[Interview] Kazuya Sakamoto, Stylem Takisada Osaka Co., Ltd.

This is soil where you can plant whatever you like, whether it's vegetables, flowers, or seedlings, and enjoy watching them grow.
"TUTTI " is part of the "PLUS∞GREEN PROJECT" being promoted by Stylem Takisada Osaka Co., Ltd., which has the theme of "increasing greenery and connecting to the future."

The disposal of clothing and polyester fibers is a major issue worldwide.
Stylem, a textile trading company, is challenging itself to abandon the concept of waste and instead recycle and increase greenery.

We bring you the first part of an interview with Mr. Sakamoto, the central figure in the project.

What inspired you to start "TUTTI"?

We had a relationship with a sewing factory in Tokushima, and the president of that factory connected us with Earth Conscious and Stylem.

At the time, our company was concerned about waste. We handle over 5,000 marks of textiles. With such a large volume and logistics, we naturally didn't want to throw anything away, but there were some parts that we had to throw away.
I was wondering if it would be good to create a system that would recycle things instead of discarding them and properly circulate them, when I came across Earth Conscious.

Did that encounter lead to the PLUS∞GREEN PROJECT?

That's right. Our company would like to tackle textile recycling and do everything from collection to development and sales.
The "PLUS∞GREEN PROJECT - Increasing greenery, connecting to the future" is a project that aims to realize a lifestyle in which people feel closer to sustainability by recycling polyester fibers, such as clothing, which would normally be discarded, into growing media.

Earth Conscious and Kinki University have conducted many years of research and development into this recycled polyester fiber culture medium, and have established its manufacturing technology and effectiveness.
The idea is to get rid of the idea of ​​discarding everyday clothing and other items, and instead recycle and increase greenery, in the hope that this will encourage more people to take part in environmentally friendly activities.

Hannah was the first gardening company to cooperate with us on this project, and they were extremely helpful.
We were able to issue a press release, and I think that having your company's experience as an example helped us to gain trust when approaching other industries when starting something new.

Kinki University is also participating. What is the relationship between them?

The "PLUS∞GREEN PROJECT" is an industry-academia collaboration. Earth Conscious is in charge of production, and Kinki University is in charge of research. We are in charge of planning and sales.

Within this facility, we have set up "STYLEM AGRI LABO" as a greenhouse for demonstrating the growth of crops using recycled polyester fiber culture media, and Kinki University has provided us with a variety of support in relation to this research.

Apart from the research, one of the reasons for setting up the lab was that "if we don't do it ourselves, our communication won't be convincing enough." When people from industries unrelated to agriculture and horticulture talk about plant cultivation, it lacks credibility. I wanted to dispel that feeling.

By doing it ourselves, we can clearly see the advantages and disadvantages. For example, it's easy to work with and doesn't get dirty easily. Even if it's insect-resistant, if you're going to do full-scale farming, insects will still come in... We've been able to explain these things to our business partners and get their understanding.

Did you decide on the name of the project, Mr. Sakamoto?

Just in case (lol)
We wanted to convey that it would be easy for anyone to understand, and that it would increase greenery. The infinity symbol between the plus sign and the green in the logo subtly symbolizes "circulation."

There are several reasons for the focus on green.
The first thing is to increase greenery and connect it to the future.
I also hope to make this a sustainable activity that people can feel close to by linking it to nature, which is close to them.

Through this project, I would be happy if more people would stop before throwing away their clothes and think, "Could this be recycled? If I recycle it, won't it help increase greenery?"

Could you tell us how the project came to be entrusted to you, Mr. Sakamoto?

It was timing. I joined the company in 2009 and have been working in fabric sales for about 12 years. To be honest, I wanted to try something new.
I had directly conveyed my thoughts to my section chief, executives, and the president through interviews, so when the idea of ​​"TUTTI" came up, I think they said, "I'll leave it to you."

The company culture is very open, so you do need to have a solid track record and persuasive evidence, but I think this was the result of them considering a variety of things.

What were your thoughts and goals when you started out?

At the time, I was interested in D2C. I knew very little about it, so I wanted to expand my knowledge.
And then the idea of ​​"TUTTI" came up.

Although I knew a little about "TUTTI," I felt that I needed to understand more, so I first thoroughly deepened my knowledge and understanding.
I learned about cost breakdowns, patent details, etc. I also visited the manufacturing site and learned about the fundamental aspects of the process.

In order to make "TUTTI" a viable business, we first launched it as a project and focused on establishing a brand concept.
We spent a fair amount of time trying to clarify "What is the purpose of this business or activity?" and "What is the axis on which we are moving forward?" I think it took about four months.
It's really great that I've been able to continue running without wavering thanks to that.

What kind of structure is the project being carried out under?

There are currently three of us working on this project, and I am in the R&D department.
*R&D is an abbreviation for Research and Development, and generally means "research and development."

Is there anything you keep in mind when it comes to branding?

It's something that anyone can understand at first glance. We hope to pique people's interest through the stylish appearance, convenience of the product, and the organization and uniformity of the information. Next, we use stories to make sustainability feel familiar and to generate empathy.

"TUTTI" is "soil made from fibers" made from recycled polyester fibers, such as clothing, which would normally be discarded. You can plant vegetables, flowers, or seedlings of your choice and enjoy watching them grow.

"TUTTI" was born from the idea of ​​stopping the disposal of everyday clothing and other items, and recycling them to increase greenery.

When all the members of an orchestra play together, it is called "TUTTI." When everyone present plays, wonderful music is born.

"TUTTI" hopes to be that kind of presence. The repeat symbol (:II) in the brand logo is because we want to circulate resources carefully through recycling. Like an orchestra playing together, everyone can take part in this cycle, creating an environmentally friendly future.

How do you feel about your achievements in the first year?

We have accumulated over 60 examples, from small to large, so I think we have achieved some success. The challenge for the second stage is to continue the project and generate revenue.

*"TUTTI" is a registered trademark of Stylem Takisada Osaka Co., Ltd., a company that produces recycled polyester fiber culture media.


-Continued in Part 2-

Sakamoto Kazuya <br>A young brand owner who works in the apparel industry but also pays attention to food issues.
He leads the team as a project leader and is also involved in concept design.

Stylem Takisada Osaka Co., Ltd.
https://www.stylem.co.jp/
A textile trading company with over 150 years of history, the company operates in four fields: textiles, raw materials, apparel products, and lifestyle.

In the textile business, we refer to environmentally and socially conscious textiles and materials as "ECOARCH®," and classify and develop them into five categories: environmentally friendly, organic, forest conservation, recycled, and animal welfare.