#Japan #Akashi #Asahi Drink #CO₂ Absorbing #Eco-Friendly Stool

ItoK Crafts Sustainable Stools from Asahi's CO₂ Absorbing Vending Machines

In an innovative collaboration, ItoK Co., Ltd. has taken a step towards sustainability by producing stools made from CO₂ absorbing materials collected from Asahi Drink's unique "CO₂ Eating Vending Machines." These stools will be prominently displayed at the Mitsuya Cider Museum in Akashi, which is set to reopen on August 1, 2026.

The Project Background

Asahi Drink has pioneered the concept of "CO₂ Eating Vending Machines" to absorb CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. The goal of this initiative is to transform the captured CO₂ into a sustainable resource, thereby contributing to the creation of a circular and carbon-neutral society.

Recognizing the potential of these efforts, ItoK sought to create a tangible representation of this sustainability initiative through furniture design. The stools, which are made from the actual material collected from these vending machines, serve as an engaging way for visitors at the Mitsuya Cider Museum to understand and interact with these eco-friendly practices directly.

ItoK first became aware of the possibilities of using CO₂ absorbing materials in furniture design during a 2025 exhibition, where they collaborated with Kobayashi Co. to explore potential applications. After a series of prototypes, they have successfully created these stools as part of their sustainable design solution, known as "Econifa UPCYCLE."

Detailed Design of the Stools

The stools fashioned by ItoK are created from a blend of resin including CO₂ absorbing materials, utilizing advanced 3D printing technology. The development process involved rigorous collaboration among teams at ItoK, including product design, research, and production technology, ensuring that every aspect—from materials to usability—was meticulously crafted.

In terms of design, the stools are functional, featuring a stacking capability for easy storage, and a handle for convenient transport. This allows for practical use in the museum setting, accommodating visitors' needs while also emphasizing the environmental message. The appearance and colors of the stools are designed to harmonize seamlessly with the Mitsuya Cider Museum’s aesthetics, which intends to create a bright and inviting atmosphere.

Collaborative Efforts

This project showcases the partnership between three key players: Asahi Drink, Kobayashi Co., and ItoK. Each organization brought their expertise to the table, contributing to the effective utilization of CO₂ absorbing materials.

• - Asahi Drink: Developed the CO₂ extracting vending machines and proposed the reuse of CO₂ materials.
• - Kobayashi Co.: Focused on producing and supplying the CO₂ absorbing resin materials used for the stools.
• - ItoK: Handled material composition, product design, 3D printing adjustments, and final stool production.

Voices from the Project Team

Comments from project team members highlight their enthusiasm and commitment to sustainability. Koichi Sawada from ItoK emphasizes the role of the stools in showcasing the value of resource circulation through tangible experiences. He believes that hands-on interaction will foster a deeper understanding of sustainability among visitors.

Keiji Matsumoto from Asahi Drink expresses hope that the stools will facilitate a natural engagement among museum visitors as they sit, drink, and converse, heightening awareness of the importance of reusing resources.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, ItoK is committed to transforming underutilized resources into valuable components, not just through furniture, but by enhancing the broader experience of spaces. By ensuring that visitors can physically engage with these sustainable designs, ItoK aims to make resource circulation an integral part of the museum experience. Their future projects will focus on blending material innovation and design to create spaces that not only showcase sustainability but encourage a more profound connection to environmental stewardship.

About Econifa UPCYCLE

Econifa UPCYCLE stands as ItoK's innovative solution to repurpose by-products and unused resources from manufacturing processes into chic office interiors and functional furniture, bringing new life and meaning into developed spaces.

Through their ongoing collaboration with Asahi Drink and other partners, ItoK aims to reinvent how unused resources are perceived and utilized, ultimately fostering a culture of sustainability in workplace environments.

For further information on their work and the Mitsuya Cider Museum, please visit Mitsuya Cider Museum.