Nihon Rikagaku Industry Promotes Sustainable Scallop Shell Chalk and Rice Wax Crayons for Environment Month
Coinciding with Environment Month in June, Nihon Rikagaku Industry is spotlighting its 'SEA SHELL CHALK', made from upcycled scallop shells, and 'kitpas' crayons, formulated with rice bran wax. The company has enhanced its eco-friendly efforts by incorporating 51% non-plastic materials into its chalk packaging. With approximately 70% of its workforce comprising individuals with intellectual disabilities, the company aims to promote a sustainable and inclusive society through its stationery products.
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Dustless chalk, incorporating fine powder from scallop shells, becomes an even more sustainable product with the addition of scallop shells to its packaging.
Nihon Rikagaku Industry Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President: Takahisa Oyama), a company that has continuously supported everyone who stands before a blackboard, is re-proposing its sustainable stationery products, 'SEA SHELL CHALK' and 'kitpas', to educational institutions, offices, and households in alignment with 'Environment Month' in June. These products represent the transformation of waste materials into valuable resources.
Since its founding in 1937, the company has pursued manufacturing that is kind to both people and the environment. Driven by a strong belief in a 'working society for all'—where approximately 70% of all employees are individuals with intellectual disabilities—the company utilizes its stationery to communicate its founding philosophy: 'Kind to people, kind to the Earth,' advocating for a sustainable future and an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
■ Background and Story: 'Solving Social Issues' Starting with Stationery Selection
In today's world, where environmental considerations such as global warming and ocean plastic pollution are urgent, choosing the 'stationery' we use daily is a significant environmental action. Our products are not mere writing instruments; they are stationery with a story that harmonizes 'solving social issues' with the 'joy of drawing (experiential value) = the culture of playful drawing.'
Dustless Chalk Protecting the Ocean by Reusing Scallop Shells
In the region of Hokkaido where our Bibai factory is located, the disposal of approximately 200,000 tons of scallop shells annually has become a severe social issue. In 2005, in collaboration with a Hokkaido prefectural testing center, our company developed a method to pulverize these shells and reuse them as the main raw material for our chalk, thereby contributing to resource circulation. The addition of scallop shells has improved writing quality, break resistance, and erasability, making it a highly preferred product across various settings.
Furthermore, in 2025, the design was revamped by incorporating 51% non-plastic materials, including scallop shells, into the 6-piece packaging.
Safe and Secure for Children with Rice Wax (kitpas)
'kitpas,' a drawing material that writes on smooth surfaces like windows and mirrors and can be erased with water, has been renewed. The main component was shifted from conventional petroleum-based paraffin to rice wax extracted from 'rice bran,' which is normally discarded. This ensures a safe and secure quality even if it accidentally enters a small child's mouth, pursuing kindness not only to the environment but also to people.
■ Overview of Major Sustainable Products
1. SEA SHELL CHALK (6-piece pack)
Proposing colorful and fun chalk. Includes color vision-friendly chalk that is easy to distinguish for people with color vision characteristics.
Features: An eco-friendly chalk where not only the chalk itself but also the packaging case incorporates 51% non-plastic materials, such as scallop shells. A newly developed 'square type' shape allows for drawing fine lines using the corners. The lineup has expanded from the standard white 6-piece pack to include various colors, fluorescent colors, color vision-friendly 'eye chalk', and three shapes: regular size, slim axis, and square.
Materials: Calcium carbonate (including scallop shell powder), packaging (51% biomass materials including scallop shells)
Price: From 220 yen (excluding tax)
2. kitpas Series
Features: A completely new drawing material that draws vividly on smooth surfaces like window glass and mirrors, and easily erases with a damp cloth. It boasts world-class design and quality, with 'kitpas by ARTIST ecru' winning the Grand Prix at the Japan Stationery Awards 2024, as well as the international 'iF Design Award'.
Materials: Rice wax, pigments
Price: kitpas Medium 6 colors from 600 yen (excluding tax)
* All products are available at our factory-direct official online store.
■ Company Profile
Company Name: Nihon Rikagaku Industry Co., Ltd.
Founded: February 1937
Representative: Takahisa Oyama, President
Location: 2-15-10 Kuji, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of dustless chalk (approx. 70% domestic market share), blackboard erasers, kitpas, etc.
Characteristics: Approximately 70% of all employees have intellectual disabilities and play a central role on the manufacturing line. The company has been widely featured in media and books, such as 'The Company We Want to Cherish Most in Japan.'
