Karatsu NPO and Waseda launch online store for upcycled plastics

Precious Plastic Waseda, a student-led project at Waseda University, and Karatsu Farm & Food, a Kyushu-based non-profit organisation, launched an online store on 25 January selling handcrafted products made from plastic waste collected along the coast and in the streets of Karatsu, Saga Prefecture.

The initiative employs the open-source recycling technology developed by the Netherlands-based Precious Plastic movement. By processing PET bottle caps and other discarded plastics, the project aims to reframe waste as a valuable resource. Each item produced is unique in colour and pattern.

The current product line-up features “The Whale” keychains made entirely from recycled bottle caps, along with flower pots and upcycled sunglasses. The products are designed to make circular practices part of everyday life.

The collaboration extends to local education through a partnership with Karatsu Minami High School. Students from both the university and the high school are currently developing a new range of upcycled products scheduled for release in mid-February 2026.