Flowercyclist prevents flower loss caused by COVID-19 shock

As events are being cancelled throughout Japan due to the spread of COVID-19, large quantities of fresh flowers that would normally decorate those occasions are going to waste. In an effort to save them, flower-recycling company RIN Inc is buying excess inventory from florists and flower growers and drying them so they can be used later.

The move is part of a project by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, that aims to encourage families and businesses to purchase flowers to help support the industry.

March was also one of the periods of highest demand for flowers, particularly for use in school graduations. The cancellation of such events to prevent COVID-19 from spreading means the price of flowers has dropped.

A match between excess supply with delayed demand

RIN Inc is seeking florists and flower growers who want to sell excess inventory caused by the spread of the new coronavirus, and companies and people who wish to use dried flowers, even if that is until the pandemic has eased.

The head of RIN Inc, Haruka Kawashima, has been recycling flowers professionally since 2019. With the goal of having no flowers go to waste, she has gathered used blooms used at weddings and stores, and irregularly shaped ones due to be thrown away by growers. She then reused them in craft workshops, in making jewelry and accessories, and to decorate event spaces.

She started recycling flowers after seeing 300 still-beautiful red roses thrown into a trash bag at the florist where she was working. It was the day after Christmas, which many Japanese celebrate as one of the most romantic days of the year. On December 26, red roses were no longer the leading product and were removed to make way for flowers for New Year. By drying flowers, Kawashima has lengthened that very tight window of supply and demand, and improved the sustainability of the flower industry.