Innovative Pouch Connector for Medical Care Children
Introduction
On October 23, 2025, Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd., headquartered in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, in collaboration with NEWSTA Co., Ltd., known for its Famicare initiative, will commence pre-orders for the innovative new product titled the "Pouch Connector". This initiative aims to enhance the daily lives of families caring for children with health conditions and disabilities.
Understanding the Need
The Pouch Connector has been developed through the co-creation project
"#ThisWillHelpUsAll Project", focusing on the voices of families across Japan grappling with daily challenges associated with their children’s needs. This unique connector allows caregivers to easily transfer liquid nutrition from commercial pouches to syringes with just one hand, thereby minimizing mess and making the process more efficient.
In response to the input collected via social media and the Famicare website, the project received over 44 ideas. Yamamura Glass created a prototype displayed at the Kids Festa 2025, receiving valuable feedback from attendees to enhance the product further.
What is the Pouch Connector?
The Pouch Connector is designed to directly link standard pouch beverages to feeding syringes, facilitating a smooth transfer of contents with a simple push. This innovative connector is compatible with typical enteral feeding syringes and is equipped with a pending patent status.
Addressing Key Challenges
Traditionally, caregivers faced numerous challenges when using pouches for enteral feeding:
- - Disconnection Issues: Without a direct connection between the pouch and the syringe, contents had to be transferred to separate containers, increasing waste and mess.
- - Spillage Risks: Attempting to connect the pouch directly often led to leaks and dirty surroundings.
- - Incomplete Usage: Air would enter the pouch, preventing the complete use of its contents.
The Pouch Connector addresses these issues, allowing for flexible responses in various circumstances, such as when caregivers need to attend to their child promptly, or during outings when liquid nutrition is necessary.
Product Specifications
- - Name: Pouch Connector
- - Manufacturer: Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd.
- - Material: PP (Polypropylene)
- - Estimated Heat Resistance: 100°C
- - Color: Milky White
Sales and Purchase Information
The Pouch Connector will be available for pre-order starting October 23, 2025, with an initial limited stock of 300 sets through the Famicare Shop (see:
Famicare Shop). Shipments are expected to commence in January 2026.
Participatory Buying Initiative
In addition to selling to families using enteral feeding, the Pouch Connector initiative includes a community-engagement aspect. Portions of the sales will be donated to children’s support organizations, fostering connections between donors and recipients in need. This initiative aims to resonate with community spirit, providing a link between volunteers and those who benefit.
Positive Feedback from the Community
At the Kids Festa 2025, feedback indicated overwhelming support for the product, with 77% of respondents believing it would significantly ease their caregiving tasks. Testimonials from families highlighted comments like "It will make outings so much easier" and "It seems like clean-up will be a breeze."
Comments from Project Leaders
Masaki Arai, COO of NEWSTA, shared his personal connection to the initiative, noting his own experience navigating nutritional challenges for his child. He emphasized the project's commitment to addressing the unique needs of caregivers and creating solutions that are grounded in real-life experiences and challenges.
Kei Yamamura, the project leader from Yamamura Glass, reflected on the collaborative spirit driving the development, highlighting the importance of integrating caregiver feedback to create meaningful products that offer innovative solutions to everyday challenges.
Conclusion
The Pouch Connector symbolizes the partnership between Yamamura Glass and Famicare, representing a profound step towards addressing the complexities faced by medically fragile children and their caregivers. By responding thoughtfully to personal needs, this initiative aims to pave the way for better days ahead for families across Japan.
For more updates and inquiries related to the Pouch Connector project, you can reach out to Yamamura Glass’s Pharma Kit division at
contact email or visit their
website.