Blog (EN)

SDGs and Me: A Recap of our Event on June 22

Last 22 June 2024, appcycle held an event alongside three other local organisations at the Aomori Apio Health Guidance Centre. The event, which was entitled 「SDGsな子育てしてみませんか?」or Would you like to raise your child with the SDGs, attracting participants from all age groups. Here are some of the event’s highlights just in case you missed it! Event Overview Our main event was a lecture by the CEO of appcycle, Kei Fujimaki. In line with the theme, he gave a presentation on appcycle, including an explanation of our activities towards achieving the SDGs. He also discussed the state of the apple industry in Aomori, which is a major aspect of our company. Additionally, he introduced some of the current products made from RINGO-TEX, appcycle’s very own apple leather. By introducing our upcycled products at this event, we hope to encourage everyone to be more mindful of how they can live more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles. Our product showcase also allowed participants to have a firsth

RINGO-TEX Revolution: Discover The World of Our Apple Leather Products

Are you looking for a new accessory that can improve your outfit but is still kind to the environment? What about a handy pouch made of an environmentally-friendly but durable material? Look no further because some of appcycle’s RINGO-TEX leather products are available for purchase online right now! Keep reading to learn more about our currently available line up. What Is Heart: Leather Cap What Is Heart, a brand founded by Aomori-born talent Ourin, features street style inspired clothes and accessories. Some of her products include collaboration goods such as this leather cap made with RINGO-TEX apple leather. The side of the cap is embroidered with an artistic take on Mt. Iwake, one of Aomori’s natural treasures. The cap is sold in both red and beige colourways and is available for purchase here. What Is Heart: Card Case Along with the apple leather cap, What Is Heart also offers a RINGO-TEX leather card case. It comes in the signature apple red and is a stylish way to carry your ca

Sustainably Stylish! How to be Fashionable with Sustainability

Sustainably Stylish! How to be Fashionable with Sustainability These days, environmental issues are becoming a larger part of our consciousness, with the conversation shifting to things like our clothing and fashion consumption. But although the condition of the planet is an alarming topic, many people probably wonder the best way to still participate in fashion without contributing to environmental damage. Luckily, there are many ways that you can stay stylish while also staying sustainable. Here are 3 ways you can stay fashionable while also helping the planet! Take Better Care of Your Clothes The truth of the matter is the most sustainable thing you can do is to consume less. This means buying a smaller amount of new things to ensure you also waste less. One way to still stay stylish while also purchasing less is to simply take better care of your clothes.  Clothes that have been chosen intentionally and are kept in good condition will always look better than clothes that were mere

Unlocking Success: How Workplace Flexibility Powers appcycle!

Unlocking Success: How Workplace Flexibility Powers appcycle! How much do you like your workplace situation? Do you sit in a cubicle all day? Perhaps your workplace is too cluttered and stressful?  Although you probably know appcycle as an environmentally sustainable company because of our efforts to make apple leather, we believe in other ways of being sustainable too! One of our company’s primary missions is to create a diverse and flexible workplace – in short, one that is socially sustainable. We believe that the wellbeing of our employees and the people we work with should also be sustainable, meaning that everyone can work together happily for a long time. In line with our mission, workplace flexibility and diversity are part of our core values. Learn more about why this is important for us below! Better Work-Life Balance Start-ups can be busy and appcycle is no exception. Our CEO has multiple meetings to attend throughout the day, sometimes in different places. Meanwhile,

appcycle inc. Joins the Mission: Raising SDG-Conscious Kids on June 22!

appcycle inc. Joins the Mission: Raising SDG-Conscious Kids on June 22! We are proud to announce our participation in the event entitled 「SDGsな子育てしてみませんか?」or Would you like to raise your child with the SDGs? The event is a joint project between four organisations, namely appcycle, my.josan-in PEANUT, Coconet Aomori, and N-STAGE.  The event will feature a lecture by our CEO, Kei Fujimaki about RINGO-TEX as well as a make your own leather tag activity using RINGO-TEX.  The entrance fee is free and you can sign up early using the QR codes in the posters above or by filling in the form here. Join us on 22 June, 2024, Saturday at the Apio Aomori Health Guidance Centre! Admission will begin at 9:30 AM and the event will continue until 11:30. Don’t forget to sign up and we hope to see you there! If you want stay updated on appcycle and our events, check out the rest of the website and follow us on our official Instagram page!

From Bin to Bag: 3 Types of Leather Alternatives!

From Bin to Bag: 3 Types of Leather Alternatives! Microfiber Leather Microfibre leather is another popular type of synthetic leather alternative. While it can also be made from the aforementioned PU, some types are made from nylon. Well-known due to its uniquely soft and water-resistant properties, microfiber leather is made from ultra-thin synthetic fibres which are the reason for its namesake. Additionally, microfiber leather has been recognised for its higher breathability and flexibility than its PU and PVC leather counterparts. However, it is slightly more expensive than PVC/PU leather and due to its use of mostly synthetic materials, it is also not the most eco-friendly option. Bio Leather Finally, there is bio leather otherwise known as plant leather which is made from plant-based sources. Bio leather can be made from all sorts of biodegradable plant materials from pineapples to mushrooms. Our product, RINGO-TEX, for example is an apple based leather, made from the remnants of

Introducing the Seiko x appcycle The Beatles Collaboration Timepiece!

