KPP Group's Paper-Based Artificial Turf 'PaperTurfⓇ' Wins the 7th Japan Childcare Support Award 2026

KPP Group Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yasuyuki Sakata; hereinafter 'the Company') is pleased to announce that 'PaperTurfⓇ,' a paper-based artificial turf planned, manufactured, and sold by Oji Fiber Corporation, a member of the KPP Group, has received the 'Japan Childcare Support Award 2026' hosted by the Japan Childcare Support Association, a general incorporated association. This award recognizes PaperTurfⓇ's role in creating safe spaces where children can play with peace of mind, as well as its environmental sustainability derived from paper materials. Particularly in urban areas, where opportunities for outdoor play are decreasing and climate change is impacting children's ability to engage in physical activity, PaperTurfⓇ is increasingly being adopted in public and childcare facilities as a supportive solution.

About the Japan Childcare Support Award

The Japan Childcare Support Award is an accolade that evaluates products and services beneficial to parenting households from perspectives such as 'safety and security,' 'burden reduction,' and 'child development.' The award highly values the actual 'usefulness' experienced by parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

▶ Official Website of the Japan Childcare Support Award

About Indoor and Outdoor Paper-Based Artificial Turf 'PaperTurfⓇ'

PaperTurfⓇ is made from paper yarn created by twisting paper produced from 'abaca,' a plant belonging to the banana family. This paper yarn meets the same stringent standards as products intended for infants up to 3 years old, as defined by OEKO-TEXⓇ Standard 100, the international certification for textile product safety. Additionally, compared to plastic artificial turf, PaperTurfⓇ has the advantage of not heating up as much under direct sunlight, contributing to safer and more comfortable play environments for children. At the same time, the inherent strength of abaca fibers provides the paper yarn-based artificial turf with durability and water resistance suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, successfully balancing safety and functionality.

For more details about PaperTurfⓇ, please visit the link below.

▶ Two New Outdoor Paper-Based Artificial Turf Products 'PaperTurfⓇ' Developed

Expanding Adoption in Public and Childcare Facilities

PaperTurfⓇ has already been adopted in a variety of facilities where children gather.

- Childcare facilities and private daycare centers - Kids' spaces in public facilities within Tokyo - Children's amusement areas within commercial facilities

※ The links direct to case studies published on the company's corporate website.

Driven by the growing need to ensure safe play environments for children in limited urban spaces, the use of PaperTurfⓇ both indoors and outdoors is expanding.

Examples of adoption in amusement areas (within Kanagawa Prefecture) Examples of adoption in parks (within Kanagawa Prefecture)

Judge's Comment

'A paper-based artificial turf made from natural materials. Compared to plastic versions, it is environmentally friendly, offers the gentle texture unique to paper, and does not heat up as much under the sun, making it gentle and safe for babies and young children. We look forward to its diverse applications and wider adoption in the future.'

Future Developments

Moving forward, the KPP Group will continue to pursue the creation of new value by exploring the potential of environmentally conscious materials such as paper and paper yarn, contributing to the realization of a circular society. Furthermore, as part of efforts to create safe play environments for children, the Group will further expand the deployment of PaperTurfⓇ into childcare facilities, educational institutions, and public spaces.