#Japan #Yokohama #Yokohama Future #Daiichi #upcycled paper

Promoting an Eco-Friendly Society: A Unique Collaboration

The Yokohama Future Conference, representing the city of Yokohama, has launched an innovative project to develop heat-resistant products in collaboration with Kanagawa University’s Doyou Seminar and Daiichi Corporation. This initiative aims to merge youth creativity with corporate resources to address pressing environmental challenges, especially in preparation for the upcoming "GREEN×EXPO 2027".

Project Overview and Objectives

Starting from June 6, 2025, this project will integrate the sustainable design perspectives held by students from Kanagawa University with Daiichi's expertise in eco-conscious uniforms. The primary idea is to utilize an upcycled material known as "paper yarn", which possesses thermal insulation properties. This aligns with the goal of fostering a symbiotic relationship with the environment and responding to the increasingly severe heat conditions faced in urban spaces.

The collaboration aims not only to explore the potential of unused resources but also to create effective strategies for adapting to the heat environment. The students, representing the future workforce, will engage with various stakeholders located in Yokohama, sharing in the responsibility of advocating for an environmentally conscious society through creative endeavors.

Utilizing Upcycled Paper Yarn

The innovative material that will be harnessed for this project is a sustainable product made from upcycled paper and leftover thinned wood from local forests. Known as "TSUMUGI", this eco-friendly paper yarn has already gained traction, being featured in uniforms for various establishments, including Nescafe Harajuku.

Following the principle of "local production, local consumption", students will collect used paper packaging in Yokohama and convert the local thinned lumber into paper yarn. Approximately 20 students will be organized into five teams, where they will innovate and create next-generation heat-resistant products utilizing the lightweight, breathable, and insulating characteristics of the paper yarn.

Key Milestones of the Project

The project timeline outlines significant phases for development and presentation:

• - June 6, 2025: Ideation phase kicks off.
• - Late June 2025: Prototype development and interim review will take place.
• - Mid-July 2025: Final presentations will be conducted during a critique session.
• - Mid-September 2025: A demonstration experiment will occur near the Seiya Station, a pivotal area for the "GREEN×EXPO 2027".

About the Yokohama Future Conference

The Yokohama Future Conference was established to inspire young college students and emerging professionals to engage in discussions and actions aimed at creating a sustainable society ahead of the "GREEN×EXPO 2027". This platform encourages collaboration among stakeholders in Yokohama, facilitating the sharing of innovative ideas and responses to potential challenges in environmental conservation.

By working alongside local communities and businesses, this initiative aims to evoke a significant shift in behavior towards a future in harmony with the environment.

About Daiichi Corporation

Founded in 1953, Daiichi Corporation has advanced from producing lab coats to becoming a leading company in custom uniform planning, manufacturing, and sales. They are dedicated to addressing corporate challenges through effective branding strategies and contributing positively to local communities.

About Doyou Seminar, Kanagawa University

The Doyou Seminar emphasizes sustainable design and creativity, engaging in diverse projects, including waste utilization and the development of energy-efficient devices. Their goal is to foster a society where creativity thrives universally, creating not just economic value but also sustainable human-centered solutions.

With initiatives like this, the collaboration between academic institutions and corporations in Yokohama represents a promising step towards environmental stewardship and innovation, setting an example for a sustainable future.