2023.05.09

Companies Collaborate Across Industries to Upcycle Discarded Paper Resources & Thinned Wood into Paper Thread: Upcycle Association

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As sustainability draws increasing attention, companies are ramping up recycling and upcycling efforts to create a sustainable society. However, many still face challenges in deciding what specific actions to take and how to maintain continuity.

In response, 14 companies and organizations, including Nestlé Japan Ltd. and Nisshinbo Group's Nisshin Toa Iwao Inc., formed the corporate collaboration platform "Upcycle Association" on February 7. Their first project, "TSUMUGI," focuses on upcycling discarded paper resources and thinned wood into paper thread (currently, 17 companies and organizations are participating).

The association aims to become a hub for building a circular society by gathering resources, technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and services from participating companies and organizations to create new value.

We spoke with Kazushige Takii, the secretary-general of the association, about their founding, project overview, and future plans.

Creating Projects that Never Fade Away

The founding of the Upcycle Association began with Takii's sustainability initiatives, correct?

I currently work in corporate affairs at Nestlé Japan, handling public relations for coffee products and figuring out how to communicate product value to consumers. In 2021, I started thinking about creating projects that could appeal not only through taste but also by incorporating sustainability.

Our company has been improving product packaging and working to reduce waste as part of our efforts to build a circular economy. For instance, refill products for "Nescafé" and large bags for "Kit Kat" now use paper packaging that reduces plastic usage. At the same time, we were considering ways to repurpose paper waste generated during factory printing.

We initially collected used paper packaging from supermarket shelves and created art pieces and crafts done with parents and children. While participants enjoyed the project, it ended up as a short-term promotion.

This led me to think about developing a more long-term, sustainable project. With connections to the Nisshinbo Group, we discussed the possibility of making fibers out of discarded paper.

We also discovered that Japan has a tradition of making paper thread, traditionally using Japanese paper. This inspired us to consider using discarded paper for thread, thus starting the project.

What kinds of innovation and difficulties did you face in making paper thread?

From March 2021, we spent about a year experimenting with the thickness of recycled paper and the fineness and strength needed for thread. The biggest challenge was ensuring that packaging materials didn't retain package or ink colors.

Ideally, we wanted to use 100% recycled paper for the thread, but currently, we mix in other materials (like coniferous trees). We faced challenges in adjusting to maximize the recycled paper ratio.

Initially, the thread kept breaking, but we eventually achieved consistent quality. By February 2022, we collaborated with the Nisshinbo Group to create upcycled clothing, specifically uniforms for "Nescafé" stores.