Development of New Products Considering Circularity.

2023.5.29
Products

Goals

Bringing Out the Inherent Texture and Beauty of Aluminum Casting

Starting from the fiscal year 2023, our company has been focusing not only on the production process but also on the considerations for products after use. Within this initiative, we would like to introduce a new product that embodies our belief that cherishing and using one item for a long time is the most environmentally friendly approach, rather than producing a large quantity.

The G1280 is a product that brings out the inherent texture and beauty of aluminum casting through minimal processing steps. Being made from a single material makes material reuse easy, and as it lacks surface treatment, there is no peeling of surface finishes, allowing it to develop a natural texture over time.

While many of our products are designed with consideration for people and the environment, it's crucial that they possess appealing designs to be desired by our customers. To understand the intentions behind the development of this product, we spoke to the designer, Mr. Sato.

Q1. What was the inspiration behind the development of G1280?
A: The inspiration came when I visited a foundry and saw the gates and runners, separated from castings in sand molds, accumulating in large baskets. gates and runners are essential elements to evenly distribute metal to the parts of the product, and while they don't inherently possess beauty, I felt they were beautiful when I saw them. Despite being full of imperfections (pinholes) and having an unassuming appearance, I was struck by their beauty. While it's common for castings without imperfections and shape distortions to be considered good products, I wanted many people to know that there is also beauty in this aspect of castings, and that's what led to the product development.

Q2. What do you consciously consider in your design process?
A: It may sound intuitive, but I consciously dive deep into the essence of craftsmanship to find beauty. While it's possible to create cool shapes through styling, I believe that alone might not give a product a profound and distinctive presence. I delve into the world of craftsmanship, observing various things, and search for what I personally find beautiful, approaching design with a sense of diving into a deep sea to discover treasures.

Q3. As a company focused on "circularity" in the development department, what challenges would you like to tackle in the future?
A: I want to create products that will be used for generations. Passing down items is also a form of circulation, and I believe many customers appreciate products that gain emotional and meaningful value after purchase. It's not just about the "form" but also about the broader perspective of what kind of "presence" the product should have. I think we need to approach product development from this perspective.

From now on, our company will continue to approach craftsmanship with sincerity, always maintaining a broad perspective.
Please check our catalogs, website, and other platforms to explore other new products that we have to offer.