#Japan #Tokyo #Kawakami Industries #Eco Real Board #Alumi Puchi

Kawakami Industries Wins Two Good Design Awards

Kawakami Industries, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has made headlines with its recent achievement: two of its innovative products, the "Eco Real Board for Container Packaging" and the "Alumi Puchi Construction-Specific Type," have been awarded the honorary Good Design Award 2025. This esteemed accolade, organized by the Japan Design Promotion Organization, recognizes commendable design efforts that contribute to a better quality of life.

The Eco Real Board: Redefining Recycling

The Eco Real Board for Container Packaging is a lightweight rigid plastic board made primarily from post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. The challenge of incorporating PCR materials from households into practical applications has been one of the most difficult tasks in the plastic recycling industry. Traditionally, manufacturers have relied on the use of plastic derived from waste generated during consistent production processes, known as post-industrial recycled materials (PIR).

Kawakami Industries, however, has successfully turned the tide by integrating advanced recycling and manufacturing techniques, collaborating with other entities to overcome these challenges. As a result, they have developed a new product that not only represents innovation but also denotes a significant leap forward in the recycling paradigm. The Eco Real Board has evolved beyond merely recycling, establishing a balance between manufacturing processes and recycling needs, hence fostering a circular economy.

Designer Insights

The project was spearheaded by Shinichi Sakamoto, head of the Recycling Division, and Toshiyuki Morishima from the Product Development Department. Their commitment to sustainable product design is clear, and the awards presented underscore their efforts.

Jury Feedback

The Good Design Award evaluators commented positively on how the new material processing techniques introduced by Kawakami Industries could have substantial benefits for the market. They highlighted that this product goes beyond merely recycling by establishing a link between manufacturing practices, effectively implementing a model of 100% recycling with high-strength resin cardboard tailored for returnable operations. This sets a standard for the manufacturing industry, particularly within the automotive sector, which relies heavily on recycled materials.

Alumi Puchi: Capable of Handling the Heat

The Alumi Puchi Construction-Specific Type is a pioneering product created to combat extreme heat. This bubble insulation sheet has undergone significant redesign, enhancing its usability in construction environments while maintaining its advantageous properties. The combination of adjusted aluminum foil thickness and optimized resin balance results in a product that is both lighter and more effective at heat shielding and corrosion resistance.

A notable temperature test using infrared lamps revealed that the surface temperature, which could reach 75°C without the product in place, dropped to an impressive 35°C when the Alumi Puchi was applied. This finding not only supports the product's efficacy but also suggests it has wide applicability across construction, logistics, and disaster response sectors.

Design Leadership

Designed under the capable hands of Daisuke Kaku, from the Product Development Department, and Keisuke Morita, from the Sales Department, the Alumi Puchi stands out for its minimalist, user-friendly design.

Jury Feedback

The Good Design Award jury appreciated the dramatic improvement in handling such lightweight and convenient insulation material presents over the traditional heavy forms. They regarded the combination of the insulating properties of bubble material and the thermal shielding of aluminum as a unique approach, one poised to revolutionize various fields beyond just construction, including logistics and agricultural applications.

Future Commitment to Sustainability

As Kawakami Industries embarks on a journey propelled by these accolades, the company expresses its determination to expand the sales of these two products while further reinforcing its commitment to tackling environmental challenges through enhanced plastic recycling initiatives. The recognition denotes not just a victory for the company but also a step toward solving pressing social issues through sustainable design solutions.

Event Display

Moreover, there will be an exhibition of these award-winning products showcased at the Good Design Exhibition 2025 event, to be held from November 1st to November 5th at the Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi.

About Good Design Award

Founded in 1957, the Good Design Award system is a prestigious selection initiative that recognizes outstanding design across various domains. It aims to elevate the quality of everyday life by using design to tackle social issues. The widely recognized G-Mark serves as a symbol of excellent design in Japan and beyond.

For more information, visit the Good Design Award website: Good Design Award.