Aomori-born, Apple Waste-Derived Bio-Based Leather "RINGO-TEX®" to Exhibit at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026.
appcycle Inc. has developed "RINGO-TEX®," a bio-based leather from discarded apples, addressing agricultural waste and regional issues. The company, a startup member of SIC Sumida Innovation Core, collaborated with 120-year-old leather goods maker Azumaya, winning the SIC Award 2025 Grand Prix for their co-creation model. RINGO-TEX® will be showcased at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, highlighting its diverse applications in fashion, mobility, and art.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 19:50
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 27, 2026 at 12:19 (47 min after Collected)
Co-creation Model with Sumida City x 120-Year-Old "Azumaya" — SIC Award 2025 Grand Prix Winner
appcycle Inc., as a startup member of Sumida City's industrial co-creation facility "SIC (Sumida Innovation Core)," has been promoting a co-creation project with Azumaya Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sumida City), a 120-year-old leather goods manufacturing company.
At the "SIC Award 2025" (SIC 2nd Anniversary Event) held in February 2026, they won the Grand Prix for the best project among over 70 co-creation cases. Their efforts were highly praised as a "solution to social issues through regional collaboration."
Mr. Toru Yamamoto, Mayor of Sumida City, commented, "The content clearly explained what co-creation is and was easy for many people to understand. Hirosaki City, where appcycle's head office is located, and Sumida City also have deep exchanges, such as the Nebuta parade at the 'Hokusai Festival'."
Taking this award as an opportunity, a courtesy visit was made to the Mayor of Sumida City. Moving forward, they will further accelerate the "Tokyo x Local Co-creation Model," connecting Sumida City's corporate network with Aomori-born startup material technology by utilizing joint exhibitions at large-scale trade shows. As the first step, they will exhibit at "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026."
Co-creation Partner: Azumaya Co., Ltd.
A 120-year-old leather goods manufacturing company inheriting traditional craftsmanship. It is a long-established company trusted by genuine-oriented customers, characterized by its comfortable feel and meticulously designed tailoring. A new line of leather goods utilizing the texture and durability of RINGO-TEX® is currently under joint development with appcycle.
Official HP: https://azumaya.bz/
EC Site: https://azumaya.stores.jp/
■ Background of the Announcement: Material Tech Born from Solving Primary Industry Issues
"RINGO-TEX®" is a bio-based leather manufactured by upcycling discarded apple pomace and other waste generated in Japan. It solves regional issues such as apple waste disposal problems and labor shortages/lack of successors in the primary industry through its unique material technology.
At this event, as a sustainable material contributing to the creation of a "sustainable city," appcycle will present its achievements in a wide range of social implementations, from mobility to fashion and art, and disseminate its vision for a sustainable future.
■ Latest Social Implementations and Collaboration Highlights
"RINGO-TEX®" has been highly evaluated for its high functionality and environmentally friendly story, and its adoption in leading projects across various industries has recently been decided or is in progress.
[Apparel/Goods] New product development produced by "BEAMS JAPAN"
New products using "RINGO-TEX®" have been released, produced by "BEAMS JAPAN," a representative Japanese select shop.
[Cruise Ship] Participation in the "ASUKA III meets 47 prefectures" project
It was adopted as a collaborative material to promote the charms of Japan in the "ASUKA III" next-generation eco-ship cruise project being built by the NYK Group.
[Mobility] Adopted for EV buses in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and Rokkasho Village sightseeing buses
As part of promoting sustainability in public transportation, "RINGO-TEX®" has been adopted for the seat headrest covers of EV buses in Hirosaki City and sightseeing buses in Rokkasho Village.
[Art/Space] Exhibited at Tokyo Tower "LuvLEE Artwork Project"
It was exhibited at the "LuvLEE Artwork Project" held at RED° TOKYO TOWER on the 1st floor of Tokyo Tower, presenting the possibilities of bio-based materials in the art and spatial design fields.
*In addition to the above, it has numerous achievements, including utilization in All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA)'s "ANA Future Promise," Mitsukoshi Isetan Co., Ltd.'s "Peace de Mirai" project, and material adoption for the participant badges of the "Ao no Kirameki Aomori National Sports Festival & Disabled Sports Festival" to be held in Aomori Prefecture in 2026.
■ Strengths of Next-Generation Bio-Based Leather "RINGO-TEX®"
Overwhelming environmental load reduction: Achieves an upcycling rate of 72-74% through unique blending technology in the manufacturing process.
