TABLEWARE
Reconstructing the Value of Waste Materials
Koushi Chemical Indsutry Co., Ltd. manufactures over 14 million plastic components and products annually, used across diverse sectors of society. As society focuses on plastic-related issues amid growing environmental awareness, the company began focusing on waste material utilization, addressing societal challenges by developing eco-materials from waste seashells and plastics. While exploring the role of materials in future society, they launched initiatives to transform negative perceptions of waste materials into positive ones, creating momentum for environmental conservation through products that combine eco-materials with durability and enhanced design.
Design That Leverages Future Materials
Now that the value of plastic products has shifted from what it was before, Koushi sought to determine which product categories could best showcase their eco-material research and development, creating items people would use long-term. This exploration led to outdoor tableware. Taking advantage of SHELLTEC’s texture, rigidity, and mass-production capability through injection molding, they transformed everyday actions like pouring, holding, and stacking into functional, practical forms. Fundamentally, they believe long-term usability—the core of sustainability—is essential for designs that leverage these materials.
Designer’s voice
I believe that Koushi approach to manufacturing—material exploration, honest attitude, and efforts to keep pace with the times—forms the company’s core strength, but above all, their ability to transform negative perceptions into positive ones stands out. In resin processing, a field often viewed negatively today, their approach of advancing through endless curiosity and technical prowess has inspired me as a designer to consider what I can contribute. What resin products should we pass on to the next generation? I would be honored to continue supporting Mr. Nambara as a designer.
