Wool apparel brand PIZZA DAY has partnered with Nasushiobara City in Tochigi Prefecture to launch a circular co-creation project linking the region’s wine industry with apparel.
By turning materials previously discarded in the production processes of both apparel and wine into new resources, the initiative aims to build a sustainable regional economy and create new value.
Here are the details.
About the Launch of the Project
The project is built around PIZZA DAY’s circular-economy model, with support from the Nasushiobara municipal government and cooperation from co-creation partners including grape growers and the NIKKE Group.
“Lanarin,” an organic fertilizer developed by NIKKE from waste wool and used in circular-economy activities with PIZZA DAY, will be applied by grape grower Ishii Budo in Nasushiobara’s Itamuro district to wine-grape cultivation.
This creates a resource loop from the apparel industry to agriculture, and wine produced through the cycle is targeted for completion next summer.
In addition, grape pomace generated during winemaking will be repurposed as dye through the “nokori-zome” dyeing technique of Tsuyakin, a NIKKE Group dye-processing company.
The material will be reborn as dyed products such as T-shirts and towels.
“Circular Sets” and Sales with Wine Redemption Rights
In addition to the initiatives above, a “circular set” combining the upstream side of the circular economy, wool products, with its downstream outputs, wine and dyed goods, is scheduled to go on sale this July.
The set will also include wine scheduled for completion next summer, with purchasers receiving an NFT granting the right to redeem the finished wine.
During the wait, buyers will be able to follow grape growth and the winemaking process through experience programs and other activities, creating a new purchasing experience centered on “enjoying the wait.”
If you are interested, see the reference section below.
Reference
Official Project Website