Suzuyo Co., Ltd. Upcycles Approximately 280 Old Work Uniforms into 2,500 Coasters

Suzuyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City; President: Kenichiro Suzuki; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") has implemented an initiative to upcycle old work uniforms that have completed their service into coasters, following a comprehensive renewal of work uniforms in May 2025, the first in approximately half a century. Out of approximately 1,970kg of old work uniforms, 210kg (about 280 uniforms) were utilized to produce 2,500 coasters.

This initiative aims to promote resource circulation by reducing waste, and to pass on the memories and sentiments associated with the work uniforms that have supported the field for many years to the next generation in a usable form for daily life. The Company will continue to communicate this initiative, which balances environmental consideration with the inheritance of corporate culture, both internally and externally.

The Company will continue to expand its resource circulation initiatives through its business activities and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by cherishing the values and stories cultivated in the field.

Background

In recent years, the global trend has been shifting from a linear economy of "make, use, and dispose" to a circular economy that circulates resources, aiming to reduce waste and effectively utilize resources. Companies are also required to implement initiatives that connect products and materials to new value without discarding them as much as possible. In light of this trend, the Company planned this initiative, viewing the work uniform renewal not merely as an update, but as an opportunity to reuse the old work uniforms as a resource.

Why "Coasters"?

When considering upcycled products, the Company emphasized the ability to feel a close connection to the work uniforms. By preserving the work uniforms that have supported the safety and pride of field workers for many years as coasters that can be used daily, we believe it will also serve as an opportunity for employees and their families to think about environmental issues and resource circulation.

Coaster Overview

Name: Upcycled Coaster

Material: Approximately 280 old work uniforms (approx. 210kg)

Number of items produced: 2,500

Distribution target: Employees within the company, including those who have worn the old work uniforms.

Distribution period: June 2026

Old Work Uniforms

Employee Comments

Administrative Department Employee

"I am happy that the work uniforms, which were a symbol for everyone working in the field, will remain with us in a different form. I feel this initiative truly reflects our company's approach of valuing things."

Field Department Employee

"They were an important presence, with whom I spent a long time and shared many memories. To be honest, I felt a sense of sadness when those work clothes were transformed into something else. However, now their material has been reborn as everyday coasters and has returned to me. While they have taken on a new form, the memories and sentiments of that time are still alive within them. Every time I catch a glimpse of them in my daily life, I am reminded of our journey so far, and I feel very happy."

Our Initiatives for a Sustainable Society

The transition to a circular economy prompts a review of the flow of goods itself, including collection, reuse, and redistribution. For our Company, which supports social infrastructure through logistics, contributing to resource circulation is a crucial theme closely related to our business. Moving forward, in the spirit of "coexistence (tomoiki)," the Company will continue to promote resource circulation initiatives integrated with its business activities and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

*Upcycling refers to adding new value to materials or products scheduled for disposal, transforming them into higher-quality products. Unlike simple recycling (reusing materials), it is characterized by the creation of new value through the addition of design and functionality.