Created by: Japan Business Insider
The “Plastic Resource Recycling Promotion Law” (“New Plastic Law”) came into effect on April 1.
Also in the apparel industry, efforts to eliminate plastic are in full swing to curb climate change by reducing the burden on the environment and tackling the problem of microplastics.
As part of the apparel industry edition featuring “Forward, Plastic Free,” Muji’s Good Product Initiative, Uniqlo, Fast Retailing and H&M, a major global apparel company, is working with any attitude and measures, if any I will follow up.
Synthetic fibers supporting the apparel industry
In fact, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, polyurethane and acrylic account for 60 to 70 percent of clothing sold in Japan. It has been widely supported by people’s lives because of its durability, lightness, cheap convenience, and excellent materials.
However, oil is one of the plastics used as a raw material, and the production process produces nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
In addition, when rubbed during washing or wearing, it flows into rivers, oceans and air in the form of microplastics. There are also concerns about the destruction of marine ecosystems and the effects on the human body.
There are four main ways to remove plastic from clothing.
- synthetic fiberswitch to natural fibersmatter
- plant sources, etc.Use alternative plastic materialsmatter
- Use recycled polyester, recycled nylon, etc.matter. While it is not a complete solution, it reduces waste and makes it a type of recycling to reduce environmental load.
- Stop using plastic packaging materials and accessoriesSwitch to alternative materials such as paper
MUJI “Almost De-plastic” Packaging Materials and Clothing
Photo: Japan Business Insider
Since its inception in 1980, “MUJI” has been continuously manufacturing products considering the global environment and producers from three perspectives: “material selection”, “process inspection” and “packaging simplification”. “We will democratize ESG by designing all products in a circular fashion and offering them at prices that are easily accessible to anyone,” said President Nobuo Domae, who will assume the role of president in 2021. “We will make ESG a reality with social value.” contribute. The impact will spread widely to the company,” he said at the inauguration.
Regarding the actions of the new plastics law that came into effect on April 1, the Ryopin Project plans to explain the following.
“Prior to this new law, (1) saving and removing plastic by diverting recycled paper for product packaging and store display materials, (2) abolishing plastic shopping bags and promoting the use of shared bags, (3) plastic we Work is underway to collect and recycle bottles, and (4) sequentially convert single-use plastic materials (spoons, forks, straws, etc.) to alternative materials.
We believe that the implementation of the new law, which makes collection and recycling easier, will bring tailwinds to our company, and we aim to contribute to a recycling of resources and a sustainable society. “
Ordinance Okazaki, Director and Executive Director, General Manager, Apparel and Grocery Division, made the following statement regarding the area of responsibility in March at the time of this article.
“Clothes are almost made of plastic. Packaging is also made of paper, (2022).By the end of the year, we will be in a state where we use almost no plastic.It costs more than before, but we’ll get through it thoroughly. “
“Mujirushi Ryohin was originally born as ‘the opposite of consumer society’ and started as ‘pretty cheap’, it wanted to democratize ESG for consumers. Even sustainable products are affordable. We will focus on delivering products “(Mr. Okazaki)
Muji has already started switching packaging materials to paper products, even over-the-counter products.
Photo: Kumi Matsushita
Muji has traditionally used mostly natural materials, and the use of synthetic fibers has been kept to a minimum. In particular, organic cotton has been used since 1999 and switched to organic cotton in 2018.
For example, the thermal underwear series is an iconic item that insists on using natural materials. When it comes to functional underwear, the image of synthetic fibers is strong, but we succeeded in giving organic cotton the ability to absorb moisture and sweat inside the garment to generate heat. Mr. Okazaki was the first to develop this non-plastic product.
In the autumn of 2009, the “thermal underwear/organic cotton temperature control series” was released. The organic cotton wraps functional yarns that adjust the temperature according to the outside temperature. The so-called thermal underwear and functional underwear are in the world. The name is changed to “warm inner”, but The method of making has not changed, we have added thicker ones and ones made from organic cotton wrapped wool. “(Mr. Okazaki)
Developed “world’s lightest natural material” product
Kapok is now experimentally challenging Ryohin Keikaku, who focuses on the development of natural materials.
