ITO EN, LTD.

ITO EN estimates that it generates approximately 40,000 tons of used tea leaves during the course of beverage manufacturing operations each year. Over the past several years the volume of used tea leaves generated has continued to increase, highlighting the need for effective and innovative recycling methods and applications.
        ITO EN has developed a wide array of methods for recycling used tea leaves and incorporating recycled tea leaves into a range of products and materials. These include "Chahaigo Board," which is used in tatami mats—a type of traditional Japanese flooring found in Japanese-style rooms—and "Chahaigo Resin," which has been used as a material for manufacturing vending machines and park benches. We have also been involved in the development of plasterboard containing used tea leaves and have developed paper and cardboard made using hydrated tea leaves. Not only does recycling conserve resources but the antibacterial and deodorizing properties of catechins retained in the tea leaves can be utilized in products made from recycled tea leaves, thereby adding greater value.

Vending machines made using Chahaigo Resin blend well with natural surroundings	Bench made from Chahaigo Resin	Chahaigo Resin film	Tatami mats made using Chahaigo Board
Catechin insoles made using Chahaigo Resin	Chahaigo paper business card	Chahaigo Board	Chahaigo Resin
Chahaigo cardboard carton	Everyday products made with recycled tea leaves	Chahaigo paper bag	Chahaigo ballpoint pens
Chahaigo mini-pen set