Waseda University and Karatsu Farm Launch Online Shop for Upcycled Plastic Products

Waseda University and Karatsu Farm join hands for sustainability

In a remarkable collaboration, Waseda University’s student initiative, Precious Plastic Waseda, and the non-profit organization Karatsu Farm & Food have launched an online shop dedicated to offering unique upcycled products crafted from discarded plastic. This innovative initiative seeks to raise awareness of resource circulation and environmental consciousness through products created from plastic collected from the Sea of Karatsu and its local communities. By delivering these one-of-a-kind items directly to consumers, the project aims to create a touchpoint for everyday environmental engagement.

Breathing New Life into Waste

At the heart of the online shop lies a shared vision to reframe waste plastic as a valuable resource. By utilizing the open-source recycling technology known as Precious Plastic, originally developed in the Netherlands, materials like PET bottle caps and other plastic waste collected from the Karatsu area are carefully transformed through manual labor. Each product is distinct, showcasing colorful variations and patterns that ensure no two are alike, turning the act of purchasing a product into a unique experience.

Featured Products:

- The Whale Keychain: Crafted entirely from upcycled PET bottle caps, this whale-shaped keychain comes in an array of colors and designs, meaning each customer’s choice is a delightful surprise, embodying the idea of '一期一会'—a term in Japanese culture expressing the unique nature of each encounter. The second wave of production has begun, reintroducing these keychains with new identifiers (No.028 to No.034).

- Flower Pots: Made from collected pet bottle caps, these plant pots promote a deep awareness of resource circulation, allowing customers to feel connected to the cycle of sustainability as they nurture their plants.

- Upcycled Sunglasses: Fashion meets eco-consciousness in these unique sunglasses, shaped from plastics recovered in Karatsu. With stylish aesthetics and environmental mindfulness, each pair stands as a testament to sustainable design.

Bridging Education and Community

This initiative is also part of the broader Carbon Neutral Challenge initiative in Karatsu City. Currently, Waseda University is collaborating with Karatsu Minami High School to develop new upcycled products, with an expected launch in mid-February 2026. This educational aspect provides students with a comprehensive view of the lifecycle of waste, from collection and recycling to product creation and sales. It serves as a compelling opportunity to engage young minds with environmental issues, making them personally relevant.

Looking Ahead

The online shop will continue to gradually introduce new upcycled products from Karatsu, reinforcing the message that everyday choices in consumption can contribute to the future of the ocean and the community. The project strives to expand the cycle of sustainability, urging customers to consider how their purchasing decisions can impact their surroundings positively.

Project Overview

Precious Plastic Waseda

Precious Plastic Waseda originated from the Waseda University environmental student circle, 'Environmental Rodriguez', launched in October 2024. The project collects discarded plastics like bottle caps and contact lens cases, repurposing them into products of new value using the Precious Plastic technology.

By promoting engaging recycling experiences, the initiative has created collaborative platforms where students and community members can tackle environmental issues in an enjoyable manner. Through workshops and product development, they aim to foster a natural connection with the environment.

With the introduction of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the project quantitatively evaluates the environmental impacts from recovery to product creation, striving to build scientifically-backed sustainable recycling models. Precious Plastic Waseda leverages its longstanding network to partner with local entities, aiming to become key players in the next generation's circular economy.

Karatsu Farm & Food

Based in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, this NPO focuses on conservation and education through projects that connect local mountains, seas, and communities. Its initiatives range from revitalizing agricultural lands to environmental education with schools, all while converting marine plastic waste into resources, nurturing the future of both the community and the next generation.

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