#Tokyo #Upcycling Project #ReTA BASE #Eco-friendly Material

ReTA BASE Launches Revolutionary Sheet Material

In an impressive feat of innovation, ReTA BASE, Japan’s leading upcycling brand, has announced the launch of its new sheet material, Poliolefin Cross. This groundbreaking product is developed from recycled clear holders and plastic bottle caps, showcasing a commitment towards sustainable manufacturing and waste reduction.

The Evolution of Upcycling Materials

The journey to creating Poliolefin Cross was not without its challenges. The development process involved multiple partners, including TRIFE DESIGN, Askul Corporation, Nihon Yamamura Glass Co., and Hokushin Kasei. Together, these companies have created a unique, reversible sheet material utilizing the following:

• - Warp yarn: Virgin polyethylene flat yarn
• - Weft yarn: Recycled polypropylene flat yarn (80% from used clear holders and 20% from discarded plastic bottle caps)

This collaboration underscores the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in tackling environmental issues.

A New Model for Sustainability

What sets this initiative apart is its commitment to a circular economic model. Every step of the material creation process—from collection of used clear holders to recycling the caps—is carried out domestically. This approach minimizes transportation costs and reduces environmental impact, promoting a local economy that champions sustainability.

TRIFE DESIGN has overseen the project's direction and design, ensuring that the new material meets both aesthetic and functional standards. The transition from traditional resin molding processes to the development of Poliolefin Cross has enabled a greater focus on lower production costs while still allowing for flexibility in product design, such as in sewn goods.

Overcoming Technical Challenges

Developing Poliolefin Cross posed several hurdles. There were no precedents for using recycled clear holders as a material for flat yarn, which delayed the establishment of a reliable production process. Moreover, maintaining a consistent quality in flat yarn required overcoming several technical challenges such as pellet molding temperatures, cooling processes, and blending ratios of recycled materials.

Through meticulous research and development, the teams ensured that the sheet material not only met quality guidelines but also excelled in performance, being lightweight and waterproof—critical qualities for various applications.

Future Applications and Product Development

As ReTA BASE continues its exploration of various waste materials for upcycling, the newly developed Poliolefin Cross will be utilized in a variety of products, including lifestyle goods, bags, and more. The expectations from industry insiders are high, noting that this innovation could lead to further advancements in eco-friendly materials contributing to a sustainable society.

The collaborative nature of this project clearly shows how companies from diverse sectors can unite under a common goal: effective waste reuse and reduction of environmental footprints. The success seen here could pave the way for more innovative solutions in the future.

Feedback from Partners

• - Nihon Yamamura Glass Co. commented on the challenges faced in balancing productivity and sustainability during the material's composition development. They cited the collaboration as a key factor in reaching this first step toward resource circularity.
• - Askul Corporation noted their history of recycling used clear holders and how the new partnership expanded this to the fabric domain. They aspire to develop various new products that make use of this innovative material moving forward.
• - TRIFE DESIGN highlighted the necessity to maximize the inherent properties of the materials while keeping strength and flexibility in mind, ensuring they achieved a reliable production method after several iterations.

What is ReTA BASE?

ReTA BASE derives its name from the French phrase