Abstract

Our company name is “Green tech” which slogan is "connect daily lives with the Earth." The company's management philosophy is based on the social significance of the company from the perspective of the SDGs. The philosophy is to form a sense of value that it is cool to work on environmental issues, and to engage in global conservation activities in which companies and individuals work together.

We will sell eco-bags made of biodegradable and water-resistant Japanese paper, taking advantage of the characteristics of each department in the Faculty of Textiles in Shinshu Univ. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be used for afforestation, and a portion of the grown wood will be sold. The sales target is people who are looking for added value other than price and function. The sales target is people who are looking for added value other than price or function, or people who suffer from hay fever.

The wood used for the Japanese paper for the eco-bags is cedar wood or wood scraps. The reason for using cedar trees is that they are abundant in Japan, and by reducing the number of cedar trees, we can reduce the number of people suffering from hay fever. Purchasers can participate in environmental conservation activities through tree planting. In addition, the purchase of eco-bags leads to a reduction in the number of cedar trees, which in turn leads to participation in another activity: the reduction of pollen allergies. Another reason for using scrap wood is that it is easy to obtain and inexpensive.

Experiences such as tree planting and other washi production will be offered through a subscription-based online salon service operated by the company. In this way, the company will be able to generate revenue and reduce labor costs associated with tree planting.

The objective of operating the online salon in parallel is to activate environmental conservation activities through the community of the company's service and to establish brand value (authoritative management philosophy). In addition, it aims to establish the social significance of the company and differentiate it from its competitors.

Background

SDGs are the goals for humanity adopted by the United Nations in September 2015. However, as of July 2018, some of the goals remain at low levels of achievement. Particularly in Japan, where many companies are manufacturers, Goal 12, "Responsible consumption and protection" is one of the lowest achievement levels.

Therefore, we are conscious of SDG target 12, " Responsible consumption and protection" and have added target 15, " Life on Land " which has not yet been achieved, to develop our business from two perspectives.

Specifically, as the first venture from our university, we will produce and sell eco-bags that utilize our respective strengths in biology, chemistry, mechanics, and kansei engineering.

In this report, I propose a business model for a sustainable society.

Details

(1) Product: Eco-bag made of Japanese paper

・Product theme: Eco (green) x Technology (tech) x Japan

・Material: Japanese paper，Cedar wood, other wood scraps

・Reason for using cedar wood

-Many of cedar wood in Japan

-Reduction of Pollinosis by Consumption of Cedar Trees

・Reason for using scrap wood?

-Easy to obtain

-Reuse of garbage

-Less expence

・Advantages of the eco-bags by Japanese paper

-Light weight

-Tough

-Foldable

-Easy to form

-Attachment through long use like leather

-Unique texture due to wrinkles and continuous use

-Advantage of Japanese culture that no other country can replicate

(2) Scientific issues:

Establishment of a method to make Washi water-resistant (biodegradable waterproof adhesive) or water-repellent processing by oil impregnation.

For example, Naoron is a light, tear-resistant, and water-resistant Japanese paper. Although it has a small environmental impact, it is not biodegradable because it is made of synthetic fibers. By using biodegradable resources, we would like to build an eco-cycle by eventually using it as fertilizer. Therefore, it is difficult to recycle Naoron. For this reason, we would like to use biodegradable adhesives in addition to water resistance as a technical challenge for making Japanese paper.

(3) Value-added with the purchase of products

・Our customers play a role in environmental conservation as well as in pollen eradication.

・The tattered eco-bags will be collected and used as fertilizer for tree planting.

・Trees other than cedar trees that are valuable as lumber will be planted.

・Some of the trees planted will be sold as lumber.

(4) Targets

・General consumers and people who are very particular about things and are interested in environmental conservation activities

・Those who suffer from allergy to pollen

(5) Social significance as a company (SDGs):

・Environmental conservation activities through tree planting (make green).

・A breakthrough in the dichotomy between environmental conservation and the elimination of cedar trees.

・Planting trees with part of the proceeds.

・Purchasers can experience tree planting if they wish (reduces labor costs for tree planters). .

・The company will boost global conservation activities by providing experiences that lead to environmental conservation activities through eco-bags and participation in the community.

・Experience making Japanese paper.

・Create an image that environmentally conscious consumption is cool and environmentally unconscious consumption is uncool.

・Price setting can be raised by value-added and brand business.

・Formation of a community by setting a goal to eliminate pollen → Creation of fans for products and brands. (However, the ostensible purpose is to plant trees, and the elimination of cedar trees is a secondary effect.)

(6) Vision of us:

・Lead the community → online salon, revenue through subscription.

・Tackle environmental problems through cooperation between companies and consumers.

・Create a sense of value that it is cool to work on environmental issues.

・Use technology for environmental issues.

(7) Differentiate others from our competitors:

・Self-actualization through community involvement and participation in environmental protection activities

・Approach to pollinators

・Acquisition of rights to experiences such as tree planting and Japanese paper making

(8) Profit structure:

・Sales of eco-bags

・Subscription through online salon

・Sales of lumber grown through tree planting

(9) Strengths of the Faculty of Textile Science and Role of Members

・Biological properties of wood based on biological knowledge (Aoki, Sophia)

・Addition of functions by chemical knowledge (Ota, Sana, Norman)

・Design and sensibility evaluation by sensibility (Fujiwara)

・Characteristic evaluation of strength and physical properties of materials by machine (Seita, Piwpiw, Qu)