Introducing the Seiko x appcycle The Beatles Collaboration Timepiece! appcycle is excited to share an exciting announcement! appcycle’s RINGO-TEX leather has been chosen for a collaboration watch with Seiko in celebration of the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ legendary album A Hard Day’s Night.  The limited edition timepiece includes special design elements, including a watch face featuring the title of the album, and hour marks represented by different titles in the album. It also comes with other themed details, including a commemorative marking on the case back as well as a The Beatles themed box. Additionally, the choice to use RINGO-TEX, an animal free apple leather, was made in response to former Beatles member Paul McCartney’s commitment to the animal welfare movement.  The watch comes in two variants, a metal band and the exclusive RINGO-TEX apple leather strap. It retails for JPY 59,800 tax exclusive. Get your own A Hard Day’s Night 60th Anniversary Watch now by clicking th

Beyond Leather: 3 Reasons to Embrace Leather Alternatives

Beyond Leather: 3 Reasons to Embrace Leather Alternatives Leather alternatives, which are leathers made from materials other than animal skin, have become increasingly common on the marketplace. The materials used for each product vary widely from synthetic materials to apple waste, just like our own leather alternative RINGO-TEX. But these leather alternatives are not just a passing trend! More expensive materials like leather are no longer the only option, especially with the innovations of materials and textile manufacturers. That’s why today, we’re giving you 3 reasons to embrace the emergence of leather alternatives. Read on to learn why! Leather Alternatives are made without animal skin The first and probably most obvious reason to choose leather alternatives is because most of them don’t contain animal skin. Depending on your lifestyle choices or your religious beliefs, you may not be able to purchase leather products because of them.  Leather alternatives are a way for people

Inside the World of appcycle: A Day in Business Management

Inside the World of appcycle: A Day in Business Management Welcome back to our series, Inside the World of appcycle! This time we’re talking to appcycle’s Business Development and Marketing Manager Midori-san! If you want to learn about what it’s like to work for our company and how people find their way to appcycle, keep on reading! I had the chance to interview Midori-san over Zoom to ask her about her career at appcycle. Here are her thoughts! Interviewing Midori-san Please introduce yourself Hello, my name is Midori Matsunaga. I joined appcycle in October 2023. I live in Tokyo but I was born in Fukushima Prefecture. Most of the people in the company are from Aomori so I felt a bit nervous when I first joined but I like working here and I grew to like lots of things about Aomori, including the attractions and the people! What do you do at appcycle? I’m a Business Development and Marketing Manager. I’m in charge of the Marketing team and am the lead in its activiti

 Inside the World of Appcycle: A Day with Our CEO

Inside the World of Appcycle: A Day with Our CEO Welcome back to our blog series Inside the World of appcycle! In this week’s instalment, we had a conversation with our CEO to give our followers some insight about the people who lead our company. If you want to learn more about our company philosophy and the people who run it, keep reading! Could you please introduce yourself? My name is Kei Fujimaki, and I am the CEO of appcycle inc. Thank you for having me. Where are you from? I am from Aomori city in Aomori Prefecture.  What did you used to do before becoming appcycle’s CEO? I used to work in the cosmetology, regenerative medicine, and cosmetics industries. What attracted you to appcycle? I found out that leather could be made from apples so I founded the company because I wanted to make the best apple leather in Japan. Can you give us a rough schedule of what you do in a day from when you wake up and work until you end the workday? I  normally wake up at 4:00 AM and check my email

appcycle: Pioneering a Greener Tomorrow with Apple Leather

appcycle: Pioneering a Greener Tomorrow with Apple Leather Did you know that there’s more to our business than meets the eye? We are appcycle, inc. Today, we’re unveiling the heart behind our business and what pushes us to develop products and solutions to environmental damage through apple leather. Where We Come From appcycle is from a prefecture in Japan called Aomori. For many Japanese and foreign tourists, Aomori is best known for its Nebuta festivals in the summer, its abundance of excellent quality tuna, and of course, the best apples in Japan.  However, despite the premium status of Aomori apples in Japan, tons and tons of them go to waste after being processed to make apple products like juices, jams, and the like. That’s where we step in. Our Purpose The name of our company gives away our mission. It is the combination of two words: apple and upcycle. Apple is an homage to the star product of our hometown, while upcycle refers to a type of recycling that turns waste into some

Inside the World of appcycle: A Day in Global Marketing

    Hi, I’m Yvonne from appcycle and I currently work as a part-time worker on the Global Marketing Team. I was an intern at appcycle for 3 months, and have been a part-time worker for 7 months now. Today, I ‘ll be showing you what it’s like to work for my company!         Part-time as a University Student   I usually start my day at work by making a to-do list of my tasks for the day. One thing I love about working at appcycle is the flexibility. Right now, I’m in my third year of university in Japan which is why I’m in a part-time position. I work on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays and typically have classes on the other days of the week. Because I was allowed to choose the days I work, I’m able to focus on both my schoolwork and my position in Global Marketing!     Working Remotely   I normally attend meetings once or twice a week, over zoom. And that’s another thing I like about appcycle! Ev

appcycle inc. at EcoPro 2023: My Behind the Scenes Experience

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by RINGO-TEX®︎ by appcycle | Apple Leather (@ringo_tex.global)   Hi, my name is Yvonne and I’m the head of Social Media for RINGO-TEX Global. On December 8th, 2023, I had the opportunity to see and help out at one of appcycle’s exhibition booths at EcoPro 2023. As a part- time employee, it was my first time visiting such an event, so here are a few of my impressions from my experience!   Big Sights at Tokyo Big Sight     EcoPro 2023 is one of the annual events held by Nikkei Messe to exhibit various products, services, and solutions that can support the development of Japan. The EcoPro exhibition, which was held last year from December 6 – 8, 2023, coincided with the SDGs or the Sustainable Development Goals Week. Themes for the booths included new services, inventions, and innovations that can help fulfil the SDGs that are targeted at saving the environment.    It was my first time visi

