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Vancouver, BC, March 4, 2026--(T-Net)--announced that it is entering its next phase of operational growth, advancing its mission to deliver scalable circular solutions across Japan.

Building on proven capabilities, the company is strengthening its partnerships to bring climate positive, circular manufacturing solutions to hospitality, commercial, and public spaces.

Since launching in Japan, ChopValue has recycled over four million chopsticks, and established key collaborations with leading partners across multiple industries, including TORIDOLL Holdings Corporation, Takenaka Corporation, and KOKUYO CO.

Sabrina Kon, Newly Appointed Managing Director of ChopValue Japan, emphasized the company's focus on execution and growth: "Japan represents a uniquely powerful opportunity for circular manufacturing, yet the model still requires tangible proof using something as everyday as chopsticks as a resource. When you consider the 20 billion chopsticks discarded each year, the potential to create meaningful impact at scale becomes very real. Our next phase is about strengthening the local team, translating global strategy into Japan-specific operations, and deepening long-term partnerships. This is where we move from proving what's possible over the past 18 months to delivering impact at scale in the next 18 months."

Sabrina Kon | ChopValue Japan Managing Director

While Sabrina Kon translates the company's strategic goals from HQ into the Japanese market, this next operational phase is also marked by a local leadership transition.

Takeshi Yamagami will assume the role of Japan Director and CEO, bringing extensive experience across government and the private sector. His background includes service at Japan's Ministry of Defense, as well as executive leadership roles at SOERUTE, Story Inc., and Naedoco.

"ChopValue Japan is at a clear inflection point," added Yamagami. "The technology has been proven, key partnerships are in place, and the focus now is disciplined execution. My priority is to scale operations systematically while maintaining the quality standards that have positioned ChopValue already as a trusted sustainable materials partner for leading companies across Japan."

Takeshi Yamagami | ChopValue Japan Director and CEO

ChopValue Japan is further supported by an established 2026 Advisory Board, bringing together senior leaders across sustainability, innovation, and market development.

The Japan-focused Advisory Board includes Nozomi Witherspoon Mizuno, James Bunsei Ko (President of Taishin Company), Tomo Hamakawa (Co-founder of Earth Company and Mana Earthly Paradise), Chie Bannai (Managing Director at RECOTECH), and James Soback, previously Representative Director who is transitioning into an advisory role.

ChopValue Japan's next era emphasizes a new economy of scale for urban harvesting, operational excellence, sustainable impact, and strategic growth, reinforcing the company's commitment to advancing circular manufacturing and creating long-term value for partners and communities.

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 250 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.