#Sustainability #Japan #Kumamoto #Saishunkan #Domohornwrinkle

Transforming Cosmetic Waste into Energy – Saishunkan's Vision

Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kumamoto, Japan, has recently garnered prestigious recognition at the "Kumamoto SDGs Award 2025" held on December 14. Their innovative project, themed "Energy Revolution from Cosmetic Waste Liquids," won in the Leading Sector category, showcasing a commitment to sustainability in an era when environmental concerns are paramount.

The Challenge of Waste Management in Kumamoto

Nestled in the beautiful region of Aso, famous for its abundant subterranean water, Saishunkan has long maintained a philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and nature, rooted deeply in traditional herbal medicine. Their flagship brand, Domohornwrinkle, boasts high efficacy and includes a myriad of oil and plant ingredients in its formulation. However, this results in the generation of “cosmetic waste liquids” during production. These liquids are characterized by their high concentration and viscosity, making them particularly challenging to treat with conventional wastewater systems. The company firmly believes that products designed to beautify shouldn't contribute to polluting vital resources like water.

A Partnership for a Sustainable Future

In response to the critical issue of cosmetic waste management, Saishunkan partnered with WATASUMI, a venture company, to leverage the power of microorganisms in transforming waste into energy. This initiative aims not only to purify waste but also to generate valuable by-products: electricity and methane gas.

Breakthrough Innovation: Generating Energy from Waste

The project employs microbial fuel cell technology, transforming thick, waste materials into sustainable energy forms. Key elements of the process include:

1. Unique Pre-treatment Techniques: By combining ultrasound and physical agitation, the waste's composition is adjusted to facilitate easier decomposition by microbes.
2. Optimizing Microbial Communities: The microbial strains, initially developed for sake brewing waste, are uniquely tailored for handling cosmetic waste, enhancing efficiency.

According to Norie Takano, the head of the Kakusai Garden at Saishunkan, the goal transcends mere waste management; it's about producing value from what was previously considered harmful. This initiative represents the first step in giving back to nature, moving towards full practical implementation by 2026.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Zero Waste

Currently, Saishunkan is exploring additional microbial strains from the mangrove regions of Okinawa to further enhance processing speeds. The ambitious goal is to eliminate waste generation within their facilities and utilize the produced energy locally, advocating for a concept of "local production for local consumption" in energy. This forward-looking vision aligns with broader efforts to contribute to a sustainable society.

Saishunkan Pharmaceutical: A Brief Overview

Founded in 1932, Saishunkan has established itself as a leading pharmaceutical company in Japan, specializing in herbal medicine and cosmetics grounded in holistic principles. Known for products like "Pain Relief Decoction" and the aforementioned "Domohornwrinkle," the company aims to harmonize nature, humanity, and society through thoughtful manufacturing practices. With a mission set for its centennial anniversary in 2032, Saishunkan aspires to cultivate a world where every day is a reason for optimism, continuously proposing herbal solutions to their stakeholders, including customers and local communities.

Through initiatives like the community-focused "Hometown Tax Donation Site" aimed at assisting local recovery efforts, and various sustainability activities, Saishunkan remains dedicated to implementing their philosophy across multiple fronts. More information can be found on their official website at Saishunkan Pharmaceutical.