Green Beginnings: 3 Realistic Resolutions for an Eco-Friendly New Year

  As the year wraps up, everyone is once again participating in the yearly tradition of deciding on a New Year’s resolution. For some people, their resolution might involve bettering themselves personally for their health or career. For some, resolutions can involve lifestyle changes to create better habits.   If you’re still lost on what to do for your New Year, why not try bettering yourself by being kinder to the environment? Here are 3 resolutions you can commit to for the environment!   Ditch Fast Fashion for Sustainable Styles     One major contributor to your carbon footprint is your shopping behaviour. For most people, purchasing from fast fashion brands is almost inevitable. It’s cheap, trendy, and you can find it anywhere. However, without proper consideration for where these clothing pieces come from, you may be accidentally contributing to unethical and environmentally damaging businesses.   Thankfully, you can be more sustainable by committin

Sustainable Sparkle: Unwrapping Sustainable Holidays

  Although the holidays are the season for festivities, family, and fun it can often lead to overconsumption. We do it in a number of ways from purchasing brand new decorations annually, making too much food for our feasts, and buying and giving presents that we won’t realistically use. If you’re worried about overconsumption during the holidays or simply want to find ways to make your celebrations more sustainable, check out these three tips to make your festive season more green and jolly!   Conscious Holiday Feasting     The holiday season is marked by festive activities that often have one thing in common: food and a lot of it. However, no matter how delicious the piles of cakes and roasted chicken dishes may be, there’s a cost to the over abundance of food that we cook and purchase over the season. In fact, around 7 million tonnes of food is wasted on Christmas in the UK alone.    To cut back on the food waste, try to be conscious of your feasting habits

Avoid the Green Trap! How to Spot Greenwashing

  The rise of sustainability and eco-friendly culture has steadily risen in the last few decades, owing to greater awareness of the current climate crisis. Because of this, citizens like you and I are becoming more aware of how our everyday choices affect the environment. Some people are more careful with their recycling, some have changed their diets, and some have vowed to only shop secondhand.   However, with the rise in the public’s desire for “green” and sustainable products, some companies have decided to take advantage of people’s lack of awareness through greenwashing. According to the UN’s climate action website, greenwashing is a practice where brands and large companies purposefully deceive their consumers by making their items seem more eco-friendly than they actually are.    Luckily, we’re here to teach you three ways that you can avoid this trap and say goodbye to greenwashing!   Research and Verify Claims     Although anyone can put “eco-fr

Snack Smart, Snack Green: 3 Ways to Make Sustainable Food Choices!

  Living sustainably entails a variety of lifestyle changes. These include everything from carefully choosing which shops we buy our clothing from to the types of cleaning products we use in our homes. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to start living more sustainably and they involve something we spend most of our time doing– eating food!    Our food choices can make a significant impact on our carbon footprint, so here are 3 easy ways to transition from being a Mindless Muncher to a Sustainable Snacker!   Eat a Mostly Plant-based Diet     You might’ve already read our articles on Vegetarianism and Veganism which outline the reasons why people choose to avoid animal products and its benefits. However, many of us still love the taste of meat especially if we grew up eating a meat-based diet. If you’re one of these people though, worry not!    Instead of completely quitting meat and animal products, it might be easier to simply decrease the amount of meat

Go Green Japan! Japan’s Environmental Sustainability Efforts

Our home of Japan is known worldwide for its technological progressiveness. Some might think of Japanese cars or bullet trains when they think of the country’s achievements in this field. Some might find the transportation system or the efficiency of convenience stores to be a highlight. However, did you know that Japan has also been making efforts to be more environmentally sustainable? Here are 3 ways that Japan Goes Green by encouraging sustainability and environmental consciousness!   The Recycling System     One way that the Japanese government has encouraged the locals to care for the environment is through the comprehensive waste disposal and recycling system enforced all throughout the country. Although the specifics vary between cities and towns, common features include guidelines on separating combustible and non-combustible rubbish, disposal of non-recyclable materials, and collection of PET bottles, glass containers, and metal cans.    Although th

Who is behind appcycle inc.?

  If you’re reading this article, welcome! We are appcycle, inc. Although we are best known for our vegan apple leather RINGO-TEX, we’re also a group of passionate people who work towards giving you the best customer experience while also contributing to a more sustainable future.   We are a small start-up from Aomori with over 20 members who live all over Japan, including interns and pro bono employees. Get to know more about our company and our values ​​below!   Upcycling and Environmental Consciousness     Our company’s namemake is actually a combination of the words “apple” and “upcycle.” The apple portion of our name refers to our home prefecture’s most famous specialty as well as the primary component of our vegan leather. Meanwhile, the upcycle portion refers to the method of recycling which specifically involves turning old and unusable waste materials into new things with greater value. You can learn more about innovative ways

Is Vegan Leather Really Good for the Environment?

