#Japan #Renewable Energy #Kumamoto #Saishunkan #Watasumi

Saishunkan Pharmaceutical and Watasumi's Revolutionary Collaboration

In an exciting new development in the world of sustainability, Saishunkan Pharmaceutical, based in Kumamoto, Japan, is teaming up with Watasumi, a startup emerging from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). This collaboration, which marks a significant step toward environmental responsibility in the cosmetics industry, aims to tackle the challenging problem of difficult-to-degrade waste liquids generated during cosmetic manufacturing. The joint demonstration project harnesses Watasumi's innovative microbial fuel cell technology, enabling the breakdown of complex cosmetic waste while simultaneously generating renewable energy in the form of biogas and electricity.

Background and Purpose of the Collaboration

The cosmetics industry faces a growing challenge of industrial waste management due to production losses and the environmental footprint associated with chemical ingredients. Preservatives and functional oils—integral to maintaining product quality—are particularly problematic as they resist microbial degradation, making simple wastewater treatment solutions ineffective. This partnership aligns with Saishunkan's long-standing philosophy of living in harmony with nature, as reflected in their commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. By partnering with Watasumi, Saishunkan seeks to confront these technical hurdles head-on, transforming waste into valuable resources and solidifying their commitment to coexistence with the environment.

Watasumi is pioneering in its approach, having developed a method that utilizes microorganisms to break down high-concentration organic wastewater while capturing energy in the process. Their expertise has predominantly been applied to simpler wastewater compositions from beverages until now. This project represents a groundbreaking challenge as it targets the complex and hard-to-degrade liquid waste from cosmetic products, a move that places them at the forefront of potential innovations in the field.

Significance of the Joint Demonstration Project

Starting in July 2025, laboratory-scale tests will be conducted using waste liquids from Saishunkan's flagship product, Domoho-run Wrinkle, including samples from a newly formulated version set for release in January 2025. These tests will analyze how effectively Watasumi's technology performs against the diverse range of ingredients found in cosmetics, which have long been recognized as difficult to process.

The insights gained from these lab tests will represent a vital step in addressing the long-standing issue of energy conversion from difficult-to-degrade cosmetic waste—a major barrier in the industry. Following these initial tests, the goal is to advance to pilot studies, fundamentally redefining sustainability models across the cosmetics sector.

Visions for the Future

This collaboration signals a shift towards a more sustainable future within the cosmetics industry, providing a framework that prioritizes environmental principles. The shared knowledge and technology between Saishunkan and Watasumi can pave the way for a transformative model that addresses the critical sustainability challenges currently faced. By successfully overcoming this complex issue, they aim to establish a blueprint that can be replicated industry-wide, contributing to a broader movement towards responsible practices in personal care and cosmetic manufacturing.

Comments from Leadership

Yoshinobu Ide, Executive Officer at Saishunkan Pharmaceutical, expressed excitement about this significant step forward, stating, “We feel we are taking a major leap towards realizing our philosophy. By combining Watasumi's innovative technology with our expertise in product formulation, we are poised to create a sustainable model that shines a bright light on the future of our industry from Kumamoto.”

David Simpson, CEO of Watasumi, shared his enthusiasm for collaborating with Saishunkan, appreciating their commitment to natural ingredients. “Tackling the processing of highly complex cosmetic waste is a significant challenge for us, but the impact of our success could be immense. Through this joint demonstration, we are confident we will contribute toward building a sustainable society.”

About Saishunkan Pharmaceutical

Founded in 1932, Saishunkan seeks to harmonize the natural world with human existence through their line of herbal-based medicines and cosmetics, such as Pain Relief Powder and Domoho-run Wrinkle. With the motto, “Connecting with Nature, Connecting with People,” they emphasize the use of select plant-based ingredients optimized through their pharmaceutical expertise. Having gained national recognition for their commitment to recovery efforts after the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016, they also run a unique portal for hometown tax programs and engage in various sustainability activities that reflect their dedication to a circular model connecting nature, people, and society.