#Japan #Tokyo #Apparel Logistics #Looplet #Chom

Transforming Apparel Packaging with Looplet

Chom Inc. is making strides to revolutionize the way packaging is handled in the apparel logistics sector. With their newly developed reusable packaging box named Looplet, the company is addressing the environmental impact of disposable packaging materials while also easing the burden on warehouse and store personnel.

From July 10-12, 2026, at the 100BANCH venue, Chom held the Nanananan Festival 2026, where they publicly showcased the final model of Looplet, building on learnings and improvements from the prototype revealed last year. This event was not merely an opportunity to introduce a new product; it presented an interactive exhibition illustrating Chom's vision for a sustainable logistics lifecycle—from product delivery to return and reuse.

A Shift from Packaging to Logistics Flow

In the world of apparel retail, clothing goes through numerous processes before it reaches customers, including packing, shipping, unpacking, storing, and organizing. Traditionally, a vast number of disposable materials, like cardboard boxes and plastic bags, have been used.

However, Chom's aim transcends just substituting these items with a reusable model. The goal is to rethink the entire logistics process—including packaging, transportation, storage, and item replenishment—so that materials can be reused throughout their life cycle rather than discarded after a single use. Looplet is developed as a product to facilitate this paradigm shift in logistics, ensuring that once used, materials are not simply thrown away but are circulated back into the system.

From Prototype to Practical Use

This year marks Chom’s second appearance at the Nanananan Festival, reflecting substantial progress since the debut of the Looplet prototype, which initially showcased its conceptual framework. The first model could not be folded and had a different shape and material composition. The emphasis was on conveying the ambitious logistics concept rather than presenting a complete product.

Over the past year, advancements in design and function have culminated in the Looplet showcased at this year's festival. The final version now allows for items to be inserted from the top while maintaining easy access from the front even when multiple boxes are stacked. This design allows Looplet to not only serve as a transport box but also to assist in organization and restocking within the store’s backroom. Crucially, after use, Looplet can be collapsed to a compact size, taking up approximately one-seventh of its original volume for efficient return shipping.

Experiencing the Backstage of Fashion Retail

The festival featured a unique three-day pop-up apparel shop named Nanabunnoichi, allowing visitors to dive deep into the usually hidden operations of a retail store. Participants got hands-on experience searching for specified clothes among stacked Looplets, dramatically showcasing how their design facilitates searching without the hassle of moving multiple boxes—a typical scenario with traditional packaging. The name Nanabunnoichi reflects Looplet’s remarkable capacity to be compacted for convenient returns and reuse.

Insights from Consumer Research

During the exhibition, Chom collected feedback from 164 attendees through a survey. The survey results revealed concerns among visitors about the fate of unsold clothing, excessive packaging, and the need for environmentally conscious practices within the industry. Those with firsthand experience in apparel shops and warehouses voiced challenges such as difficulty in locating items, unpacking processes, and managing packaging waste in limited spaces. The research did not measure Looplet's direct impact, yet it offered a window into public awareness regarding the environmental issues in fashion logistics and the potential for improvement.

Moving Forward with Real-World Test Cases

Following the successful event, Chom intends to take Looplet from concept to reality by partnering with apparel businesses and logistics providers for testing and implementation. The company is focused on evaluating not only the usability of Looplet but also whether it can genuinely alleviate on-site work burdens and provide safe, eco-friendly transportation methods that ensure economic viability for businesses. The overarching aim is to create a system where packaging materials can be collected, reused, and continually cycled back into the supply chain.

A Message from Chom's Leadership

Emiri Nozaki, CEO of Chom, expressed that last year's festival primarily served to communicate their vision of the product. This year’s showcase of a usable Looplet allowed for deeper conversations regarding operational inquiries, indicating a significant shift towards practical applications.

“I want to reshape how logistics operate, moving from a disposable mindset to one that recognizes the value in circular systems,” Nozaki stated. “Even though logistics operations are typically hidden from consumers, there remains considerable potential for change. With Looplet, we aspire to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to redefine the norms of logistics.”

Discovering Looplet

Looplet, created by Chom Inc., is designed as a reusable packaging solution tailored for apparel logistics. It aims to significantly reduce reliance on single-use materials while facilitating a more efficient workflow from packing to return. The overarching goal is not merely environmental conservation but enhancing operational efficiency for businesses, effectively making circular logistics a natural choice.

About Chom Inc.

Founded in December 2024, Chom is dedicated to creating a world rich in evolving choices. With a focus on tackling the challenges associated with disposable packaging and logistics workflows within the fashion industry, Chom is committed to developing reusable products like Looplet and building a system encouraging material circulation in society.

Media inquiries: Chom Inc. welcomes opportunities for interviews, coverage, or research regarding Looplet and its mission towards sustainable logistics. For more information, reach out at [email protected].