Zenbird Editorial TeamShikada Sangyo Inc., a Fukuoka-based manufacturer of natural interior materials, is showcasing its Coco Mosaic Tile, upcycled from coconut shells.
The Coco Mosaic Tile is a circular material made entirely from discarded coconut shells. Shikada Sangyo identified the potential of this unused resource through its 50-year history of rattan trading in Indonesia. Local artisans hand-assemble the shell fragments into three-dimensional geometric patterns, upcycling them into a second life.
This product is also certified for safety, being the first natural material mosaic tile in Japan to receive official fire-retardant certification. This accreditation allows architects and designers to specify the material for use in hotels, restaurants, and commercial facilities where strict fire safety regulations often limit the use of natural substances. The tiles are suitable for accent walls, bespoke furniture, and fixtures.
The tiles will be showcased at Shikada Sangyo’s upcoming exhibition, which coincides with their 110th anniversary. Visitors to the March event can view various applications of the coconut tiles alongside the KK series of rattan furniture designed by Kengo Kuma. The programme also includes practical demonstrations of the installation process for these unique tiles.
The firm intends to continue developing sustainable building materials that combine the aesthetic qualities of natural resources with the principles of a circular economy.
[Reference] Shikada Sangyo Announcement (Japanese)
