Transforming 30,000 Meters of Discarded Material into Value: Akaiwa's Challenge in Craftsmanship Begins

Our company endorses April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day for announcing dreams. This press release represents the dream of "Ebisu Co., Ltd. (EBIST)."

EBIST aims to transform waste into "value."

[Dream ①: Towards "Zero Waste" Manufacturing by Utilizing Scraps] Our main business is the manufacturing of flexible container bags and pallet covers. The material used in this manufacturing process amounts to approximately 250,000 meters annually. However, about 30,000 meters of this material are discarded as scraps.

We found new value in this material, which would otherwise have been unused. That is the "EBIST Tote."

It boasts high durability and waterproofness, characteristic of industrial materials. And it has the unique charm of being a one-of-a-kind item, each with a different appearance.

Moving forward, we aim to expand the range of colors, sizes, and designs, striving to bring the discarded material as close to zero as possible. "What was supposed to be discarded will be used by someone for a long time." We want to make this cycle a matter of course.

Scrap materials that were scheduled for disposal.

[Dream ②: Delivering "Akaiwa's Craftsmanship" Nationwide] Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture, is a region where agriculture thrives. There are many attractive local specialties that can be proud of nationwide, such as peaches, grapes, and Omachi rice.

However, on the other hand, it is not good at promoting its charms, and its national recognition is not yet high. We feel both frustration and great potential regarding Akaiwa's current situation.

That is why we want to communicate Akaiwa's value through craftsmanship, and create a future where people think, "Akaiwa is a great place," "I want to choose it because it's from Akaiwa."

It may not be an easy task, and it may be a big dream. Nevertheless, we aim to become an entity that enhances Akaiwa City's recognition and delivers the region's charm nationwide.

Akaiwa, the birthplace of white peaches.

Furthermore, we will challenge ourselves to develop "Akaiwa-like products" that combine Akaiwa's local specialties and culture. For example, we want to give shape to values that can only be born in this land, such as product development in collaboration with farmers.

And, utilizing the techniques we have cultivated so far, we will promote product development and brand creation in collaboration with the region. Through "Akaiwa-born craftsmanship," we want to share the charm of this town with more people. That is our dream.

[Dream ③: Creating Jobs in the Region and a Place for Young People to Thrive] This initiative is not just about the environment or products. Product creation utilizing scrap materials generates diverse jobs, such as: - Manufacturing processes like cutting and sewing - Design and product planning - Sales utilizing SNS and e-commerce

Through these efforts, we aim to create opportunities for young people and women to play active roles in the region. Even as the population declines, we envision a future where people gather, grow, and circulate, making it a region where people want to "work here" and "take on challenges here," starting from craftsmanship.

Female staff are active at EBIST.

■Finally 30,000 meters of scrap material annually. It is not "waste," but a "resource" that still holds value. We believe in its potential.

Transforming waste into value, revitalizing the region, and creating a future for people. It may be a small endeavor. But we believe that the accumulation of these efforts will eventually lead to significant change.

From Akaiwa, we will disseminate a new form of craftsmanship.

Contact Information Ebisu Co., Ltd. 2434 Yuzuri, Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture, 701-2226 Representative Director: Takao Mukohata TEL: 086-957-2800 URL: https://ebisu-okayama.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebistcamp/ EBIST Official Online Store: https://ebist.official.ec