【biz-seed】UMEZUMI Crepe Paper

Sanyo Paper Co., Ltd.
Paper That Deodorize, Absorb Humidity, and Reduce Waste?



A large amount of apricot seeds would have been disposed as industrial waste through the UMEBOSHI production process had Sanyo Paper not seen an opportunity to turn them into their unique paper product. The company has a history of 80 years with abundant experience and technology accumulation for creating recycled industrial wrapping paper. Since founded by Rakuichi Harada, its positive corporate culture has been descended for three generations, now led by Rokujiro Harada with 51 loving corporate members.


In 2003, in search for a new and original product, Sanyo engineered a prototype of UMEZUMI by mixing standard pulp material with charcoaled apricot seeds. After the success, today Sanyo regularly obtains disposed Japanese apricot seeds from Minabe City (Wakayama Pref.) which distributes approximately 60 percent of apricots in Japan. UMEZUMI crepe paper is essentially recycled pulp, apricot seed charcoal and water, making it an entirely recycled and natural product. The included charcoal will absorb humidity and harmful substances and also deodorize. It will be a partner of your shoe box, refrigerator and curtain, while helping to decrease the amount of industrial waste.