New Option for a Plastic-Free Society! Full-Scale Production Begins for "Plastotte," a Low-Cost, Small-Lot Paper Die-Cut Bag!

Yamanaka Shikosho Co., Ltd. (Business Headquarters: Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Representative Director: Hiroshi Yamanaka) has commenced full-scale deployment of "Plastotte," an environmentally conscious paper die-cut bag that serves as an alternative to vinyl die-cut bags (arm bags), starting April 2026.

Through the establishment of a unique production system, we have achieved both "ensuring strength and cost reduction," which have been challenges for paper die-cut bags, as well as "small-lot compatibility." We meet the needs of companies struggling with the high cost of alternative packaging when switching from plastic (such as exhibition/event organizers, B2B companies distributing catalogs and samples, and retail stores for apparel and general goods that prioritize environmental considerations), contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

Background of Development: Hedging Risk by Shifting to "Paper" Amidst Soaring Crude Oil Prices and Material Supply Constraints

Since the enforcement of the "Act on Promotion of Plastic Resource Recycling," companies have been increasingly urged to pursue ESG management and decarbonization throughout their supply chains. While efforts to reduce environmental impact are becoming more serious across society, conventional plastic materials also face business instability, as their raw material, crude oil, is heavily influenced by international political situations in terms of price and supply. Therefore, the shift to "paper," a relatively stable and sustainable packaging material in terms of supply and price, has become an urgent necessity for companies rushing to comply with SDGs, serving as a hedge against business risks.

On the other hand, when manufacturing "die-cut bags" with a cutout handle from paper, it has been common practice to manually apply reinforcing加工 (like using cardboard) through piecework. To solve these challenges, we have established a unique manufacturing line capable of integrated production from roll paper, developing the "Plastotte" paper die-cut bag that combines cost competitiveness and practicality.

Three Features of "Plastotte": Cost Reduction, High Strength and Convenience, Small-Lot and Customization Support

Overwhelming Cost Reduction through One-Pass Manufacturing

By using dedicated manufacturing equipment to complete the printing, bag making, and die-cutting processes from roll paper in a single machine (one-pass), we significantly reduce manufacturing costs, enabling us to offer proposals at a price range close to conventional vinyl die-cut bags.

High Strength and Convenience through Unique Automated Processing

We have established specifications for automatically attaching reinforcing paper to the inside of the handle (die-cut) area (rotary press) and a method of folding after making slits (sheet-fed press). This achieves high durability and safety, making the bags resistant to tearing despite being made of paper.

Small-Lot and Customization Support through "Existing Products + Post-Printing"

Through a unique method of applying post-printing (overprinting) to plain, unprinted products that we stock in high-demand sizes, we can flexibly accommodate original designs and custom orders from small lots.

Reinforcing Paper and Die-Cut

Printing, bag making, reinforcing paper application, and die-cutting processes created in one pass

With gussets also possible

Side gussets also possible (flat bottom)

Existing Products + Post-Printing

Creation Photos

Environmental Initiatives: Supporting Partner Companies in Achieving Their SDGs Goals

"Plastotte" also supports manufacturing using FSC® certified paper (paper produced from wood from responsibly managed forests), which our company has obtained. Through product provision in a sustainable cycle, we support partner companies in their efforts to achieve SDGs Goal 12 "Responsible Consumption and Production," Goal 14 "Life Below Water," and Goal 15 "Life on Land." (Our CoC certification number: SGSHK-COC-350635)

Future Outlook

We will expand our product lineup for exhibition and event demand, and strengthen sales on our in-house operated printing mail-order site "Pochifukuro" (*).

*What is "Pochifukuro"?

This is a printing mail-order site for envelopes and paper bags operated by our company. It is linked with our self-developed order reception system "RakuPochi," offering unique convenience that reduces customers' ordering workload, such as enabling easy repeat orders from past order history simply by reading the QR code on the product label.

Yamanaka Shikosho Co., Ltd.

Company Profile

Company Name: Yamanaka Shikosho Co., Ltd. Representative: Hiroshi Yamanaka, Representative Director Founded: November 1945 Location (Business Headquarters): 2-7 Nishi-Kujo Butsugenji-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8434 Business Activities: Planning, manufacturing, sales, and management of paper bags, hand-carry bags, and other commercial printed materials. HP: http://www.yamanaka-shikosho.com/ Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter Phone Number: 075-682-7071 (Business Headquarters) FAX Number: 075-682-7074 Email Address: [email protected]