Use of sustainable materials – manufacturing –

The Itoki Group consumes many resources such as plastic and wood in the course of manufacturing. Based on sustainable and environmentally-conscious procurement, we evaluate the environmental friendliness of products at the planning and design stages, and proactively practice environmentally-conscious green procurement in procurement and production, thereby manufacturing with consideration given to reducing various environmental impacts throughout the entire product life cycle.

ITOKI has established green procurement standards such as ``reducing the amount of materials used, using recycled materials, and responding to recycling efforts to conserve resources'' and evaluates and certifies suppliers. Additionally, by conducting regular ongoing audits, we are expanding education and enlightenment activities regarding ITOKI's environmental activity policy, procurement standards, and the environment to all of our suppliers. For our suppliers who have not yet been certified under the Green Procurement Certification System, our procurement department and company-wide environmental office provide various types of support toward certification as a green supplier.

In fiscal 2023, in order to achieve our goal of "promoting sales of environmentally friendly products," we have implemented "redefining and redefining standards for environmentally friendly products" and "developing environmentally friendly products." The details of each of these initiatives are introduced in the specific initiatives below.

ITOKI has been creating products that are both people- and Planet-friendly by setting its own standards. As environmental issues become more serious year by year, we have reviewed and reset the definition and standards of environmentally friendly products as our own indicators in order to continue reducing the burden on the Planet environment. The new standards include five guidelines that ITOKI values in consideration of the environment: "reducing greenhouse gas emissions," "producing/recycling with fewer resources," "not producing waste," "not producing harmful substances," and "reducing energy use."
For details, please visit the special website "ITOKI Ecosystem Initiative toward 2050 - Coexistence with Nature."

We develop products that contribute to reducing _CO2 emissions and creating a recycling-oriented society by utilizing recycled materials, replacing plastic components, and extending the life of products.

We have developed "Refelt," an environmentally friendly product that actively uses recycled materials (to be released in 2024). In detail, the environmentally friendly product uses a process in which used PET bottles are turned back into fibers and molded into felt for the 3D molded back and seat shell that envelops the body, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions during manufacturing.

The Torte U Chair, released in October 2022, is upholstered in sustainable fabric made from 100% recycled fibers from discarded PET bottles. In addition, the back and seat cushions can be replaced or replaced, allowing the product itself to be used for a long time and contributing to reducing waste.

We are also promoting the use of new materials. Kenaf, a short-lived annual plant widely cultivated in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, has a high _CO2 absorption capacity during growth (about seven times that of conifers), and is one of the plants that contribute to preventing Planet warming. We have jointly developed kenaf boards made from kenaf with Toyota Boshoku Corporation, and released the "Meat Lounge Sustainable" in 2022, which uses the boards as table tops.

In addition, the Olika eco and Wan eco models use upcycled rice husks for the seat and back, making effective use of waste materials while at the same time reducing the amount of resin used.

We proactively use health-conscious materials based on legal regulations and guidelines established by the Japan Office Furniture Association (JOIFA).

As environmental demands grow year by year, there is a need to further clarify the purpose and role of environmental contributions in the office industry's work style proposals, and we believe that it is necessary to accelerate the switch from our conventional product lineup to environmentally friendly products. By updating our approach to environmentally friendly products to suit the times and combining ITOKI's technological and design capabilities, we will promote the creation of sustainable working spaces.