  Here at appcycle, we are passionate about forging a future that is not only sustainable, but environment centric. This passion for an ideal future is one of the things that drives us in creating RINGO-TEX , ethical our and animal -free leather .   However, despite the animal-free nature of vegan leather, it still makes sense to ask how environmentally friendly is it exactly? Let’s have a closer look at vegan leather and discover whether it’s truly beneficial in saving the planet!   The Cost of “Cruelty-Free”     If you’ve frequented our blog before, you’ll know the nature of vegan leather and how exactly it’s different from genuine animal leather. But essentially, unlike traditional animal-based leathers which use the skin of a wide range of animals, vegan leather does not contain any components made from animals . This makes vegan leather cruelty-free   However, just because something is cruelty-free doesn’t mean it&

Amazing Aomori: 3 Reasons to Visit Aomori, Japan

  Aside from being the home of appcycle and RINGO-TEX, Aomori is also famous for many things in Japan and even across the world. In this article, we’re covering everything from the local produce and specialties, to the heritage sites, and popular seasonal events held in the area. So if you’re tired of all the hustle and bustle of Tokyo or Osaka and want to see traditional culture outside of Kyoto, check out these 3 reasons to visit Aomori, Japan!   Man Made Marvels      If you happen to visit Japan in the summer months, the Nebuta Matsuri should be on your list! Celebrated every year in early August, Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri is the largest of the country’s nebuta festivals and has been named as one of the top 3 festivals in the Tohoku Region of Japan. Why not try on a haneto costume while chanting Rasserā with the crowd? These festivities will surely excite you as you watch the nebuta floats carried around the city center!     But m

Let’s Explore Renewable Energy: Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power 

  According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, 80% of the world’s energy consumption in the year 2020 was from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, namely, oil, and natural gas, are fuel sources that formed millions of years ago and have decomposed deep underground. If you should know anything about fossil fuels though, it should be that using them releases carbon and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which is the leading cause for climate change.    Luckily, we can avoid over reliance on fossil fuels by using alternative energy sources– enter Renewable Energy. As its name suggests, Renewable Energy refers to energy sources that are produced faster than they are used. In other words, the sources that we rely on for this energy are able to renew their supply thus making them more sustainable and better for the environment. Also, unlike fossil fuels that release pollutants into the air, Renewable Energy sources are completely clean! There are currently many type

Your First Vegan Leather Purchase

  After spending months reading up on vegan leather, how it’s made , and how it’s different from animal leather, you finally decide to take the leap and purchase your very first piece. Although you have an idea of ​​what kind of vegan leather product you want to buy, there’s still so many questions up in the air. What brand should I get it from? How long will I be able to use it? Are there any other things I should prepare before I can use it? It’s overwhelming to think about these variables all at once, but worry not because we at appcycle have the perfect solution for you! Here are 3 simple guidelines for your first vegan leather purchase!   1. Recall the research you’ve done before deciding your purchase     If you’ve read our article on 5 questions to ask yourself before purchasing a vegan leather piece, then you’re probably already equipped with the information you need to make a mindful and worthwhile purchase. These

Sustainability 101: Sustainable Fashion and the Environment

    Unlike in decades past, clothing is now more affordable than ever. But alongside cheaper price tags and our growing closets, the amount of clothing and textile waste that ends up in dumpsites every year has also increased steadily. According to earth.org , the average American now throws out 37 kg of clothes per year. And globally, around 97 tonnes of textile waste is produced annually. Aside from just waste, the fashion industry’s carbon emissions, which have already been on a continuous rise, is set to double by 2030 indicating a lack of action towards this issue.    With such intimidatingly large statistics, it is easy to feel that the problems of the fashion industry have no solution. Enter Sustainable Fashion.    Sustainable Fashion basically refers to clothing and fashion that are worn and produced sustainably, with special care to not damage the environment. Everything from thrifting your clothes to mending otherwise functional pieces falls under t

How to Care for Vegan Leather

  Vegan leather and genuine animal leather have quite a few large differences, from the raw materials used in their production, to the methods used in manufacturing them for consumers. However, one thing that vegan and genuine leather have in common is maintenance.   Although the need for less maintenance is often a major consideration when choosing vegan leather over animal leather, in order for any product to last for a long time, some level of maintenance is required and vegan leather is not exempted from that.  So if you’re a new owner of a vegan leather product, or simply looking to know how to better care for your existing pieces, then keep reading to find out 5 ways to care for vegan leather!   1. Use Gentle Cleansers     Most types of vegan leather are made to be more water-resistant than animal leather, making the cleaning process for vegan leather much more convenient. However, it is important to remember that this doesn’t mean anything g

5 Unique Ways to Upcycle

  In the fight against the climate crisis, many people have found innovative ways to help protect the environment and live more eco-friendly lifestyles. One way is to “upcycle” old belongings. Upcycling, a combination of the words “up” and “recycle” ” ,” refers to the process of using old, unwanted, or otherwise useless items to create something of greater value and usefulness. Perhaps you have heard of some easy ways to do this at home, say by using an old sauce jar and turning it into a spice container, or using cardboard boxes to make arts and crafts.     But aside from using small household items in this manner, other environmentalists have found unique and inspiring ways to take their upcycling game to the next level. Keep reading to learn about 5 unique ways to upcycle unwanted items.   Revamping Old Furniture     You might have seen videos of people designing and creating their own furniture before, but a recent upcycling trend has become more mainstrea

