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Vancouver, BC, June 17, 2026--(T-Net)--ChopValue announced that ChopValue Manufacturing Japan Co., Ltd. has entered into a joint research collaboration with KOKUYO Co., Ltd. and Takenaka Corporation.

The three companies will work together to expand the application of recycled disposable chopsticks in interior environments, including furniture and building materials.

1. Background

ChopValue

In Japan, approximately 20 billion pairs of disposable chopsticks are discarded each year. Despite being made from high quality wood, they are typically used only once before being incinerated or sent to landfill. ChopValue Japan has developed a collection system and proprietary technology to transform this overlooked resource into durable engineered solutions suitable for furniture and interior applications.

By incorporating this innovative approach into building interiors, the collaboration aims to reduce waste, extend carbon storage through long-life products, and generate greater awareness of circular resource use in everyday life.

2. Alignment with Sustainability Strategies

© Takenaka

ChopValue Japan's localized circular manufacturing model supports KOKUYO's CCC 2030 vision and its Forest-Like Management Model, which emphasizes sustainable value creation through long-term use of resources and balanced social and economic outcomes. KOKUYO has set a target for circular products to account for more than 80 percent of group-wide sales, including overseas operations, by 2030. This collaboration represents a meaningful step toward achieving that goal.

The partnership also reinforces Takenaka's "Make, Use, Connect" framework by using reclaimed resources as inputs, supporting long-term use with durable furniture and interior solutions, and helping establish local circulation systems within cities. This collaboration brings together Takenaka's century of woodworking expertise with ChopValue Japan's engineering technology.

By combining traditional knowledge of wood with innovative tiling and densification processes, the partnership creates new interior solutions that respect the character of wood while enhancing durability, consistency, and circular performance for a more sustainable future.

3. Overview of the Joint Research

© KOKUYO

As part of the joint initiative, pilot programs will be conducted at KOKUYO and Takenaka offices to collect used disposable chopsticks. Using ChopValue Japan's proprietary process, KOKUYO will develop furniture and interior fixtures, while Takenaka will explore potential applications in building components.

The three companies will also evaluate user and designer perceptions of spaces incorporating these recycled resources. Based on the results, ChopValue Japan will work with KOKUYO and Takenaka to promote the adoption of recycled inputs in future client projects.

4. Future Outlook

© ChopValue

Looking ahead, Takenaka will apply the engineered circular material into company-owned projects, and plans to explore the use of ChopValue Japan's technology for recycling additional types of construction-related waste, further strengthening resource circulation within the built environment. In parallel, ChopValue Japan and Takenaka will continue joint research on fire safety certification, supporting broader adoption of circular interior solutions across multiple building types.

ChopValue Japan also plans to expand the development and deployment of circular interior components and furniture solutions tailored to the Japanese market, while scaling localized collection and production systems. In collaboration with KOKUYO, ChopValue Japan will explore value engineered products into workplaces for long-term value creation through responsible design and production.

Together, the three companies aim to demonstrate how circular principles can be applied across the full lifecycle of the built environment, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing a circular economy through close collaboration in design, production, and construction.

About ChopValue

ChopValue is the world's first circular economy franchise for commercialized decentralized manufacturing, with operations in 10 countries and over 80 Microfactories in development to create local impact on a global scale. Founded in 2016, ChopValue's urban harvesting approach has diverted over 200 million chopsticks from the landfill.

This under-utilized resource is engineered into climate positive wood alternative products with zero trade offs to quality or design for homes, restaurants, and businesses. ChopValue serves as a blueprint for a viable circular economy, showcasing the potential of hyperlocal business operations to drive impactful change. To learn more about their resource-efficient impact for a carbon negative future, please visit www.chopvalue.com.

ChopValue is part of the Microfactory Venture Platform (MVP) Group, committed to prioritizing climate positive materials and products whenever and wherever possible.

About Takenaka Corporation

Takenaka Corporation is one of Japan's leading general contractors, with a long-standing history of delivering innovative architecture, engineering, and construction solutions in Japan and around the world. Guided by its Circular Design Build® concept, Takenaka is committed to advancing a circular economy by reducing waste, extending the life of buildings and materials, and establishing resource circulation systems within cities.

Through a focus on thoughtful design, responsible construction, and long-term value creation, Takenaka continues to set industry standards for sustainable and future-ready built environments. Learn more at www.takenaka.co.jp.

About KOKUYO Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1905, KOKUYO Co., Ltd. is one of Japan's leading providers of office furniture, stationery, and workspace solutions. Renowned for its commitment to quality, functionality, and design excellence, KOKUYO offers a diverse range of products that support creativity and productivity in both professional and personal environments.

With a rich history of innovation, KOKUYO continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of businesses and consumers worldwide. Find out more at www.kokuyo.com.