Kapok is a deciduous tree of the Malvaceae family kapok, which means “fiber” in Malay. Its vegetation is mainly distributed in Indonesia, India, Thailand and the islands of the Philippines. Since it is resistant to pests, it does not require pesticides and has little impact on the environment in which it is grown.
In addition to hemp, Muji is developing “kapok” as an experimental material. Also used as an intermediate material for life jackets.
Photo: Kumi Matsushita
Natural fibers such as cotton can be extracted from the nuts of the kapok tree. It is said to be the lightest natural material in the world at one-eighth the weight of cotton. The texture is fluffy and contains air, so it is highly hygroscopic and warm. It is also durable, elastic and waterproof.
It has long been popular as a stuffing for pillows and stuffed animals. It is also used as an intermediate material for life jackets and life-saving buoys. It is widely used as oil traps and oil booms by taking advantage of the easy solubility of oil. On the other hand, the fiber length is short and spinning is difficult.
“In an era when there were no synthetic fiber materials such as polyester derived from petroleum, it was natural to use natural material kapok. In an era where it is necessary to reduce the burden on the earth’s environment, MUJI will pay attention to kapok again. ing.
We’re developing it not only as a replacement for petroleum-derived polyester, but also as a replacement for cotton, which requires a lot of water to grow. “(Mr. Okazaki).
In Japan, the “Kapok” brand was developed as a substitute for down. A blend of 60% recycled polyester and 40% vegetable fibers (kapok) is made into a sheet that is used as an inner layer for down and coats. Most of the outer material is 100% polyester and 100% nylon.
Photo: Kumi Matsushita
At Muji, we make shirts and pants by blending 57-60% organic cotton and 40-43% vegetable fiber (kapok). Harnessing the softness and smooth texture of the fibers, the loose silhouette is comfortable and gender-neutral. Trial sale at Aoyama store in 2021, and trial sale at Ginza store on March 18, 2022.
“We’re still in the experimental phase of whether we can make things into products. We’re a global company, what kind of products will be commercialized where and how?We have to build a solid system and industrialize it.
Barriers are high, including the inability to travel freely abroad due to the corona disaster, but if it can be achieved, it is possible to hire people who live locally such as Indonesia. I want to accomplish all kinds of tasks, not just environmental issues. “(Mr. Okazaki)
We will also be working on the adoption of hemp (hemp), a thermal material for demolition.
When I tried it 10 years ago, I gave up once because of image issues. However, considering the environment, he decided to re-challenge hemp, which is said to use much less water and an environmental load than cotton and flax (hemp).
From mid-April 2022, as spring/summer products, shirts and other items will be sold in some stores as a trial of the hemp material. It is said that the project will be expanded in autumn and winter.
All synthetic fibers are recycled materials.Utilize residues left over from the manufacturing process
Although the principle of natural fibers,
“In a world where we’ve grown accustomed to the comfort and convenience of synthetic fibers around the world, it would be arrogant to force our customers to change everything because natural materials are good for the environment.
I had to use synthetics for things that were more useful to synthetics, like cold weather down jackets, rain jackets, and umbrellas.In that case, the use of recycled polyester or recycled nylon is essential. “(Mr. Okazaki)
The raw materials are not PET bottles used outside, but “nylon, polyester, etc.” in the process of making unbranded products in the factory.The use of recycled materials made from residues leads to a circular design.” said Mr. Okazaki.
However, as long as recycled synthetic fibers are used, the problem of ocean pollution caused by microplastics will not be solved. Even though it’s biodegradable, it will slowly break down if not in the right environment, and it may float in the air even if it becomes invisible. It also emits carbon dioxide if incinerated.