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Vegan Leather

  If you’ve been following our blog for some time now, you might have found yourself in the market for a vegan leather alternative. Whatever the reason, be it for environmental preservation, for animal rights, or just to support a smaller business, there are a few things to think about before choosing the right vegan leather product.   As with any purchase, sustainable consumption includes being mindful and conscientious about our purchases. Additionally, the vegan leather market now has so many options to offer for anyone wishing to purchase a product so it’s rather important to consider how to choose the right vegan leather for you. So if you find yourself shopping around for sustainably made leather alternatives, here are 5 simple things to consider before making a purchase!   Why vegan leather?     You may already know that vegan leather isn’t solely made for vegans. This also means that you can purchase vegan leather products for a varie

The Water Crisis: Addressing Water Scarcity and Preserving Clean Water Resources

  When we think of our most basic needs, it is hard to forget our need for water. It is literally an essential part of our daily lives as we not only use it to get clean and hydrate ourselves, we also need it for various other parts of our lives. Yet despite its importance in our survival, according to water.org, 1 in 10 people lack access to safe and clean water. A lack of access to water can create a myriad of problems, affecting not only our ability to lead comfortable lives, but also our ability to remain healthy and free from disease.    Nowadays, most of us probably feel more detached from the issue of water scarcity and preservation. In most major cities, lack of water is not as prevalent of a problem for middle class families. However, as the effects of climate change start to catch up with us and as we begin to take on larger roles in fighting these effects, it is all the more urgent that we address water scarcity in our daily lives.    Why should I care about

5 Reasons to Choose Vegan Leather

  Part of living a sustainable lifestyle is being conscious of the environmental impact of our everyday habits. This includes everything from what kind of food we eat and where it comes from, how we travel from place to place, and even the kinds of clothes we wear . Across all of these things, the source of the materials that we use in these everyday activities plays a huge part in their sustainability. It’s no surprise that alternative materials have been on the rise as a response to this new demand for eco-conscious and sustainable materials.   One such example of this is vegan leather. From dried mushrooms, to pineapple fibers, and our very own apple residue, a variety of biomaterials (materials from biodegradable sources) have been utilised in creating alternatives for animal leather. As its name suggests, vegan leathers do not use any animal material during their production making it as environmentally friendly and ethical as possible.   But why use vegan lea

Green Transportation: How to Minimise Your Carbon Footprint with Eco-Friendly Commuting

  Managing your carbon footprint, which is the direct measure of how much greenhouse gas you emit in your daily activities, is one of the most frequently cited ways to participate in climate action causes. We’ve discussed a couple of other methods to reduce your carbon footprint before on this blog, including changing your diet and upcycling old belongings , but today we’ll be discussing one of the simplest ways to do so– through green transportation.     What is Green Transportation?     While the term “green” is often a buzzword meant to signify the environmental friendliness of a practice or item, green transportation doesn’t refer to a particular category of new and highly technological forms of transportation. The term green transportation refers to any form or transport, whether private or public, that does not cause any negative impact on the environment. Anything from your city’s metro to a rental scooter can be considered green transportat

Sustainable Tourism: Travelling Responsibly to Protect Natural and Cultural Resources

  Travel is one of the best ways to enrich our lifestyles. Going to foreign countries or even remote places in your own country can be a great way to not only learn the customs and traditions of that place, but also to contribute to their economies and livelihoods However, as domestic and international travel becomes more accessible to a larger group of people, the preservation of the nature and environment of popular travel destinations becomes a bigger concern as well. In this week’s article, we’ll tell you all about how you can be a responsible visitor so you can make tourism more sustainable!   What is Sustainable Tourism?   According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the concept of Sustainable Tourism refers to the practices in and by the industry which take into account the impacts of tourism, with the goal of minimising the negative impacts as much as possible. The concept has also been supported by the United Nations Environmental Program an

Green Technology: Innovations Driving Environmental Progress

  When discussing ways to reduce our environmental impact, the term “Green Technology” or “Green Tech” might pop up in conversation from time to time. Green Tech, how it’s different from other environmentally conscious technologies, and some examples of Green Tech that are driving innovation.   What is Green Tech?   Green Technology is a term that encompasses any technological process, product, or method that accounts for making the most minimal impact on the environment and its resources. Some examples of Green Tech might already be part of your everyday life, like solar panels on your calculator, LED lighting equipment, or wind turbines in your town. In recent years, more innovations have been made that qualify under Green Tech. Do you know all of them?   How is the term Green Tech different from other environmentally friendly technologies?   But before we give you examples of new innovations in the world of Green Tech, let’s clear up some differ

From Plate to Planet: Conquering Food Waste for a Greener World

  According to the United Nations Environment Program, one third of all of the food produced globally, which amounts to about 1.3 billion tons, is wasted or lost. Yet despite this ridiculous volume of waste, 29% of the world’s population is still suffering from food insecurity according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. These staggering numbers have led to global efforts to address the issue of food waste and insecurity, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which includes eradicating world hunger by 2030 as its second goal.    Although the majority of you, our readers, are probably not suffering from extreme hunger, the effects of such astounding and unchecked food waste affects all of us. Conquering food waste not only allows everyday consumers to avoid the economic consequences of wasting food, but also allows them to mitigate environmental damage, combat food insecurity, and help conserve natural resources.     What causes Food

