Sustainable Materials for Stationery
Making Eco-friendly Choices

‘Expandable File’ made from recycled paper for long-lasting use

The rise in environmental awareness and new recycling laws inspired the development of our “expandable file‘. As recycled paper gained popularity, we received requests to use it as material for file folders. We were excited by the challenge and eager to bring it to life.
The file’ features a cover made from over 70% recycled paper and includes an adjustable spine, allowing it to accommodate changing volumes of documents over time.

While traditional files use metal binding clasps, we have opted for a material containing 50% paper, secured with a fully incinerable resin clasp. This clasp can be easily removed by pressing the fastener on the back cover, simplifying recycling and ensuring that disposal is environmentally responsible.
Another product using recycled paper is the ”chipboard”, used for album cover frameworks. Although it’s not visible, it is made from cardboard containing over 90% recycled paper.

Bagasse paper made from sugarcane waste

We also work with ‘bagasse paper,’ a new material that is attracting attention. It is made from the pulp of “bagasse,” the residue left after sugarcane is compressed. About 1.2 billion tons of sugarcane are produced annually worldwide, of which about 100 million tons end up as bagasse.

By repurposing this byproduct, bagasse paper helps reduce waste and conserves forests by avoiding the use of wood. It’s an eco-friendly material with a soft texture that’s also great for printing vibrant colors. At SEKISEIKOHSAN, we’re dedicated to creating ethical products and are actively exploring various environmentally friendly materials like this one.

Product manufacturing using KT boards that can reduce CO2 emissions by 30%

We are also exploring materials like the KT board, which utilize paper with 70% recycled content, produced through environmentally conscious methods. This manufacturing process employs natural gas for essential fuel systems, which helps reduce CO2 emissions by 30% and NOx emissions by 50%, while achieving zero SOx emissions.

The KT board’s excellent environmental performance and quality make it versatile for various products. At SEKISEIKOHSAN, we can incorporate it into a wide variety of products such as photo albums, document files, boxes with lids, card covers, and many others.

Towards a world where making good environmental choices is second nature

Paper plays a central role in our range of stationery products, including albums, binders, files, and planners. We carefully select paper materials to ensure that our products are both high-quality and sustainable. For example, we use FSC-certified paper, plant-based options like those made from nuts, grass, hemp, and cotton, recycled paper from coffee grounds, acid-free paper to preserve photos and artworks, and unbleached, chlorine-free paper. We also offer products made from durable, thick paper as alternatives to plastic and assist in developing BPA-free and biodegradable plastic items.

We choose these materials thoughtfully, keeping in mind sustainability and functionality. If customers are interested in materials beyond paper and plastic, we source them globally for prototypes and products.

For instance, in China, there are natural materials like hemp and cotton paper that decompose in about five years, much faster than the usual 50 years for conventional paper. This eco-friendly material has a textured finish like art paper and supports vibrant colors. Rayon-based paper, made from recycled cotton and wood pulp, also resists insects, expanding its uses.

Stationery is an everyday part of life. More people in Japan and around the world are recognizing the value of incorporating sustainable materials. As movements towards SDGs and corporate eco-initiatives expand, we aim to continue playing our part as a stationery manufacturer, helping to make eco-friendly living the norm.