High functionality and durability: Boasts twice the lifespan compared to conventional synthetic leather, is lightweight, and has excellent water resistance, demonstrating its capabilities as an interior material for mobility applications where harsh usage environments are expected.
■ SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Exhibition/Presentation Overview
Event Name: SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Global Startup Program
Date: April 27 (Mon) - April 28 (Tue), 2026, 10:00-18:00
Location: [Not specified]
appcycle Inc., as a startup member of Sumida City's industrial co-creation facility "SIC (Sumida Innovation Core)," has been promoting a co-creation project with Azumaya Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sumida City), a 120-year-old leather goods manufacturing company.
At the "SIC Award 2025" (SIC 2nd Anniversary Event) held in February 2026, they won the Grand Prix for the best project among over 70 co-creation cases. Their efforts were highly praised as a "solution to social issues through regional collaboration."
Mr. Toru Yamamoto, Mayor of Sumida City, commented, "The content clearly explained what co-creation is and was easy for many people to understand. Hirosaki City, where appcycle's head office is located, and Sumida City also have deep exchanges, such as the Nebuta parade at the 'Hokusai Festival'."
Taking this award as an opportunity, a courtesy visit was made to the Mayor of Sumida City. Moving forward, they will further accelerate the "Tokyo x Local Co-creation Model," connecting Sumida City's corporate network with Aomori-born startup material technology by utilizing joint exhibitions at large-scale trade shows. As the first step, they will exhibit at "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026."
Co-creation Partner: Azumaya Co., Ltd.
A 120-year-old leather goods manufacturing company inheriting traditional craftsmanship. It is a long-established company trusted by genuine-oriented customers, characterized by its comfortable feel and meticulously designed tailoring. A new line of leather goods utilizing the texture and durability of RINGO-TEX® is currently under joint development with appcycle.
Official HP: https://azumaya.bz/
EC Site: https://azumaya.stores.jp/
■ Background of the Announcement: Material Tech Born from Solving Primary Industry Issues
"RINGO-TEX®" is a bio-based leather manufactured by upcycling discarded apple pomace and other waste generated in Japan. It solves regional issues such as apple waste disposal problems and labor shortages/lack of successors in the primary industry through its unique material technology.
At this event, as a sustainable material contributing to the creation of a "sustainable city," appcycle will present its achievements in a wide range of social implementations, from mobility to fashion and art, and disseminate its vision for a sustainable future.
■ Latest Social Implementations and Collaboration Highlights
"RINGO-TEX®" has been highly evaluated for its high functionality and environmentally friendly story, and its adoption in leading projects across various industries has recently been decided or is in progress.
[Apparel/Goods] New product development produced by "BEAMS JAPAN"
New products using "RINGO-TEX®" have been released, produced by "BEAMS JAPAN," a representative Japanese select shop.
[Cruise Ship] Participation in the "ASUKA III meets 47 prefectures" project
It was adopted as a collaborative material to promote the charms of Japan in the "ASUKA III" next-generation eco-ship cruise project being built by the NYK Group.
[Mobility] Adopted for EV buses in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and Rokkasho Village sightseeing buses
As part of promoting sustainability in public transportation, "RINGO-TEX®" has been adopted for the seat headrest covers of EV buses in Hirosaki City and sightseeing buses in Rokkasho Village.
[Art/Space] Exhibited at Tokyo Tower "LuvLEE Artwork Project"
It was exhibited at the "LuvLEE Artwork Project" held at RED° TOKYO TOWER on the 1st floor of Tokyo Tower, presenting the possibilities of bio-based materials in the art and spatial design fields.
*In addition to the above, it has numerous achievements, including utilization in All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA)'s "ANA Future Promise," Mitsukoshi Isetan Co., Ltd.'s "Peace de Mirai" project, and material adoption for the participant badges of the "Ao no Kirameki Aomori National Sports Festival & Disabled Sports Festival" to be held in Aomori Prefecture in 2026.
■ Strengths of Next-Generation Bio-Based Leather "RINGO-TEX®"
Overwhelming environmental load reduction: Achieves an upcycling rate of 72-74% through unique blending technology in the manufacturing process.
High functionality and durability: Boasts twice the lifespan compared to conventional synthetic leather, is lightweight, and has excellent water resistance, demonstrating its capabilities as an interior material for mobility applications where harsh usage environments are expected.
■ SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Exhibition/Presentation Overview
Event Name: SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Global Startup Program
Date: April 27 (Mon) - April 28 (Tue), 2026, 10:00-18:00
Location: [Not specified]