Sustainability 101: Sustainable Agriculture and its Environmental Impact

  In our efforts to feed a growing global population, our society has adapted a variety of methods that has made agriculture not only a profitable industry, but a necessary one. However, the current practices that farmers worldwide use, be it their current irrigation systems or the type of pesticide they use on their crops, have come to negatively impact the very same environment that they rely on for their livelihoods. Welcome back to Sustainability 101! Although there is an existing threat of environmental damage through agriculture, the good news is that there are ways to mitigate and maybe even reverse that damage by adopting farming methods that prioritise sustainability. This is called Sustainable Agriculture.    What is Sustainable Agriculture?     Sustainable Agriculture or Sustainable Farming is a holistic approach to agriculture which takes account of the environmental, social, and economic practices needed to make farming a maintainable practice. It has

Sustainability 101: Vegan & Vegetarian Voices

  Welcome to the second part of our articles about Vegan and Vegetarian lifestyles! Last week, we discussed what being vegan or vegetarian means when it comes to diet and lifestyle changes. This week, we’re sharing with you the insights of people who actually practice veganism and vegetarianism in their everyday lives and what it’s like to live and eat plant-based.   We interviewed three people from different backgrounds to share their personal thoughts about being vegan and vegetarian. Firstly, we asked Sarah who works as a Risk Specialist. She roughly falls under the vegetarian umbrella as a “flexitarian” as she eats a mostly plant-based diet and has meat occasionally.   Our interviews were done through an online form consisting of questions regarding their reasons for going meat-free and their thoughts about how easy or difficult it is to make the switch. -free, click here to read it on our website. And if you want to learn more about the thoughts of Sara

Sustainability 101: Eating and Living Sustainably!

  If you’ve been following our Sustainability 101 series on this blog, you might have wondered about accessible ways that you can start forging habits that are better for the environment. Aside from learning and following your area’s recycling guidelines and cutting fast fashion from your monthly expenses, you probably already know that you can also change your diet for environmental reasons too. Vegans and vegetarians are two groups who fall under this category. of the differences between them and why these people decide to make such huge lifestyle changes in the first place.   What is a vegan? A vegetarian? How are they different?     Veganism refers to a lifestyle that practices abstinence from animal products, most prominently in their food. Although the term “vegan” originally came to describe people who only ate plant-based food, it now encompasses lifestyle choices which avoid animal products altogether. s do. So a vegetarian might not eat meat o

Sustainability 101: How You Can Conserve the Environment with the UN SDGs

  If you’ve ever heard of sustainability before, chances are you’ve also heard of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, or the SDGs. These goals, as evident in their name, are the United Nations’ main agenda for development that will continue to be maintained in the future. With the target of fulfilling this agenda by 2030, the UN SDGs include 17 goals for the future. Of course, while many of these goals are human-focused, a good handful of them are related to environmental sustainability too , making them an agenda accessible for private individuals as well. So if you want to learn more about how you can help conserve the environment through the SDGs, keep reading! Goal 7: Clean Energy     The first of the SDGs with a green focus is goal 7, which aims to provide clean and affordable energy for everyone by 2030. To achieve this, the UN calls for the expansion of infrastructure which can provide energy and electricity to people without the envir

Breaking the Barriers: Unveiling the Psychological and Social Challenges Behind Sustainable Fashion Choices

In recent years, sustainable fashion has gained traction, becoming increasingly popular with consumers who want to make more ethical and eco-conscious choices. Sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is produced and consumed in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible. It involves reducing waste and pollution, using eco-friendly materials, and promoting fair labor practices, among other things. While the concept of sustainable fashion has gained momentum, there are still many barriers to its adoption. Many people struggle to make sustainable fashion choices due to various psychological factors. In this blog post, we will indicate several barriers between our psychology and sustainable fashion choices and how to overcome them.   Psychological & social factors that affect fashion choices, and how to overcome them   The power of marketing/advertising and consumerism   Marketing and advertising have a significant influence on our fashion choices, shapi

Sustainability 101: Circular Economy Basics

  Have you ever thought about how we consume things in our day to day lives? Our society is one that is centered on consuming more and more things, whether it be food, clothing, electronics, or furniture. environment they’re produced in comes at a high cost. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters are the result of taking things from the Earth’s resources without doing anything to replace those losses. economy.    What is a circular economy ? The current model that we follow is called a linear economy, attributed to the fact that taking resources, production, and consumption all move in one direction. Once a resource is taken from nature, its final resting place is as waste in a dumpsite. economy , in contrast, is a concept that has emerged in recent years as a solution to the single-use lifestyle that we currently live by. is attributed to the “father of circular economy,” American architect William McDonough. This, as many experts argue , is a

Image 5 From Upcycling to Circular Fashion: Decoding 10 Sustainable Fashion Buzzwords