URL: https://www.rikagaku.co.jp
Nihon Rikagaku Industry Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President: Takahisa Oyama), a company that has continuously supported everyone who stands before a blackboard, is re-proposing its sustainable stationery products, 'SEA SHELL CHALK' and 'kitpas', to educational institutions, offices, and households in alignment with 'Environment Month' in June. These products represent the transformation of waste materials into valuable resources.
Since its founding in 1937, the company has pursued manufacturing that is kind to both people and the environment. Driven by a strong belief in a 'working society for all'—where approximately 70% of all employees are individuals with intellectual disabilities—the company utilizes its stationery to communicate its founding philosophy: 'Kind to people, kind to the Earth,' advocating for a sustainable future and an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
■ Background and Story: 'Solving Social Issues' Starting with Stationery Selection
In today's world, where environmental considerations such as global warming and ocean plastic pollution are urgent, choosing the 'stationery' we use daily is a significant environmental action. Our products are not mere writing instruments; they are stationery with a story that harmonizes 'solving social issues' with the 'joy of drawing (experiential value) = the culture of playful drawing.'
Dustless Chalk Protecting the Ocean by Reusing Scallop Shells
In the region of Hokkaido where our Bibai factory is located, the disposal of approximately 200,000 tons of scallop shells annually has become a severe social issue. In 2005, in collaboration with a Hokkaido prefectural testing center, our company developed a method to pulverize these shells and reuse them as the main raw material for our chalk, thereby contributing to resource circulation. The addition of scallop shells has improved writing quality, break resistance, and erasability, making it a highly preferred product across various settings.
Furthermore, in 2025, the design was revamped by incorporating 51% non-plastic materials, including scallop shells, into the 6-piece packaging.
Safe and Secure for Children with Rice Wax (kitpas)
'kitpas,' a drawing material that writes on smooth surfaces like windows and mirrors and can be erased with water, has been renewed. The main component was shifted from conventional petroleum-based paraffin to rice wax extracted from 'rice bran,' which is normally discarded. This ensures a safe and secure quality even if it accidentally enters a small child's mouth, pursuing kindness not only to the environment but also to people.
■ Overview of Major Sustainable Products
1. SEA SHELL CHALK (6-piece pack)
Proposing colorful and fun chalk. Includes color vision-friendly chalk that is easy to distinguish for people with color vision characteristics.
Features: An eco-friendly chalk where not only the chalk itself but also the packaging case incorporates 51% non-plastic materials, such as scallop shells. A newly developed 'square type' shape allows for drawing fine lines using the corners. The lineup has expanded from the standard white 6-piece pack to include various colors, fluorescent colors, color vision-friendly 'eye chalk', and three shapes: regular size, slim axis, and square.
Materials: Calcium carbonate (including scallop shell powder), packaging (51% biomass materials including scallop shells)
Price: From 220 yen (excluding tax)
2. kitpas Series
Features: A completely new drawing material that draws vividly on smooth surfaces like window glass and mirrors, and easily erases with a damp cloth. It boasts world-class design and quality, with 'kitpas by ARTIST ecru' winning the Grand Prix at the Japan Stationery Awards 2024, as well as the international 'iF Design Award'.
Materials: Rice wax, pigments
Price: kitpas Medium 6 colors from 600 yen (excluding tax)
* All products are available at our factory-direct official online store.
■ Company Profile
Company Name: Nihon Rikagaku Industry Co., Ltd.
Founded: February 1937
Representative: Takahisa Oyama, President
Location: 2-15-10 Kuji, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of dustless chalk (approx. 70% domestic market share), blackboard erasers, kitpas, etc.
Characteristics: Approximately 70% of all employees have intellectual disabilities and play a central role on the manufacturing line. The company has been widely featured in media and books, such as 'The Company We Want to Cherish Most in Japan.'
URL: https://www.rikagaku.co.jp
FAQ
What kind of company is Nihon Rikagaku Industry?
Based in Kawasaki, Japan, it's a manufacturer holding a 70% market share in dustless chalk. About 70% of its employees have intellectual disabilities.
What is Sea Shell Chalk?
An eco-friendly chalk made by upcycling discarded scallop shells from Hokkaido. It offers excellent writing quality and features packaging with 51% non-plastic materials.
What are the main ingredients of kitpas?
The main ingredient is rice wax extracted from discarded rice bran. These crayons write smoothly on glass, wipe off with water, and are safe for children.