Transforming E-Waste Into Beautiful Upcycled Materials in Ghana

In a pioneering collaboration, MAGO MOTORS JAPAN and REMARE are leading an initiative in Ghana, transforming electronic waste into stunning tabletops crafted entirely from 100% recycled plastic. This innovative project serves as a symbolic representation of a sustainable future, demonstrating the potential for e-waste to become valuable materials rather than environmental hazards.

The Birth of MAGO MOTORS JAPAN

MAGO MOTORS JAPAN, founded in 2022 by artist and entrepreneur Mako Nagasaka, operates from Agbogbloshie, a notorious slum known as one of the world's largest electronic waste dumps. Here, discarded electronics from developed nations pile high, contributing to poor working conditions and severe environmental pollution. MAGO MOTORS JAPAN is tackling these challenges head-on by employing local workers to responsibly collect, clean, separate, and process the e-waste into reusable composite plastics.

This is not merely a product development project—it's a pivotal step towards creating new value from waste, fostering sustainable industry, and improving living standards in the slum. The company aims to develop office furniture and building materials from these tabletops, providing stable employment for local residents and addressing the intertwined issues of environmental degradation and poverty.

Innovative Recycling Techniques

According to REMARE, significant strides have been made in recycling previously deemed unrecyclable composite plastics, which typically contain mixed resins and metal particles. Their innovative approach reduces CO2 emissions associated with conventional disposal methods by approximately one-third, transforming the cumbersome plastics into functional large-format board materials suitable for office settings. The partnership with Prologis gave way to the introduction of these upcycled materials in office interiors, with positive feedback acknowledging the unique balance of quality and design.

"We resonate with MAGO MOTORS JAPAN’s commitment to solving social issues and integrated their building materials into our new office design. The high-quality and aesthetically pleasing materials provide a comforting accent in the workspace, positively impacting our daily operations. We hope this helps raise awareness and drives improvements in social issues," a representative from Prologis commented.

Enhanced Durability through Traditional Craftmanship

The finishing touch to these composite boards comes from the skilled artisans at Takeshou, a lacquer finishing company co-led by Koji Takemori. Incorporating traditional lacquer techniques may present challenges when working with recycled plastics, yet their expertise in surface treatment and high-performance urethane coating has resulted in attractive surfaces that are not only durable but also visually appealing. This ensures that these products are not merely recycled items but sophisticated upcycled products suitable for modern office usage.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, REMARE plans to expand its product offerings through collaboration with diverse partners, continually adding new value to recycled plastics. This initiative combines problem-solving for social issues with Japan's advanced manufacturing techniques, paving the way for a circular economy.

In conclusion, these tabletops, emerging from one of the world’s largest electronic waste dumps, stand as not just prototypes but also as embodiments of a future transition towards sustainable practices in industry. The collaboration between MAGO MOTORS JAPAN and REMARE marks the beginning of a movement geared towards elevating waste to valuable resources, contributing to a greener, more socially responsible global community.

Company Details

MAGO MOTORS JAPAN

- Location: 3-31-2 Shiba, Minato, Tokyo
- CEO: Mako Nagasaka
- Business Focus: E-waste recycling, agriculture, electric vehicle business
- Website: MAGO MOTORS JAPAN

Takeshou Co., Ltd.

- Location: 3-44-3 Yanagijima-cho, Nakagawa, Nagoya, Aichi
- CEO: Koji Takemori
- Business Focus: Furniture and building materials finishing using lacquer technology
- Website: Takeshou

REMARE Co., Ltd.

- Location: 1-2-32 Tsuruma, Showa, Nagoya, Aichi
- CEO: Masasuke Mase
- Business Focus: Development and manufacturing of recycled plastic materials, waste reduction solutions for businesses
- Instagram: REMARE
- Website: REMARE
- Contact: Contact Form