Traditional Nara weaving upcycles fabric scraps into Caya woven bags

As a growing trend, many are curious to learn how to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. However, sustainable living is not a new concept in Japan. Here, it takes form in the practice of the concept of “mottanai.”

In the Japanese language, the term mottainai refers to something too good to waste (i.e., “what a waste!”). The foundation of the concept lies in respect – the respect to the essence of objects. It believes in the inherent value of objects, deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

This goes beyond individuals, as there is a rise in the number of businesses incorporating mottainai into their work. BAN-INOUE is one of them. BAN-INOUE is a fashion brand that specializes in producing everyday clothes and bags made from Caya fabric. This year, they have collaborated with Saccora Japan in an upcycling project that turns Caya fabrics scraps into bags.

Caya is a fabric from Nara Prefecture with over 150 years of history. It is a Japanese textile woven from cotton. Traditionally, Caya fabrics were used to make mosquito nets. They are soft and lightweight. They also have a netted structure and a waffle-like texture.

As a company that manufactures Caya woven products, BAN-INOUE regularly produces Caya fabric scraps. Up until recently, these scraps were thrown out as waste. However, they realized that it is the responsibility of businesses to strive for sustainability and ethicality. Hence, they decided to resolve the fabric waste problem by upcycling the fabric scraps. This would lead to achieving zero waste manufacturing in the fashion industry.

The Caya fabric scraps are upcycled into bags using the Sakiori weaving technique. This method of weaving originated from the Tohoku region in Japan. During the Edo period, access to cotton clothing surfaced. Before that, many wore linen clothing that failed to keep them warm during harsh winters. Almost immediately, cotton clothing gained popularity and became expensive and precious. It was out of reach for the lower class.

The mid-Edo period was also a time when the community began its repurposing culture. As a way for the lower class to attain cotton clothing, they began to purchase used cotton clothes that were worn out. These clothes were torn into pieces and woven into new clothing.

Today, the Sakiori weaving technique is done with the help of weaving tools. Firstly, the fabric is torn into narrow strips to make weft yarns and warp threads. The warp threads are rolled onto a loom, and the weft yarns are carried on a shuttle. The weft and warp interweave and are threaded into handwoven items.

This upcycling project carries a wide range of bags in different shapes and sizes suitable for different lifestyles and occasions. These bags are more than just a mere consumer good; they represent the mottainai culture. They inform, remind and encourage people to look beyond throwaway culture, directing one towards the way of sustainability.