CHAPTER.01 /ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
"Environmental issues surrounding plastics"
In recent years, plastic waste flowing into the oceans has become a global issue. Many sea turtles and seabirds die after mistakenly ingesting plastic debris, and fish or turtles are often caught and drown in discarded fishing nets. The annual production of plastic has expanded twentyfold over the past 50 years, reaching 400 million tons, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year. Carried by waves and currents, this waste gathers in areas called “garbage patches,” with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch alone estimated to be four times the size of Japan.
Illustration of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. (Credit: NOAA Marine Debris Program)
Plastic decomposes very slowly in the ocean; for instance, a plastic bottle takes around 400 years to break down in seawater. If plastic waste continues to accumulate, there is a frightening prediction that, by 2050, the volume of plastic in the ocean could surpass the total weight of fish. Microplastics, small fragments less than 5 mm in size created by UV rays and wave action, can absorb harmful substances, which then enter fish and, eventually, human bodies as well.
Microplastics
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
"Environmental issues surrounding plastics in numbers"
CHAPTER.02 /WHAT ' S ONE OCEAN
"ONE OCEAN: Shaping a Better Future for Our Seas"
In an effort to improve the bleak situation in our oceans, MN Interfashion has developed a new recycled polyester material called ONE OCEAN, made from ocean plastic waste. The goal of ONE OCEAN is to eliminate plastic waste from the seas, with continued efforts in developing new recycled materials.
CHAPTER.03 / MANUFACTURING PROCESS
"The Recycling Process for Plastic Waste"
Ocean waste is collected.
Plastic waste, including bottles, is sorted, cleaned, and crushed.
The crushed plastic is melted and turned into pellets.
These pellets are used to produce thread.
The thread is made into woven or knit fabrics.
Certification and Use of Ocean Waste Plastic Bottles
CHAPTER.04 / EVIDENCE
"Certificates for use of ocean-discarded PET bottles can be issued"
ONE OCEAN collaborates with major fiber manufacturers in the U.S. and Taiwan, allowing for the issuance of certifications for the use of ocean-sourced plastic bottles and GRS certification. Some fabrics include fiber prints, enabling precise calculation of the amount of ocean waste (plastic bottles) used per garment when sent to their destinations.
What is GRS Certification?
Based on information from Japan's Ministry of the Environment, GRS is an international voluntary standard that specifies third-party certification for recycled materials and Chain of Custody (CoC) requirements. It applies to products containing at least 50% recycled content and covers social and environmental aspects of processing, quality, and legal compliance.
Reducing Greenhouse Gases
In the past, T-shirts made with ONE OCEAN fabric achieved a 28% reduction in CO2 emissions during production compared to regular polyester T-shirts, as confirmed by Earth Hacks*. CO2 reductions for future products can also be calculated.
*About Earth Hacks: This co-creation platform, jointly launched by Hakuhodo’s “Future Business Room” and Mitsui & Co., promotes a decarbonized society by encouraging individual actions. Earth Hacks offers tools like the Dekabo Score to display CO2e reduction percentages compared to conventional products.
CHAPTER.05 / PRODUCT
"Expanding the ONE OCEAN Initiative"
