Okeanos® Selected for Tokyo GX Support Program – Deploying Plastic Alternative Material Usable with Existing Equipment in the Japanese Market

May 12, 2026 (Tokyo) – Okeanos, a developer of sustainable materials to replace conventional plastic packaging, has established its first Asian subsidiary in Tokyo. Its flagship technology, "Made from Stone™," is a mineral-derived packaging material that can be directly integrated into existing manufacturing lines and reduces the use of petroleum-derived plastics in final products by up to 60%.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has selected Okeanos as one of the overseas companies to be supported as part of its initiatives to promote sustainable urban transformation. The technology has been evaluated as a GX-contributing technology in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's "GX Foreign Company Market Entry Support Program."

"Made from Stone™" is a proprietary material technology primarily composed of calcium carbonate. While calcium carbonate has been used as a plastic filler in Japanese manufacturing for many years, Okeanos has commercialized it as a primary component for packaging materials.

This allows for a reduction of up to 60% in the use of petroleum-derived plastics in final products. Furthermore, its lower density compared to conventional plastic materials contributes to improved sortability in water-based recycling processes.

In addition, this technology can be directly integrated into existing manufacturing lines, eliminating the need for new machinery or changes to manufacturing processes. For brand owners, it functions as a packaging solution that can numerically demonstrate environmental contributions and communicate them clearly to consumers.

Commercial production is currently underway at 14 factories worldwide, and it has been adopted by processors (converters) and brand owners in North America, Europe, and Latin America. Applications are diverse, including flexible films, rigid containers, thermoformed packaging, and injection molded products.

In Japan, this technology is envisioned for packaging applications such as convenience store shopping bags, e-commerce delivery bags, and food packaging films. In these areas, the introduction of solutions emphasizing plastic reduction is accelerating, driven by the Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Act enacted in 2022.

"Japan has historically been known as a cautious market for foreign companies. However, that situation is beginning to change. Japan is now actively opening its market, advancing the sophistication of its industrial base, and promoting collaboration with overseas companies. Establishing a Japanese subsidiary at this time is a significant decision for us. Because Japan is leading the transformation, we want to work together on its journey." — Mafalda Esteve, Japan Lead, Okeanos

Okeanos provides comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reports optimized for each manufacturing country and process for "Made from Stone™." These reports are created based on comparisons with conventionally used products. Furthermore, transparency enhancement tools such as QR codes are also being deployed for consumers. While many alternative materials require new capital investment or supply chain changes, "Made from Stone™" can be directly integrated into existing manufacturing infrastructure. Commercial production and shipments are already underway worldwide.

"We believe that the transition from virgin plastics will progress in the Asia-Pacific region, which produces much of the world's packaging products. The establishment of our Tokyo base demonstrates our belief that material innovation over the next 10 years will emerge in this region, and our long-term commitment to the manufacturers and brands driving it." — Florencio Cuetara, CEO, Okeanos

The Japanese subsidiary will function as Okeanos' official regional headquarters for the Asia-Pacific, building on relationships with existing customers in Japan, South Korea, China, and other key markets, and expanding support to converter companies, brand owners, and procurement departments. Moving forward, the company plans to work closely with each partner to achieve material conversion that is responsive to both commercial and regulatory aspects.

Okeanos is also exploring the possibility of establishing a production system within Japan throughout 2026.

Manufacturing process of T-shirt bags using Made from Stone™ Concept of consumer engagement utilizing Made from Stone™ QR codes Okeanos Japan Logo and Made from Stone™ Logo