#Sustainability #Japan #Tokyo #Waste Management #Yuni

Yuni's Innovative Approach to Waste Transformation

Yuni Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo and led by CEO Kenji Uchihashi, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being selected for the first phase of a Tokyo-sponsored initiative aimed at solving social issues through innovative startups. This program, known as the 'Social Implementation Promotion (Matching) Support for Environmental Sustainability and GX,' has recognized Yuni's advanced technology for converting waste into resources.

Background: Japan's Waste Management Challenge

Japan faces a daunting waste management issue, incinerating approximately 40 million tons of waste annually. This situation presents a clear need for effective resource utilization and a reduction in environmental impact. In response, Tokyo's initiative facilitates connections between startups possessing groundbreaking products and services and existing corporations or organizations to support the validation of business models and the implementation of solutions.

Yuni's waste regeneration technology and business model have garnered high praise in the environmental sustainability field, which ultimately led to its selection in this esteemed program.

Yuni's Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

Operating under the vision of transforming Japan from a waste disposal giant to a resource-rich nation, Yuni is engaged in several strategic initiatives:

1. Recycling Technology Development: This includes transforming materials like cotton and polyester from bedding and cushions, as well as polyurethane, non-woven fabrics, and old textiles into recycled products. Yuni operates recycling factories in Hyogo, Osaka, and Yamanashi, providing materials and products to major enterprises.
2. Brand Development: Yuni is dedicated to creating products using recycled materials and has launched a brand focused on producing easy-to-recycle goods. They offer customized and subscription models centered around recycled items.
3. Digitalization: Yuni is digitizing the processes of distribution, ordering, and management of recycled materials, aimed at enhancing efficiency within the traditional recycling sector and promoting a sustainable economic cycle.

About the 'Social Implementation Promotion (Matching) Support' Program

The Tokyo program aims to connect startups with solutions that address social issues to corporations and organizations looking to implement these solutions. Selected startups receive various forms of support, including:

• - Pre-Mentorship: Tailoring pitch presentations to meet enterprise needs.
• - Pitch Events: Opportunities to present at events attended by business decision-makers.
• - Networking: Sessions designed to deepen mutual understanding with related companies.
• - Follow-Up Support: Continued mentorship and assistance in implementation post-pitch.

The focus is on solutions that contribute to achieving carbon neutrality and transitioning into a circular economy.

Future Outlook for Yuni

Through this support program, Yuni intends to build a larger network of collaborations with various businesses and organizations to accelerate the implementation of recycling materials. The company aims to further enhance waste regeneration technologies while pushing for digital transformation in the recycling sector, significantly contributing to the realization of a circular economy.

Additionally, Yuni actively supports Tokyo's environmental policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, strengthening its efforts toward creating a sustainable society.

Introduction to susteb

Yuni also operates a service called susteb, focused on collecting and recycling cotton, polyester, down, and polyurethane products such as bedding. Launched in September 2021, this service addresses challenges in the bedding industry, giving special attention to collaborating with municipalities to eliminate waste incineration facilities by establishing recycling factories.

Company Overview: Yuni Co., Ltd.

• - CEO: Kenji Uchihashi
• - Established: October 2019
• - Headquarters: 1-29-3 Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, Shibuya Bridge Building 1c, 2b block
• - Vision: To transform Japan from a waste disposal nation into a resource-rich nation
• - Mission: To convert incineration facilities into recycling factories, ensuring that all materials reach their proper material lifespan while transforming waste into valuable resources.
• - Value: To find value in items deemed unnecessary and turn them into something beneficial.
• - Business Focus: Research and development on recovering non-incinerated resources and recycling material, consulting support for the recycling industry, and operating the 'susteb' service for recycling bedding and related products. Official Website