Sustainable Japanese Paper Manufacturing Is Environmentally Friendly
Traditional Japanese paper is known for its high quality primarily due to its use of fibrous materials from the Kozo, Gampi, and Mitsumata shrubs. The current conventional manufacturing techniques for Japanese papers have a fourteen hundred year legacy, and people have been working this way since 610 CE!
It’s a celebrated tradition for Japanese companies to follow, but Edofiber has not limited itself to rely solely on traditional techniques. We have gone a step further with our manufacturing processes, ensuring that our products meet strict sustainability standards. That’s significant because Japan is the world’s third-leading national consumer of paper products and relies heavily on imports for raw materials for production.
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We Use Manufacturing Processes That Reduce Deforestation
Edofiber is well aware of the crucial need to reduce deforestation levels worldwide. In that spirit, we strive to use the natural fibers and vegetable-based inks. This commitment to using inks that replace petroleum solvents introduces fewer chemicals into the environment. We’re aware that it takes a firm commitment from global manufacturers like us to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve the environment.
Edofiber contributes to achieving the UN’s 14 Sustainable Development Goals as part of Edofiber’s environmental strategy.
That devotion has earned our company certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, making us the world’s first company to achieve this honor. We feel that it’s essential for our company to provide environmentally friendly Washi paper manufacturing that helps to reduce the negative impact on the environment.
The Forest Stewardship Council’s forest management certification gets awarded to companies that continuously prove they manage forest resources consistent with improving biological diversity. At the same time, these efforts benefit local workers and people who rely on the company’s operations in the local economy.
Using Natural Dyes Provides Many Benefits
Our commitment doesn’t end with paper manufacturing. We exclusively use environmentally-friendly vegetable inks for all of our printing services. Doing so offers several benefits, including producing aesthetically pleasing paper designs.
One traditional Japanese paper dyeing method is called Yasha. Yasha creates a natural yellow-brown color, derived from the boiled cones of the alder tree. Sakura is another natural dye made from cherry tree blossoms.
Using traditional dyes has been popular among Japanese paper manufacturers since the eighth century.
In the twelve centuries since Yasha’s invention, the dye has proven itself worthy because it exhibits durability and stability. These qualities are highly sought-after by conservationists and museums when preserving and restoring ancient documents. Combined with Washi, conservationists and restoration teams are able to produce a paper that exceeds expectations for usability, beauty, and sustainability.
Yasha proves its value in the world of document conservation, where it’s invaluable. This all-natural dye unlocks a subtle variety of colors and hues that enhance the paper’s final presentation. With a keen eye for the most minute details and passion for sustainability, we’re confident that our Washi paper is the highest quality.
Traditional Japanese dyes have graced Washi paper for over 1000 years. Edofiber is proud to help maintain this legacy of the environmental-first manufacturing approach and production of Washi paper.