– “Re-think” children’s future with the “plastic cap” of coloring agent – The upcycle brand “TOKU” from Ishigaki Island is born.
*U *
Press release: September 4, 2024
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– “Re-think” children’s future with the “plastic cap” of coloring agent – The upcycle brand “TOKU” from Ishigaki Island is born.
*An upcycle brand born on Ishigaki Island that “Re-thinks the future”* Nowadays, hair arrangement and coloring can be enjoyed using a wide variety of techniques, in sync with fashion. On the other hand, we are still searching for the best solution to the ever-increasing problem of plastic waste from coloring agents in salons. Against this backdrop, a new upcycle brand has been launched from a hair salon on Ishigaki Island, with the aim of reexamining this problem from the perspective of hairdressers working in salons and taking the actions of each individual to the next step.
“TOKU”* was born.
In April 2024, hair salon “U luve heart’s And Be” in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (Representative: Tomoya Urasaki /
https://u-rainbow.net/
) was launched by “TOKU”. In the environment of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, which is surrounded by the beautiful sea and rich nature, Representative Urasaki is concerned about the plastic problem that cannot be avoided at hair salons, and sends a positive message through upcycling. Realize the importance of doing what you do.
Everyone, regardless of generation, can take action towards a sustainable tomorrow = Rethink the future (make the unconscious conscious) *
“TOKU” was launched as a brand to embody this idea.
* Each process is handmade*
The material for TOKU is the plastic caps of coloring agents collected from hair salons across the country that support the project. Coloring agent caps that would normally be discarded after use at hair salons are being replaced*
By creating “Endless Caps”*, we collect unused caps from participating salons. The collected caps are finely separated by color, cut into fine chips, heated and melted, and then press-fitted into TOKU’s original mold to be recycled as an upcycled product with a new form.
* ※* * Endless Cap * *
What it is: By using the holder cap of the coloring agent tube as a master cap that is constantly used, subsequent caps can be collected in an unused state. The collected plastic caps can be recycled or upcycled. *
The [hair comb], which was launched in June 2024, is based on Urasaki’s 25-year career as a hairdresser: – 1. Comfortable in the hand.
2. An easy-to-use form and design 3. A visual that blends in with interior design – Molded using an original mold that was examined and devised from various angles. *
Only one in the world is created by hand, from collection, sorting, and cutting to pouring into molds, nipper trimming, and polishing*. This is an upcycled hair comb* with a unique marble pattern.
* “TOKU” x “Upcycle Lab Jomon” sends a three-dimensional message * The project of “TOKU” is also an NPO that conducts earth clean tours and upcycling workshops on Ishigaki Island with the theme of ocean plastic issues*
“Jomon Project”* (https://jomonkikaku.com/ ), we realized a unique and positive collaboration.
Marble hair combs with different textures and color variations have been created by combining the plastic cap of the coloring agent with ocean plastic collected through the Jomon Project. In the future, in collaboration with Upcycle Lab Jomon, operated by Jomon Kikaku, we will actively hold workshops that combine an earth clean tour and hair comb making to “think about today’s consumer society through upcycling experiences.” It’s planned.
“TOKU” original ver. Suggested retail price ¥4,400
“TOKU” x “JYOMON” ocean ver. Suggested retail price ¥4,400
In “TOKU”, * [hair comb] *
Following on from this, we are also planning the production of new upcycled products such as hand mirrors and hair clips that combine the experience and ideas unique to salons.
“TOKU” will continue to “Re・think” about the ocean, nature, and the earth’s resources through ethical activities.
We will continue to send out the message “to make the unconscious conscious)*.”
* ■About “TOKU”:*
*The name “TOKU”…*
* Combing your hair* / Solving problems / Explaining your thoughts and ideas / Accumulating virtue*
*…Various “TOKU” overlap. *
Upcycling the ever-increasing amount of plastic waste in the beauty industry and turning it into a positive message. While being sustainable in the ocean and nature, we create products that are “unique and one of a kind in the world” through upcycling. The idea for TOKU, which has been in the making for about two years, was created by leveraging the experience that brand founder Tomoya Urasaki has cultivated as a hairdresser, creating a form that is easy to use for anyone across generations and has a beautiful appearance. In order to achieve the grip and feel, it was realized using a 3D printer and an original mold that was examined and designed from various angles. Re-thinking and approaching the plastic problem from both the perspective of limited resources (resource depletion) and the “marine plastic garbage problem” that threatens the ocean ecosystem* Please pay attention to the thoughts and activities of “TOKU”*.
TOKU Official Instagram
■About “TOKU” sales channels:
The main sales channel is hair salons affiliated with the TOKU project nationwide. In the future, we plan to hold workshops mainly at resort hotels in the prefecture that actively address environmental issues, and we plan to expand our sales channels as needed. In addition, it has been well-received as a novelty by companies as an “Earth Conscious Act,” which aims to raise awareness of environmental issues. For inquiries regarding sales channels and orders, please contact us below.
■* Contact:*
* “U luve heart’s And Be” / e-mail: u-info@luveheartsandbe.net Person in charge: Urasaki*