Project "TSUMUGI"

Video

Description

"TSUMUGI" is a project to upcycle paper resources and thinned wood into paper yarn.

Story

We want to make effective use of paper packages after use and thinned wood generated from forest maintenance and rebirth them as tangible objects. This initiative was initiated from such a desire.
The recycling rate of paper from households is only 3%, and most of it is incinerated.
In addition, in the process of "thinning," in which some trees are cut down in order to fulfill forest functions such as preventing landslides and preserving biodiversity, there are many thinned trees that have been planted and grown well but are left in the forest due to the cost of removing them from the forest.
It has been difficult to find ways to utilize these resources alone. We came across paper thread, which has been made in Japan since ancient times, as a new way to utilize resources. By upcycling unused resources into paper thread using "made in Japan" technology, new uses and values are created and integrated into our daily lives.
TSUMUGI" was born out of the desire for people to hold it in their hands as a symbol of weaving together the earth, society, and local communities. The paper thread spun from the thoughts of many people will connect those thoughts to the future.

Link

• https://tsumugi-upcycle.com/
• https://upcycle.or.jp/

Images

Judge’s Comments

Lucy Lu

Director General of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Chiayi City

Long Live Paper Prize

Paper thread is a technology that has existed for centuries in Japan. In recent years, with advances in science and materials research, this technology has not only reduced the amount of washi paper used, but also created new possibilities in the fashion textile industry. I especially like how materials such as felled timber and recycled paper are applied to a paper thread concept. This eliminates a constraint of traditional paper thread, the need for longer fibers, while also making a bigger contribution to the environment.

Hiroshi Irie

Manager at the East Japan Railway Company in the Innovation Strategy Division, Digital Business Unit

Live and Learn with Nature Prize

The concept of creating something new without disturbing the natural environment left a deep impression on me. New technologies bring convenience, but they can also have adverse effects such as environmental pollution and labor exploitation. Tsumugi is a paper thread spun from waste paper and thinned wood from forests. I believe that upcycling rather than recycling not only gives new value to things, but also fundamentally alters the consciousness of everyone involved in the process. I would love to see this kind of upcycling process repeated for various other materials as well.