Contributing to SDGs by Expanding "Wood Yarn" Derived from Japanese Thinned Wood into Fashion: Alveri

Sanki Shoji Co., Ltd., which imports fashion products from overseas, primarily Europe, has launched a new brand "Alveri" as part of its SDGs initiative. This brand features clothing made from "wood yarn" (mokuito) derived from thinned Japanese cedar and cypress.
 
From January 15, 2023, the brand has started selling shirts on the crowdfunding platform Makuake.
 
We spoke with Ryosuke Teranishi, Operation Department, Sales Division, about the project's inception, the efforts and innovations in product development, and future prospects.

Companies That Neglect SDGs Cannot Grow

Sanki Shoji Co., Ltd. has been specializing in the import, wholesale, and retail of overseas fashion products, primarily from Europe, for 68 years. In July 2022, with Hironobu Kumagai becoming the new president, the company decided to expand its business to the entire lifestyle domain, inviting employees to propose new ventures.
 
Reflecting on that time, Teranishi commented, "As I kept thinking about how to break through the stagnating fashion industry, I came to the conclusion that companies that neglect SDGs cannot grow. So, together with three other members, we formed a team and proposed the launch of a brand related to SDGs, which led to the start of Alveri."