Second Phase of Upcycling Commercialization: Qkamura Norikura Kogen and Nippon Paper Group Launch Original 'Upcycled Sacoche' on June 15

A sacoche sized to fit a smartphone.

Qkamura Norikura Kogen (Location: 4307 Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture; General Manager: Akenori Yamashita), a resort hotel located at the southern tip of the Northern Alps in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, and Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Toru Nozawa) have achieved an upcycling project that recycles used paper beverage cups sorted and collected at Qkamura Norikura Kogen into sacoches. Sales will begin at the Qkamura Norikura Kogen shop on June 15.

◆ Background of Creation

As a joint initiative with the Nippon Paper Group, 100% pulp paper cups have been used for cold water services in the public baths and cafes at Qkamura Norikura Kogen since September 2024. The single-use nature of these paper cups was a challenge.

Nippon Paper Group's long-established recycling technology separates the plastic laminated on the surface of the paper cups from the paper, extracting recycled paper fibers and enabling resource recycling. Qkamura sorts and collects the paper cups, and with the cooperation of the Nippon Paper Group, recycling has become possible through a system that allows collection even in small lots.

As of March 2026, 229.5 kg of paper cups (equivalent to approximately 1.14 million cups, weighing about 2g each) have been collected.

◆ First Upcycling Initiative

Previously, the collected paper cups were recycled into paper products such as cardboard. However, with the establishment of the upcycling scheme, 'Upcycled Coasters' were realized and went on sale at Qkamura Norikura Kogen in June 2025.

- Upcycled Coaster: 600 yen each (tax included)

◆ Second Upcycling Initiative: 'Upcycled Sacoche'

Similar to the coasters, the sacoche is made by turning the collected paper cups into paper yarn.

Sales start on June 15, 2026.

(Materials: 50% Cotton, 50% Paper yarn made from used paper cups)

- Upcycled Sacoche: 2,900 yen each (tax included)

◆ Qkamura Norikura Kogen

A Qkamura resort in Norikura Kogen, Nagano Prefecture, inside Chubu-Sangaku National Park. It is a highland resort hotel located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters. It serves as an all-season resort that can be enjoyed as a base for sightseeing in Shinshu, including Kamikochi, Norikura Tatamidaira, and Mount Norikura. After enjoying activities such as morning walks in the highlands, trekking, and stargazing under the starry sky, guests can relax in the Norikura Hot Spring.

Location: 4307 Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, 390-1520 General Manager: Akenori Yamashita URL: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/norikura/

Features a Shinshu local food buffet and natural hot springs gushing from 1,300 meters underground.

◆ Qkamura: Resorts that Make You Fall in Love with Nature

Resort hotels located in excellent natural environments, such as national and quasi-national parks representing Japan's scenery. Under the concept of 'Resorts that Make You Fall in Love with Nature,' the 35 Qkamura locations provide opportunities to experience the unique charm of each region through dishes using local ingredients, and programs for interaction with local nature, culture, and history, delivering moments that make every guest's heart flutter.