Re S upcycles airbag scraps into disaster readiness bags

Automotive parts manufacturer Toyoda Gosei has collaborated with drugstore operator Amano Holdings to produce disaster preparedness bags from upcycled industrial materials. The bags were distributed to all Amano Holdings employees on 1 September to mark the company’s 125th anniversary and coincide with Japan’s Disaster Prevention Day.

The initiative is led by Re-S, an ethical brand from Toyoda Gosei, headquartered in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture. The Re-S brand specialises in upcycling materials that are difficult to reuse, such as scrap fabric from automotive airbags and leather offcuts from steering wheels, transforming them into everyday items like bags, pouches and pen cases.

The main body of the bag uses airbag fabric, a material strong enough to withstand the explosive deployment of an airbag. For increased visibility during emergencies, the bag features Amano Holdings’ reflective logo. It also incorporates scrap nylon cord for the drawstring, supplied by affiliated company Ashimori Industry, and uses scrap seatbelt material for the hanging loop, combining functionality with effective resource use.

Production was handled in cooperation with TG Welfare, a Toyoda Gosei group company that supports the independence of people with disabilities; Yuimaru, a continuous employment support facility in Ehime Prefecture; and OM Kikaku, a sewing company based in Osaka.

This project marks the second collaboration between Re-S and Amano Holdings, following the joint production of a makeup pouch for the retailer’s beauty consultants in February 2025. Re-S actively partners with diverse organisations, including apparel brands, universities and welfare facilities, to promote activities that reduce environmental impact and raise individual awareness.