Celebrating a Decade of Direct Forest Partnerships with Palsystem

Future of Forestry in Japan

On October 6, 2023, Palsystem, a consumer cooperative federation based in Tokyo, celebrated the tenth anniversary of its direct partnership with the Nanto-Tsuru Forest Association in Yamanashi Prefecture. The occasion was marked by a special meeting, 'Forest Direct Production Conference,' held in Otsuki city, where representatives from various organizations gathered to reflect on the past decade while also looking toward the future.

During the conference, Palsystem proposed the 'Palsystem no Mori' initiative, a visionary project aimed at creating a new hub for forest conservation activities. This initiative seeks to engage cooperative members and local residents in a space where they can connect with nature, learn about sustainable forestry, and foster a sense of community around environmental stewardship.

The conference brought together 23 participants, including executives from the Palsystem federation, local woodworking manufacturers, and the Nanto-Tsuru Forest Association. The discussions highlighted the importance of establishing the 'Palsystem no Mori' as an essential community site, symbolizing environmental activities and contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Chairman Sugimoto of the Nanto-Tsuru Forest Association expressed his optimism about the collaborative efforts over the past decade, stating, 'It brings me great joy to reflect on our journey together and the Palsystem no Mori concept reflects our envisioned future, which is truly reassuring.'

A Decade of Innovation in Forestry

Palsystem began its 'Forest Direct Production' initiative in 2012, pioneering a project aiming to nurture Japan's rich forest resources. Over the past ten years, the federation has successfully developed products that bring the essence of the forest closer to people's lives, such as the 'Meguru Mori Shiitake Growing Set' utilizing thinned timber.

Looking ahead to the fiscal year 2025, Palsystem plans to introduce new furniture items like the 'Meguru Mori Step Chair' and 'Meguru Mori 2-Way Table,' using harvested wood. Through these products, the cooperative aims to convey the warmth of the forest and raise awareness of the challenges facing Japan’s forestry industry.

Additionally, Palsystem is launching an innovative 'Direct Truck' concept, utilizing Akamatsu wood from the Nanto-Tsuru Forest Association in the flooring of electric delivery trucks. This shift from imported hardwood to domestic thinned lumber will contribute to CO2 reduction. Deliveries from these trucks are set to commence in Tokyo in November 2025.

Building Relationships Between People and Forests

Palsystem emphasizes the importance of fostering connections between producers and consumers through its 'Production Area Exchange' programs. These initiatives include tours where members visit production sites and staff training sessions focused on forest management's significance and the current state of the forestry industry. Participants in these activities have expressed how these experiences deepened their appreciation for wooden products and highlighted the connection between their consumption and forest preservation.

Moving forward, Palsystem is committed to maintaining a 'visible relationship' with the Nanto-Tsuru Forest Association, promoting sustainable utilization of the forest's bounty and advancing their efforts to link rich natural resources to future generations.

For more information, visit the Palsystem website.