Carbonised waste becomes vegan leather as Gab launches .Garbon

Gab Inc. has launched “.Garbon,” a new circular solution that uses carbonisation technology to convert previously hard-to-recycle waste into a range of new materials, including a high-quality synthetic leather. They have also begun a demonstration project with Toyota Motor Corporation.

Japan’s landfill capacity is projected to be full in approximately 22 years, and it currently disposes of around 3.16 million tonnes of incinerator ash in landfills annually. With material reuse and recycling rates for plastics at only 3% and 22% respectively, existing methods are insufficient for companies aiming to meet zero-waste and carbon-neutral targets by 2030-2050. Gab Inc. positions .Garbon as a necessary “fourth solution” beyond reducing, reusing and recycling.

The .Garbon process involves carbonisation, where organic waste such as plastics, textiles and food scraps is heated in an oxygen-free environment. This thermal decomposition process reduces CO2 emissions by 30-50% compared to conventional incineration and transforms the waste into a stable, fine charcoal powder. This powder serves as a versatile raw material.

A key product developed from this process is “.Garbon Synthetic Leather.” The waste-derived charcoal powder is mixed with resin to create a material that is durable, lightweight and water-repellent. It also possesses functional properties such as deodorising, antibacterial and far-infrared effects. Gab Inc., which operates the ethical goods store “Ethical Living LAB,” identified strong consumer demand for high-quality vegan leathers, prompting the development of this new material for use in fashion, interiors and upholstery.

The core technology is provided through an exclusive licensing agreement with Oki Kougei Co., Ltd., a pioneer in carbonisation. Takehiko Oki, the company’s representative director, stated, “We have long focused on carbonisation as a form of ‘carbon recycling.’ We are confident that by teaming up with Gab, we can aim for an even higher stage.”

To prove its industrial application, .Garbon has started a demonstration project with the TOYOTA UPCYCLE project. The collaboration will test the process of converting waste from automobile manufacturing into new, usable materials. Looking ahead, Gab Inc. plans to expand the .Garbon solution to the fashion, construction and consumer goods industries.