#Japan #Tokyo #Good Design #Rebbur #Kohoku Rubber

Innovative Rubber Material Rebbur

Kohoku Rubber Manufacturing Co., known for its expertise in rubber products, has proudly announced that its innovative material, Rebbur, has been awarded the prestigious Good Design Award for 2025. This recognition, organized by the Japan Design Promotion Organization, highlights the sustainable qualities and innovative design of Rebbur, which combines natural rubber with various unused materials, specifically waste products.

About Rebbur

Rebbur is a revolutionary rubber material that exclusively utilizes organic natural materials to express its inherent textures and aromas. One of the unique aspects of Rebbur is its acceptance of natural imperfections and aging, which contributes to a sense of familiarity and warmth when held. This approach not only aims to reduce waste but also emphasizes the visibility and value of natural materials. The design has been praised for harmonizing societal impact and aesthetic appeal, positioning it as a groundbreaking material in the market.

In announcing the award, Kohoku Rubber highlighted its commitment to expanding the Rebbur product line and actively promoting design in manufacturing to enhance its brand image.

Product Lineup

Kohoku Rubber offers the following Rebbur products:

• - Rebbur PLANTER: Price - ¥4,300 (¥4,730 including tax), Dimensions - 86mm in diameter, 82mm in height, Weight - 195g
• - Rebbur STAND: Price - ¥2,400 (¥2,640 including tax), Dimensions - 130mm in width, 42mm in depth, 32mm in height, Weight - 135g
• - Rebbur COASTER: Price - ¥1,200 (¥1,320 including tax), Dimensions - 90mm in diameter, 6mm in height, Weight - 40g

Designer Collaborations

The design of Rebbur was created by Soell Co., led by designers Tomoki Doi and Johei Higa. Their vision brought forth a product that marries functionality with sustainable design, resulting in a unique experience for users.

For more information, visit the Good Design Award website.

Material Composition

The innovative aspect of Rebbur lies in its combination of natural rubber with three types of recycled materials:
1. Seaweed trimmings
2. Tea trimmings
3. Eggshells

These materials have been creatively branded as follows:

• - Nori Black: Seaweed trimmings combined with natural rubber
• - Tea Green: Tea trimmings combined with natural rubber
• - Egg White: Eggshells combined with natural rubber

This new rubber material not only retains the inherent feel and scent of natural ingredients but redefines traditional rubber manufacturing, offering a refreshing departure from the norm.

Partnership and Material Sourcing

The successful development of Rebbur stems from partnerships with local suppliers that provide the unused materials:

• - Seaweed trimmings: San-Nori Co., Ltd. (Saga Prefecture, Saga City)
• - Tea trimmings: Takase Tea Industry Cooperative (Kagawa Prefecture, Mitoyo City)
• - Eggshells: Sanshu Foods Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture, Komaki City)

The name Rebbur is a play on words, created by reversing the letters in 'rubber,' and conveys themes of innovation, the potential of rubber, and rebirth.

Future Developments

Kohoku Rubber is exploring further innovation by developing new applications of Rebbur using various waste materials from the factory, potentially expanding into building materials and interior products. Among the materials being tested include iron powder, wood chips, and stone powder, all combined with natural rubber.

Special Features

Rebbur exhibits exceptional flexibility due to its rubber characteristics, making it slip-resistant and damage-resistant even when dropped.

Kohoku Rubber will be showcasing Rebbur at the upcoming Gift Show (February 12-14, 2025), where it has already been awarded the Best Sustainability Award.

Company Background

Kohoku Rubber Manufacturing Co. has been a leader in the rubber product development industry for over 60 years, based in Adachi-ku, Tokyo. While primarily focusing on high-functioning industrial products, the company continually seeks new materials and products' development through extensive experience and creativity.

• - Company Name: Kohoku Rubber Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Kenta Sugawara
• - Founded: June 21, 1962
• - Headquarters: 1-13-34 Horinouchi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo, 123-0874, Japan
• - Phone Number: 03-3897-4331
• - Product Site: Rebbur
• - Corporate Site: Kohoku Rubber

Kohoku Rubber's commitment to innovation and sustainability continues to set it apart in the industry, as exemplified by their groundbreaking Rebbur material.