From Upcycling to Circular Fashion: Decoding 10 Sustainable Fashion Buzzwords

In recent years, the fashion industry has undergone a significant shift towards sustainability , and with it new concepts and terminology have emerged . Terms such as upcycling, slow fashion, and circular fashion have become buzzwords in the fashion world, but they can also be confusing for those who are not familiar with them. However, understanding these terms is crucial for both individuals and consumers who want to contribute to sustainability through fashion. In this blog post, we will delve into these new sustainable fashion concepts and explore how they can inspire us to be more mindful about the environmental impact of our fashion choices. 1.Upcycling The process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new items of better quality, value, or usefulness . One popular form of upcycling in fashion is turning vintage or secondhand clothing into new pieces. Another form of upcycling involves transforming waste materials from seemingly unrelated industries into fash

Can you contribute to sustainability? —– How Upcycling contribute to sustainability

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” We have all heard this old saying, but have you thought about how it applies to upcycling? Upcycling is a creative way of reusing byproducts and waste to create something different that can be used again, with greater quality and value. Because the world is paying much more attention to sustainability now, the concept of upcycling is also in trend these days. However, the concept of upcycling runs further back in history than one might think. In previous centuries, people turned old clothes into quilts and leftover food into fertilizer. In Japan, there is also the old art of ‘kintsugi’ which involves upcycling broken pottery into valuable items using gold. In the past, giving unwanted objects a new purpose was perceived as artisanal work. Presently, however, upcycling has much more importance because of the serious environmental issues that we are facing. It has become a necessity rather than an option to upcycle, and we can see

【Announcement】New CEO of appcycle inc.

appcycle inc. (Headquarters: Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture) would like to announce that Yuka Shigeno has retired the CEO position on March 31, 2023 and Kei Fujimaki, who was previously the COO, will be the new CEO from April 1, 2023.   Here is our new CEO’s interview.

Is Your Favorite Product Eco-Friendly? 5 Steps to Determine a Product’s Environmental Impact

Have you ever wondered what goes into the products that you use in your everyday life? What’s the production process like and how damaging is it to the environment? Are the materials sourced ethically? If you are among the many individuals who have become rightfully concerned over the state of the environment, then you’ve probably asked yourself these questions about your favorite products. Everything from your favorite detergent to your go-to cosmetics and most used bags have undergone a unique production process before making it into your home, after all If you want to start adopting a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, then it might be time to start checking how eco-friendly your favorite products are. Here are 5 simple steps to determine how “green” your favorite merchandise is. Look at the ingredients list One quick and easy way to check how green a product is to read its ingredient list. Institutions such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency pr

6 Common FAQs About Apple Leather

  Apple leather has become increasingly popular as a vegan and ethical alternative to traditional leather production in the fashion industry. It is a strong and water-resistant material that can be used to make a variety of products, from shoes and purses to coats and accessories. Apple leather is made from the peel and cores of apples, which would otherwise go to waste. Let’s answer 6 frequently asked questions regarding apple leather to gain a better understanding of the material and its potential to transform the fashion industry.     1. What is apple leather, and how is it made?     Apple waste is ground into a fine pulp, which is then combined with a polyurethane binder and spread out into thin sheets to create apple leather, a sustainable and animal-free leather substitute. By using this method, a material with traditional leather’s texture and durability is produced without the unfavorable environmental effects of traditional leather product

Image 1 7 Inspiring Sustainability and Environmental Movements from All Around the World

7 Inspiring Sustainability and Environmental Movements from All Around the World

As we continue to be bombarded with a constant stream of alarming news about the state of the environment, it’s easy to feel disheartened and helpless. However, amidst all the doom and gloom, there are also positive stories of sustainability and environmental movements from all around the world that remind us that change is possible. In this article, you can find 7 positive stories of sustainability and environmental movements from all around the world to inspire us all.   1. The Ecovillage Movement Ecovillages are communities that are designed to be environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. These villages prioritize sustainability and community, promoting practices such as using renewable energy, organic farming, and green building. The concept of ecovillages emerged in the 1960s, and has since spread around the world. Today, an estimated 400 ecovillages exist globally.   2. The Green Belt Movement Founded in 1977 by Professor Wangari Maathai, the Green

A comparison between Real leather and Vegan leather

  With the uprising concept of veganism, more and more people are becoming aware of vegan leather. So what exactly is vegan leather? Vegan leather is an ecological substitute for real animal leather, produced with a mixture of polyurethane and organic materials like plants, fruits and fungi. With the growing concern about the negative environmental impact of real leather, there is a dire need for environmentally friendly options like vegan leather. Vegan leather is made in a way that involves no animal cruelty during the production process. Plant based vegan leather is easily recyclable and biodegradable as well. Essentially, vegan leather helps achieve sustainable development goals such as climate action, responsible consumption and production and also supports in making cities and communities more sustainable.    One of the main concerns of a new vegan leather user is how different vegan leather is compared to the real thing. While there are some differences between these

Sustainable Consumption : A Guide on Developing an Environmentally Conscientious Lifestyle

Have you ever come across the term “sustainable“? Maybe you were watching a YouTube video and your favorite vlogger mentioned they were doing a zero-waste challenge to be more sustainable. Or perhaps you were going grocery shopping and the eggs you picked up had a label that said “ from sustainably raised chickens.” According to the Oxford dictionary, sustainable is an adjective referring to the ability of something to be maintained at a certain rate, or the ability of something to be upheld. With the growing concern over climate change and the health of our planet, it is no surprise that people all around the world have committed to consuming more sustainably. But in the world of consumerism, how can a culture obsessed with following trends ever be sustainable? The answer lies in our lifestyle choices as individual consumers.   If you were looking for a sign to start a more eco-conscious lifestyle, then here are 5 simple ways that you can start being a more sustainab

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How Apple Waste Is Turned Into Beautiful Leather.

