Currently, Japan’s clothing consumption is one of the highest in the world, and clothing is consumed and discarded repeatedly due to the changing seasons and rapid changes in fashion.
However, the reality is that there are countries that still need clothing that would otherwise be discarded.
Reusable clothing is in demand by people in many countries, especially in developing countries.
Underwear made of cotton is in demand by industry as ‘cloths’ (=machine maintenance rags).
Even those that are severely damaged and cannot be reused are used as “felt raw materials” for car lining materials and soundproofing and insulation materials for houses.
Despite this growing demand, the recycling rate (recovery/recycling rate) of discarded clothing in Japan is only about 10% of the total amount of textile waste.
In addition, industrial waste from spinning factories, apparel manufacturing factories, etc. is reused to make bedding padding and work gloves. Compared to glass bottles and waste paper, it is a material with great potential and can be recycled at a higher rate. At Kinbara Shouten, we believe that by raising awareness of recycling, we can create a more prosperous society.
Contents of textile recycling
Clothing with high cotton content such as T-shirts and underwear
“Industrial rag”…Industrial wiping cloth (rag)
※Waste cloths made from old cotton clothes and towels have soft fibers and are highly absorbent, so they fit comfortably in your hands and are ideal for maintenance.
Suits, coats, items that cannot be reused or clothing that cannot be made into waste materials
“Shoddy”…Felt, Shoddy cotton
※Using a special Shoddy machine, the fibers that are no longer needed are returned to their fluffy state. 30% of collected used clothing is recycled.
Industrial waste from spinning factories and apparel manufacturing factories
“Shoddy” “Garnet cotton”…Bedding batting, felt
“Remaining thread”…Work gloves
“Recycled polyester cotton”…Bedding batting, felt
Our SDGs declaration
Our company supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations and declares that we will work towards achieving the SDGs.
11/12/2020
Kinbara Shouten Co,.Ltd. President Masayoshi Kinbara
Initiatives to achieve the SDGs
Employment
We will build an internal system so that everyone working at our company can feel motivated and do their work in a humane manner.
In this context, we will promote the control of total working hours and the promotion of employment for the elderly, and expand the options for diverse work styles.
(Specific initiatives: Providing a sustainable workplace for people over 65 years old, encouraging all employees to leave work on time in principle)
Consideration for society
In order to prevent noise from surrounding areas, we will operate the factory in consideration of the operating hours.
(Specific initiatives: Suspension of factory operations after 17:00)
Environmental measures
We will purchase textile waste from textile factories and strive to improve the recycling rate.
(Specific initiatives: Collection of waste textiles and used clothes)
Products
We will work to manufacture and sell industrial rags and felt raw materials using recycled fibers and contribute to improving recycling rates.
(Specific initiatives: Sales of industrial rags using old clothes, production of bedding batting by recycling unnecessary fibers)
