On October 31st, 2007, ITO EN, Ltd., a major manufacturer of green tea and tea beverages, and the Pack Corp., a package manufacturer, issued a joint statement that they have developed a new type of paper bag that employs used tea leaves left over from ITO EN's tea beverage production process. The companies decided to consider used tea leaves not as residue, but as an untapped material that absorbs and fixes carbon dioxide. Taking into account global warming prevention as well as recycling and saving resources, they have efficiently incorporated used tea leaves with other raw materials to produce paper products.
The new paper bag was developed by applying innovative technology designed to preserve and incorporate used, still-moist tea leaves in the process of manufacturing base sheets. Incorporating used tea leaves can reduce the consumption of other paper-making materials. According to the companies, the new bag is as strong as comparable conventional bags, and can be recycled many times after use.
ITO EN will continue to actively research and develop other products that put characteristics of tea to good use. By promoting this project, the company also aims to raise awareness in society that used tea leaves are not waste, but a readily available and useful resource.
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