Paper can be made without using wood pulp, primarily when quality material is gained. Japan is the world’s third largest paper consumer and depends on importing its materials. We focus on creating innovative solutions to reduce deforestation and continually strive to use bamboo pulp and vegetable oil ink instead of using forest products. We feel that it is essential for our company to provide environmentally friendly manufacture to slow down global warming.

Edofiber contributes to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

As the only Washi paper provider in the world that was certified by FSC^®, Edofiber is helping achieve 40 targets under 14 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which the United Nations try delivering by 2030. FSC^® helps achieve sustainable forest management in the world, one of the targets of SDG 15 (Life on Land). The broad environmental, social, and economic focus of the FSC^® forest stewardship principles also contributes to the SDGs focusing on poverty, equality, natural resources, production and consumption patterns, decent work, climate change, inclusive and accountable societies, and global partnerships. Edofiber keeps promoting SDGs by providing the FSC^® certified Washi papers to businesses in any countries who take crucial part of delivering these universal goals.

Production of bamboo pulp from bamboo forests

Kagoshima is the largest bamboo shoot producing area in Japan. Quality bamboo shoots are grown only in the good environment of its bamboo forest. 600/ha of unsuitable bamboos must get cut down per year to keep the quality of the bamboo forest. The Kawauchi factory of Chuetsu Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd. utilizes this disposed of bamboo and recycles it, helping the environment. Though most Japanese paper companies rely on importing those non-wood resources such as bamboo, kenaf, and bagasse from Southeast Asia, the Kawauchi factory is the first company that uses a local resource. Their efforts are raising expectations and drawing attention from other parties. Moreover, the Kawauchi factory collects used chopsticks, both wood and bamboo, to produce recycled chopstick covers.

*Bamboo shoots are used in Japanese dishes.

Vegetable ink

The vegetable oil ink replaces petroleum solvent and is certified with the eco-seal mark and vegetable ink seal mark. The soy ink has been known as an environmentally-friendly ink since the 1980s. However, it’s more likely to be used for food than for industrial use. Vegetable ink derived from soy oil, linseed oil, paulownia oil, rapeseed oil, palm oil, and coconut oil is recycled vegetable ink oil and is in worldwide production.