The Possibility of Decomposition by Microorganisms: Research & Development by Kanazawa Bio

As awareness of the environmental burden of the fashion industry increases, efforts towards sustainability are being implemented from various angles. One of the topics that gather attention is the use of biodegradable materials that can be disposed of without incineration.

While such materials are becoming more widespread, it is also essential to consider how they actually decompose. There is a research institute specializing in biodegradation using soil microorganisms based in Fukuoka, called "Kanazawa Bio." This time, we interviewed Satoko Kanazawa, the project manager of Kanazawa Bio, about the development process of their decomposable clothing "DOC" and the possibilities of biodegradation through microorganism combustion.

The Inspiration for Starting a Business: Biohazard-Free Compost

First, please tell us how you went from university research to establishing your company.

Kanazawa Bio was founded by my microbiologist father as a result of a university project. My father has been dedicated to soil microbiology research for over a quarter of a century, and during his time at Kyushu University, a project called "Campus Zero-Emission System" was launched. This involved collaboration between the medical and agricultural departments to recycle waste within the campus. As part of the "Kyushu University Projects Research Development," the idea of actually producing something came up. Typically, manufacturing is often outsourced, but following my father's hands-on principle, an organic fertilizer production facility was set up at the university’s affiliated farm, and they began making "biohazard-free compost." Alongside his research, my father would get completely covered in black soil while meticulously crafting the fertilizer (laughs). This later evolved into the herbal organic fertilizer called "Soil Yakuzen."