Clean Ocean Ensemble NPO to Conduct 6th River Waste Collection Demonstration Experiment in Tsumeta River Starting June 14

Clean Ocean Ensemble, a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to solving the marine plastic waste problem (Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture; Co-Representative Directors: Yuki Egawa, Hidenori Tanaka), announced that it will conduct the '6th River Waste Collection Demonstration Experiment' at the Tsumeta River in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, from June 14 to 21, 2026.

This experiment will introduce the new device 'kawasemi003', which features enhanced metal fittings that were well-received in previous tests, as well as a new backflow prevention valve currently under development.
This experiment will be the only one conducted at the Tsumeta River this fiscal year.
On-site inspections and interviews will be arranged for media and companies interested in environmental issues.
Additionally, the collected waste, along with the waste from the previous collection, will be recycled and upcycled. This represents a major step toward realizing a sustainable, circular economy, rather than simply collecting trash.

Background and Purpose of the Demonstration Experiment
It is estimated that approximately 80% of marine waste flows into the ocean from urban areas via rivers. The organization has been developing technology and conducting demonstration experiments to stop waste at the river stage before it reaches the sea.
For this 6th iteration, the experiment in the Tsumeta River aims to further improve collection efficiency and complete a minimal viable cycle of sustainable resource recovery (recycling) after collection.

Advancements in the New Device 'kawasemi003'
The 'kawasemi003', which will be fully introduced from this experiment, is the latest device improved based on previous experimental data.
- Enhanced Fixing Hardware: The number of connection fittings, which performed very well in the last test, has been increased to improve workability, stability, and maintainability.
- Installation of Backflow Prevention Valve (Test): A new mechanism will be tested to prevent waste from flowing out of the collection pockets due to river backflow caused by high tides.
- Low-cost, modular river waste collection device: kawasemi002

Steps Toward Inspection and Resource Recovery
This will be the only demonstration experiment conducted at the Tsumeta River this fiscal year. It is a unique opportunity to directly observe the device operating and collecting waste on-site.
The organization invites companies aiming to build a sustainable society through concrete action on marine waste, as well as media professionals looking to cover advanced environmental technologies, to visit the site.
Furthermore, the waste collected in this and previous experiments will proceed to the 'resource recovery' process to be reused as materials. Beyond merely 'removing waste from rivers', the organization aims to return collected items to the resource circulation stream. Clean Ocean Ensemble's challenge merits close attention.

Information on Inspections and Interviews for Media and Companies
During the demonstration period, on-site inspections and interviews will be accepted as follows:
Applicable Dates:
June 15: 11:00 - 12:00
June 16: 12:00 - 13:00
June 18: 13:00 - 14:00
June 19: 15:00 - 16:00
June 20: 16:00 - 17:00
*Adjustments of about an hour are possible for requests outside these times.

Location: Kita-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 760-0080 (Near Kita Shinkai Park)
Required Information: Company name, number of participants, preferred dates, representative's phone number.
Notes: Parking space is limited. Only one group is allowed per time slot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Clean Ocean Ensemble is Seeking Partners to Change the Future
The organization is seeking support to realize a world with zero marine waste through the following methods:

- Support through Donations and Sponsorships
Donations are used to install collection devices, develop data tools, and sustain fieldwork. For companies, collaboration options include displaying logos on the organization's website, issuing collection support certificates, and joint PR activities as part of CSR efforts.

- Participate as Volunteers or Pro Bono Professionals
The organization is looking for individuals with skills in IT engineering, marketing, sales/sponsorship partner support, HR, and field engineering (Shodoshima). Monthly pro bono information sessions are also held.