Festival pilots biodegradable cutlery to close the loop on event waste

Outdoor festivals in Japan are synonymous with seasonal celebration, yet they often leave behind a significant environmental footprint, often in the form of single-use plastic waste. Packaging manufacturer Orikane Co., Ltd. partnered with sustainable material firm PIECLEX Co., Ltd. to demonstrate a circular solution for “event waste” at the Daikanyama Souryousai 2025.

The fesitval Daikanyama Souryousai was held on 20 and 21 September. The event aimed to connect people, the region, and the future by measuring CO2 emissions and implementing strict waste separation at “Resource Hubs.” Orikane introduced the “P-FACTS” circular infrastructure to manage the disposal of cutlery used by visitors.

P-FACTS is a system led by PIECLEX designed to establish a cycle of use, collection, composting, and reuse. While PIECLEX typically focuses on the circulation of apparel and textiles, Orikane has applied this infrastructure to the food sector.

During the festival, Orikane distributed eco-friendly cutlery made from bagasse, a fibrous residue left over after crushing sugarcane to extract juice. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, bagasse is plant-based and biodegradable. To demonstrate its properties, the company conducted an experiment within the grounds of Daikanyama T-SITE, burying the used cutlery directly into the soil.

The project does not end with disposal. Orikane is currently monitoring the decomposition process and will conduct a soil analysis to ensure the safety and quality of the resulting earth. This scientific verification is a crucial step in validating the environmental benefits of the material and ensuring that the compost generated is safe for agricultural use.

Looking ahead, Orikane plans to expand this initiative for Daikanyama Souryousai 2026, with plans to provide bagasse containers for all food served at the festival’s “En-nichi” (fair stalls). The vision involves collecting and composting all used containers to produce fertiliser. This fertiliser will then be donated to local elementary schools, where students can use it to grow plants and vegetables.