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ITOKI and TOYOTA UPCYCLE create art table and stool made from waste plastic
Jointly promoting the development of furniture made from recycled waste materials
ITOKI CORPORATION (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Koji Minato) is collaborating with "TOYOTA UPCYCLE" developed by Toyota Motor Corporation (Headquarters: Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture; President and CEO: Tsuneji Sato) to promote the development of furniture that reuses waste materials generated in the manufacturing process of both companies. As part of this, an art table and an art stool were produced using waste plastic from both companies. These experimental furniture pieces have been installed at Toyota Motor Corporation's headquarters.
Toyota Motor Corporation Headquarters Entrance (Toyotacho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture)
Waste issues faced by both companies
The process of manufacturing automobiles and office furniture produces a wide variety of waste in large quantities. Various methods are being attempted to recycle the so-called "materials that could not be used in products," and while some can be made into products in a different form, the reality is that a certain amount of waste is difficult to recycle and is simply discarded.
The target of this upcycling project is waste plastic generated during the plastic molding process of both companies. Although these plastics have various performance and attractive features, such as being extremely strong or having colorful and beautiful appearances, they are discarded during the manufacturing process without utilizing their potential.
Aiming for a zero-waste future, we took on the challenge of giving new value to these materials through upcycling techniques.
Side table and stool made from the resin purged material of hydrogen tanks (jointly developed by ITOKI and TOYOTA UPCYCLE)
Nylon purge material generated during the manufacturing process of hydrogen tanks installed in fuel cell vehicles such as the Mirai has been carved out and reborn as a side table and stool. By applying flat chamfering like the cutting of a gemstone, accidental patterns and light reflections are created, bringing out the marble-like expression of the material. By leaving some surfaces uncut, the strength of the original purge material is retained, while also allowing the viewer to think about the background to the creation of this furniture.
・Waste material discharge: Toyota Shimoyama Plant Hydrogen tank nylon resin molding process
Product design: Yukako Watanabe and Yuto Ueda, Product Design Department, Product Development Division, ITOKI
・Design and assembly: Koichi Sawada, Technology Development Office, ITOKI Production Headquarters, Seiji Minami, Chair Development and Design Office No. 1
・Machining: Toyota Shimoyama Plant Hydrogen Development and Production Department
A stool made from the resin purging material of a chair (developed exclusively by ITOKI)
Apart from this joint project, ITOKI is also working on developing furniture using waste materials discharged from its own factories. Colorful polypropylene waste dumplings generated during the process of manufacturing the resin molded parts of the task chair were collected, melted and pressed into boards, resulting in an appearance resembling a mixture of paints. A stool with a simple form was designed to allow this distinctive abstract painting-like pattern to take center stage. By making slits in the board and configuring the parts to be inserted into each other, sufficient strength is ensured while limiting the amount of screws and adhesives used.
As part of this initiative, the product is being installed on a trial basis at Toyota's headquarters office.
・Waste material discharge: ITOKI Shiga Chair Factory, Torte U Chair resin molding process
Product design: Yukako Watanabe, Product Design Department, ITOKI Product Development Division
・Design and assembly: Koichi Sawada, Technology Development Office, ITOKI Production Headquarters, Seiji Minami, Chair Development and Design Office No. 1
・Board processing: REMARE Co., Ltd.
The vision that both companies aim for
This initiative aims to give new value to waste through the power of design, and to solve problems for both waste producers and product users. To achieve this, we believe it is necessary to increase the number of upcycling methods for a wide variety of waste by sharing ideas with many partners beyond the boundaries of companies, and to increase the variety of outlets for waste by letting consumers know the current state of waste, discover new value in it, and enjoy it.
Towards a future where "wastefulness" continues to change into "better," and towards the realization of a sustainable manufacturing society with zero waste, we must first start by making use of the waste that is right in front of us.
We welcome inquiries from manufacturing companies who are similarly struggling with waste disposal, and from anyone who shares our vision.
Comments from project members
ITOKI CORPORATION
Yohei Yamamoto, Product Development Division, Product Planning Department, 2nd Planning Office
We have developed many products using virgin materials up until now, but through this project with Toyota, we learned that attractive designs can also be created from the waste that is generated along the way. The way to utilize the material can change completely depending on not only the nature of the material, but also the method and frequency of disposal, and where and how much is disposed of. We enjoy this difficult challenge and would like to continue manufacturing by continuing to create new value that cannot be found in mass-produced products.
Toyota Motor Corporation
Shinobu Takagi, BEcreationG, Business Development Office, New Business Planning Department
We are truly grateful for all the lessons we have learned from our co-creation activities with ITOKI. To bring this project to fruition, ITOKI came to our factory and understood the site where Mottainai materials are produced, which marked the start of the planning process. We are extremely pleased that we have been able to create new value by combining ITOKI's outstanding design, engineering, and development capabilities with our processing technology. We hope that as many people as possible will think, "I want to try it" and "I want to join in," and we will continue to work hard to co-create a future where "Mottainai continues to change into something better."
TOYOTA UPCYCLE
"TOYOTA UPCYCLE" is an upcycling project undertaken by Toyota Motor Corporation's New Business Planning Department with the concept of "Creating a future where 'Mottainai' continues to turn into 'Matter Better.'" Aiming for a future with zero waste, the project works with a variety of external partners to incorporate waste from other industries, develop upcycling, and develop and provide products that are in line with the needs of consumers.
We are breathing new value into waste materials, such as by making outdoor bags using the nylon base fabric used in airbags and leftover seatbelts, and by transforming the high-quality leather used in Lexus seats into stationery.
Related links: TOYOTA UPCYCLE | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Corporate Website
[About Itoki's Workplace Business]
ITOKI CORPORATION was founded in 1890. With the mission statement of "We Design Tomorrow. We Design WORK-Style." the company supports the creation of a variety of "spaces," "environments," and "places" by leveraging its strengths of "Tech x Design based on PEOPLE," including the manufacture and sale of office furniture, office space design, “Space," “Environment," and “Place" consulting, and office data analysis services, as well as furniture for working from home and studying at home, and equipment for public facilities and logistics facilities.
As hybrid work becomes more common and the places and ways of working become more diverse, we are developing spatial digital transformation to enhance productivity and creativity, as well as consulting services to support optimal office operations. We are also proactively collaborating with external designers and partner companies to propose new work styles and workplaces for the future.
Inquiries regarding this release
ITOKI CORPORATION
Corporate Communications Division, Public Relations Section
TEL:03-6910-3910
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