KAWASAKI, JAPAN — April 21, 2025 — ChopValue, the global leader in decentralized circular manufacturing, proudly announces the grand opening of its first flagship Microfactory in Japan, located in Kawasaki. This opening represents a major milestone in the company’s global expansion and a symbolic return to the origin of its core material: the humble chopstick.

The launch was celebrated with a Kagami Biraki, a traditional Japanese sake barrel ceremony that marks new beginnings and shared success. The event brought together key partners and supporters, including Interim Japan Director James Soback, Director of Sustainability Sabrina Kon, and Miri Matsuo, CEO of STORY INC, ChopValue’s local community partner. Notable guests included Kaoruko Abe of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Mr. Keiichi Ogihara from the Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, and representatives from Takenaka Corporation, BASF, B Lab Japan, RECOTECH, DeNA, and other strategic collaborators.

“This flagship location is more than a manufacturing site — it’s a symbol of transformation, of turning waste into opportunity through local action and global impact,” said ChopValue Founder and CEO Felix Böck. “Establishing our presence in Japan is especially meaningful as we bring our circular model full circle — back to the culture where the chopstick holds deep tradition.”

ChopValue Japan is the first of multiple planned Microfactories in the country. The decentralized model enables local teams to transform used chopsticks into high-performance products such as tabletops, feature walls, and contract furniture for the hospitality industry — all while maintaining consistency in design and reducing the carbon footprint of global brands across locations.

With over 200 million chopsticks recycled globally to date, ChopValue’s impact continues to grow. The Japan flagship represents the culmination of years spent refining a scalable, community-driven strategy to decentralize manufacturing and embed sustainability into the built environment.“We are grateful to our local team and strategic partners in Japan who share our belief that circularity must be local, scalable, and measurable,” added Böck. “This is just the beginning — and perhaps the biggest statement for a small chopstick yet.”

The grand opening was preceded by a heartfelt Family Day, where the ChopValue Japan team welcomed staff families, friends, neighbors, and children into the Microfactory. The day served as a powerful reminder of why ChopValue’s mission matters — from the curiosity of the youngest chopstick adventurers to the amazement of lifelong locals discovering that recycling chopsticks into high-performance products is not only possible, but happening right in their community. In a country where chopsticks are deeply ingrained in daily life, the surprise of this innovation coming from a Canadian company sparked inspiration and connection. As ChopValue begins its journey in Japan, the message is clear: we will grow together — as fast as we can to create impact, and as slow as we must to honor local values.

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