Appcycle: Turning apple waste into fashionable leather Aomori is the capital city of Aomori Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region of Japan. With its cold and humid continental climate it has become the largest apple producer in the country. Approximately 88,250 tons of apples were produced just in 2020. A large quantity of these apples are either shipped or turned into juice. Juice production in this prefecture produces a large quantity of waste in the area as well. Apple processing waste is also called pomace, which is generated in huge quantity in this region. Pomace production was around 1,931 tons respectively. This number has greatly increased now. With such waste comes huge environmental concerns. This is where Appcycle, a company based in Aomori, Japan stepped in to tackle the issue by turning pomace into eco-friendly leather. Check out our previous post on: ‘The Future of Fashion: How Vegan Leather is Leading the Change’     From Apple to Leather. Appl

Image 4 The Future of Fashion: How Vegan Leather is Leading the Change

The Future of Fashion: How Vegan Leather is Leading the Change

The fashion industry contributes greatly to various forms of environmental damage. The leather industry is no exception. It is a byproduct of the meat industry, and therefore it is also connected with environmental damages such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and toxic chemical waste.   For instance, according to Forest 500, the cattle industry accounts for 80% of the deforestation rate in the Amazon forest and the majority of the leather in the market may have originated there. Similarly, according to Collective Fashion Justice, one acre of land (about 15 tennis courts) is required to produce 10 leather bags or 17 pairs of leather boots. Not only that, one leather jacket accounts for 176 kg of CO2e greenhouse gas emissions, and one leather tote bag accounts for 100.5 kg. Even though leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, turning hide into leather has a bigger climate impact compared to just throwing the hide away.   Although the leather industry has a long

Vegan Leather— Is vegan leather better for the environment? Here’s Everything You Should Know

Sustainability is becoming a key issue in the fashion industry. More and more people are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials that have been shown to have a detrimental impact on the planet and humanity’s well-being. Vegan leather is one of the options that has changed the face of fashion, offering consumers greener options without compromising on style or quality.     There are some commonly held misconceptions about vegan leather. Such as “It doesn’t look good.” “It doesn’t feel like real leather.” “It doesn’t last as long as real leather.” But it’s not true. According to the Vegan Review, many companies are beginning to use creative materials and techniques to prove that vegan leather can be as durable and luxurious as animal leather. Due to the benefits of using vegan leather, more plant-based materials are being created. The production process is ethical, and the future of vegan leathe

Vegan Leather: What it is, and Why we love it.

What is vegan leather?   Vegan leather is a leather-like material that is produced in a way where no animals are directly exploited in the manufacturing process. You may have seen vegan leather in commercials and on social media, but where does it come from? of? Essentially, vegan leather is a material that looks and feels like leather but is made from synthetic or plant-based materials rather than animal skins. While it is possible to find leather products made from materials such as cork, kelp, apple peel, and pineapple leaves, vegan leather made from natural materials is rare.     Different types of vegan leather are made from fruits and other vegan items.   1. APPLE LEATHER Apple leather, apple skin, is a bio-based material made from apple pomace and skins. They’re sourced from the fruit juice and compote fruit industries. Apple leather is an innovative and environmentally friendly substitute for animal leather. Appcycle collects Aomori’s waste frui

Getting to Know appcycle: 10 Questions for the CEO and COO

    Hello, everyone! I am Nikkie, the Global Sales Intern of appcycle inc. It is an absolute pleasure to welcome all of our readers and customers to appcycle’s first ever blog. Through this platform, we hope to raise awareness of the benefits of vegan leather and introduce appcycle’s rationale to an international audience.    Inspired by the bountiful apple industry of Aomori, appcycle inc. aims to produce vegan leather using upcycled apple residue. The unique production process features minimal CO2 emissions compared to standard manufacturing processes. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, appcycle’s business creates carbon neutral products, supports local manufacturing and international collaboration, and operates sustainably as a company.    To better understand the reason for founding our vegan leather start-up, we will be interviewing CEO Yuka Shigeno and CFO Kei Fujimaki for our first feature.       CEO: Yuka Shigeno                     

[PRESS RELEASE] Our first product RINGO-TEX to be used in headrest covers in a special ANA concept aircraft

RINGO-TEX, a vegan leather made from apples, selected for use in headrest covers by Japanese airline, ANA.     Japanese startup appcycle inc.’s first product to be used in headrest covers in a special ANA concept aircraft as part of the airline’s commitment to ESG goals.   appcycle inc. is pleased to announce that its first product, a vegan leather made from apples, RINGO-TEX, has been selected for use in headrest covers on special aircraft as part of ANA’s ANA Future Promise initiative. RINGO-TEX is a vegan leather that reuses apple waste from apple products made in Aomori. Since one of appcycle’s missions is to create a sustainable future using eco-friendly products, the company is trying to reduce CO2 emissions and polyurethane usage compared to other vegan leathers. To this end, appcyle is adopting a technology that emits as little CO2 as possible when drying the apple residues used in the product.   ANA to Introduce Special ANA Future Promise Aircraft to Highlight

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