Sales Begin for Biomass Plastic Product Developed Through Collaboration Between Venture Company and Prefecture!

Kanagawa Prefecture has been promoting renewable initiatives—such as using biomass plastics made from plants instead of petroleum-based plastics—as part of its 'Kanagawa Plastic Zero Declaration' announced in September 2018. We are now pleased to announce that, through collaboration with a venture company, we have developed environmentally conscious sunglasses using biomass plastic blended with driftwood, which will be sold by the company.

1. Background of Product Development

The issue of plastic waste is directly linked to marine pollution and global warming. Reducing plastic waste is essential, and the importance of alternative materials such as biomass plastics is growing.

Therefore, last year, the prefecture launched the 'Yell Government × Venture Alliance Kanagawa (YAK)' initiative, supporting collaborations between venture companies and local governments to solve social challenges. As part of this program, we solicited co-creation projects focused on developing and promoting alternatives to conventional plastics.

Okeanos Inc. proposed manufacturing sunglasses using biomass plastic incorporating driftwood washed ashore on coasts and dams due to typhoons and other natural events.

Given that this proposal supports not only renewable resource use but also decarbonization and effective utilization of underused resources like driftwood, we decided to collaborate with the company, leading to product development.

This initiative marks the first project under the YAK program to reach commercialization.

2. Product Overview

Product Name

Drift.

Features

・Utilizes 'Argodryas™,' a proprietary material blending driftwood collected in Kanagawa Prefecture with biomass plastic, reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics and promoting effective use of driftwood.

・Sunglasses designed to address social challenges such as achieving a decarbonized society.

・Designed for universal comfort and aesthetic functionality, seamlessly blending fashion with sustainability for all genders.

・Each frame features a unique serial number engraved.

・Price: From ¥26,400

・Initial Sales Volume: Limited to 1,000 units (Sales begin July 9, 2026)

※Argodryas™ is pending trademark registration

Sales by

Okeanos Inc.

Contact Email: info@okeanos-inc.com

Sales Website: https://okeanosjp.com

3. Prefecture's Collaboration Activities

The prefecture supported coordination with relevant agencies regarding the procurement of driftwood as raw material.

Moving forward, we will continue to support promotional activities as part of our efforts toward decarbonization and resource circulation.

4. About Okeanos Inc.

Representatives

Kazuma Utsunomiya / Ryo Hirota

Established

September 14, 2023

Headquarters

1-11-42 Kawanama, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, KIKI BASE FUJISAWA

Company Website

https://okeanos-inc.com

Overview

An unconventional manufacturing venture launched from 'HATSU Kamakura,' Kanagawa's entrepreneurship hub, co-founded by former Japanese national lifeguards and surfers. Leveraging advanced design and commercialization expertise, the company operates a 'hardware contract development business' supporting clients from concept to mass production. Additionally, as part of its sustainability initiatives, it has experience manufacturing and selling sandals made from upcycled ocean plastic waste.

[Reference: About the Venture Collaboration Project (YAK)]

'Yell Government × Venture Alliance Kanagawa (YAK)' is an open innovation support program promoted by the Industrial Promotion Division, facilitating collaboration between venture companies and local governments to co-create new projects.

[Reference: About Promoting SDGs]

As part of concrete efforts toward the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the prefecture is addressing the worsening issue of marine pollution caused by plastic waste.

Inquiries

(Regarding the use and promotion of biomass plastics)

Resource Circulation Promotion Section, Environmental Division, Environment and Agriculture Bureau, Kanagawa Prefectural Government

Section Chief Matsumoto Tel: 045-210-4170

Coordination Group, Jinbo Tel: 045-210-4147

(Regarding support for collaboration between local governments and venture companies)

Industrial Division, Industry and Labor Bureau, Kanagawa Prefectural Government

Section Chief for Space Industry and Venture Support, Kohiba Tel: 045-285-0213

Venture Support Group, Industrial Promotion Section, Ueno Tel: 045-210-5646