Japanese factory turns scraps into tea-time eleganceーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

A Japanese manufacturer has entered an unexpected field, afternoon tea sets made from leftover materials. The initiative has reduced factory waste. Afternoon tea is a British tradition that has taken hold in Japan as well. It uses a multi-level stand that presents sandwiches, sweets, and tea as an elegant treat. It's not just about enjoying the sweets themselves. I think the dessert stand and tableware play a crucial role in creating a visually appealing experience that enhances the enjoyment. This is the factory where the afternoon tea stands are made. The company's main business is stainless steel floodgates. Trimming sheets of the metal into the right size for the massive water barriers leaves waste cuttings. A designer at the factory, Tokunaga Yayoi, took note that the pieces weren't being used. She hoped to fulfill the idea of mottainai, or not wasting things. I saw many beautiful stainless steel plates with intricate cutouts. I thought they were so clean and lovely. I decided that the best use would be to turn them into small practical tableware. The factory manager at the time, Nishikawa Toshio, was thrilled by Tokunaga's proposal. I didn't even know about afternoon tea itself, nor did I understand tableware. As a new pillar for the factory's business, I wanted to actively help with it. Engineers incorporate the designs drawn by Tokunaga into pieces of floodgates that will be cut away. The laser cutter leaves the metal a little dull and with scorched areas. Drawing inspiration from machines that polish car parts, they developed custom equipment for the job. The tumbler uses stones to bring out the metal's luster. This also creates a smooth surface and luminous shine. The tableware is sold in department stores or used in hotels and cafes. The factory has managed to reduce its waste rate by as much as 20 percent. We believe we have succeeded in creating products that make the most use of materials, minimizing waste and ensuring they are used effectively. This year, she exhibited at an interior design trade show. She hoped to spread awareness of tableware born from the concept of mottainai, or don't waste. Tokunaga's tableware is just a start. She also makes necklaces and accessories and plans to make lamps. Her goal is to share the joy of giving unused materials new life.