“I would like to continue thinking about the fundamental solution to this problem. Recently, biomaterials derived from plants and proteins have received attention, but including these things, there are problems with deplasticization and decarbonization. I want to continue thinking about the fundamental solution of “” Scheme (Mr. Okazaki)
Thoroughly promote the removal of “display/packaging”
The display of shoes has shifted to a policy of using aluminum hangers.
Photo: Kumi Matsushita
In addition to clothing materials, plastic removal is also progressing steadily.
From 2019, plastic packaging for wrapping underwear, etc. will be mainly paper packaging. I left some clear plastic parts so you can see the color and size, but I made it a minimum size.
The hooks for displaying socks and underwear, the straps of the hang tags are also made of recycled paper, and the shoe racks are also changed from plastic to aluminum.
In a small section, the sock’s tag pins (fixed so that the left and right don’t unravel) were also changed to threaded. Socks and underwear in particular sell a lot, so even small changes to each piece can have a big overall impact. It resulted in a reduction of approximately 52 tons of plastic in clothing and groceries in one year. With a sales plan of 3 trillion yen, the plastic reduction effect may be even greater.
In addition, beverage containers are shifting from PET bottles to aluminum cans.
The recycling rate of aluminum cans is as high as about 98%, and the shelf life is extended by shading, reducing food loss.
From the beverage container change announcement event announced on April 22, 2021.
Source: Liangpin Guige
We also sell tea powder sticks to reduce PET bottles. We provided free water service and it was available in my bottle. About 500,000 straws used in coffee shops every year have been replaced by bamboo straws.
Through these efforts,The food industry alone saves 213 tons of plastic annuallydid. The reduction is expected to increase further due to the shift to aluminum cans during this period.
From July 2020, we will promote the collection and recycling of waste PET bottles. We collect empty PET bottle containers for lotion and lotion bottles and recycle them into polyester raw material. From September, ice packs will be collected at limited domestic stores that handle frozen food, including ice packs received from brands and other stores. Frozen food is washed, sanitized, frozen and reused when brought home.
In order to reduce the number of containers, we have also started refilling sales.
Produced by the editorial department based on the comprehensive report “MUJI REPORT 2021” by Ryopin Jigaku
Starting at the Tokyo Ariake store, which opened in November 2020, detergents are sold by weight. In addition, shampoo and conditioner will be sold by weight from the Hiroshima Alpark store opening on April 22 this year, which will be the largest store in the world.
on the other hand,Baby clothing is the only packaging material that must use plasticYes. This is due to legal requirements and cannot be eliminated to prevent air transfer of formalin (formaldehyde).
By the way, shopping bags (shopping bags), which are a symbol of removing plastic, have shifted from plastic bags to paper bags, but there is no charge. On the other hand, to promote my bag, the jute bag made in India is a material with a reasonable price of several hundred yen and a low environmental load, and is a good product beyond the category of eco-friendly bags. .
Recently, starting from “MUJI Labo”Changed mannequins from resin to 100% recycled paperis doing. By reducing weight, CO2 emissions during transport are reduced. It is biodegradable and reduces the burden on the environment. The challenge is durability. It doesn’t make sense if it breaks quickly. We repeatedly use traditional resin mannequins when repainting, but we are also considering leaving them unpainted to reduce the burden on the environment and protect the health of mannequin artisans.
Changing materials, designing parts that have to use petroleum-derived plastics and recycled materials, etc. – but there are still no easy answers as to how to establish recycling.
The problem of environmental load is complex, and no one really knows what the right answer is, but it is important to keep going and not get caught up in thinking.
“I don’t think many companies are thinking ‘what is really reducing environmental impact’. Essentially, we work with partner companies that can think together, share wisdom, think together. I want to continue” (Mr. Okazaki)
(Sentence, Kumi Matsushita)
Panasonic Kumi: Fashion business reporter, Kumicom representative. As a retail and distribution reporter for Nippon Textile Newspaper, editorial reporter, desk and senior editor for WWD Japan, he has been covering and writing about fashion company management and strategy for over 20 years. Independence in 2017. His book is Uniqlo Evolution.
