, vacuum-formed packages, and injection molded products.

In Japan, the initial focus will be on packaging applications such as supermarket shopping bags, e-commerce delivery bags, and food packaging films. The impending implementation of Japan's Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Law, effective from 2022, has created an urgent need for solutions aimed at reducing plastic usage, making Okeanos’s entry into the market timely and significant.

Commitment to Innovation in Japan

"Japan has been perceived as a cautious market for overseas companies, but we see a shift occurring," says Mafalda Esteve, Japan Lead at Okeanos. "The country is opening up its market aggressively and enhancing its industrial foundations while promoting collaborations with foreign businesses. Establishing our Japan branch during this pivotal time signifies our commitment to partake in these transformative efforts."

Okeanos is ready to offer comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) reports, optimized by manufacturing country and process for its Made from Stone™ product. This data will serve to benchmark against traditional products, providing transparency tools for consumers, such as QR codes, to enhance understanding of their environmental impacts. Unlike many alternative materials that necessitate significant capital investment or changes in supply chains, Made from Stone™ can be directly integrated into existing manufacturing infrastructures, and Okeanos is already engaging in commercial production and shipping worldwide.

"The transition away from virgin plastics will progress in the Asia-Pacific region, which produces a large portion of the world's packaging products. Establishing our presence in Tokyo demonstrates our belief in the region's potential for material innovation over the next decade and our long-term commitment to the manufacturing and brand companies driving that change," says Florencio Cuetara, CEO of Okeanos.

The Japan office will serve as a regional headquarters, facilitating connections with existing customers across Japan, South Korea, China, and other key markets. Okeanos plans to collaborate closely with partners to implement material transitions that comply with both commercial and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, ongoing discussions are in place to explore potential local production capabilities within Japan throughout 2026.

About Okeanos

Okeanos is a global leader in providing sustainable alternative materials, utilizing its patented Made from Stone™ technology to reduce plastic usage significantly in packaging. By leveraging abundant, renewable natural minerals like calcium carbonate, Okeanos supports brands in minimizing their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance or cost efficiency.

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