#Japan #Osaka #TRIFE DESIGN #Asuku #PET Recycle

Introduction

In a significant breakthrough for sustainability, four distinct companies in Japan have come together to develop a unique sheet material made from recycled PET bottle caps and clear holders. This initiative marks a pioneering step in Japan towards creating recyclable materials that can actively contribute to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

The Collaboration

The initiative involves Japan Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd., TRIFE DESIGN Corp., Askul Corp., and Hokushin Kasei Industries Co., Ltd. Each company plays a vital role in the collaborative effort, striving for a closed-loop recycling model through TRIFE DESIGN’s upcycling brand and project known as "ReTA BASE." This project embodies the concept of circular design, where the entire upcycling process is handled domestically, thus minimizing transportation costs and environmental impact.

Key Features of the Developed Sheet Material

The new sheet material, developed with innovative techniques, boasts several impressive characteristics that cater to various applications in everyday products.

• - Lightweight and Waterproof: The material's design ensures that it is both lightweight and offers excellent waterproof qualities, making it versatile for many uses.
• - Domestic Recycling Process: By maintaining the recycling process within Japan, the manufacturers are able to significantly reduce the transportation costs and ecological footprint typically associated with such production.
• - Cost-Effective Development: The approach taken does not involve traditional resin molding techniques that require expensive molds, allowing for lower initial costs in development.

The sheet material is reversible, having been woven using virgin polyethylene flat yarn for the warp and flat yarn made from recycled polypropylene, which consists of 80% recycled clear holders and 20% waste PET bottle caps.

Roles Within the ReTA BASE Project

Each of the four companies holds a specific role in the project, enabling a comprehensive approach to material creation:

• - TRIFE DESIGN Corp.: Directs and designs the overall project, ensuring that the final product aligns with goals of sustainable and circular design.
• - Askul Corp.: Responsible for converting used clear holders into recycled raw materials (pellets).
• - Japan Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd.: Specializes in recycling waste PET bottle caps into raw materials (pellets).
• - Hokushin Kasei Industries Co., Ltd.: Manufactures flat yarns using the recycled raw materials (pellets).

Thanks to this collaborative effort, the companies have succeeded in developing a new material that emphasizes effective resource management and sustainability. Japan Yamamura Glass’s extensive experience in handling PET bottle caps has been vital, utilizing advanced selection and cleaning processes to prepare the recycled materials for optimal pelletization.

Related Developments

The collaboration has sparked several other innovations including the development of polyethylene cross fabrics and monofilament materials, also made from recycled PET bottle caps, further establishing the efficacy of upcycling within the industry.

About the Companies

• - TRIFE DESIGN Corp.: Focuses on creating design solutions that address societal challenges, particularly in plastic waste and environmental issues.
• - Askul Corp.: Operates both B2B and B2C e-commerce platforms, promoting sustainable practices while delivering products swiftly across Japan.
• - Hokushin Kasei Industries Co., Ltd.: Established in 1961, they specialize in manufacturing various types of flat yarn based on extensive technical know-how.

For inquiries regarding this project, the Earth Care Promotion Group at Japan Yamamura Glass Co. can be contacted via their official website or directly through email.