Changing the future with a cup of coffee! Recycled pottery brand “RI-CO

Have you ever imagined the whereabouts of the glasses and china you have given away?

In this issue, we introduce RI-CO, a company that recycles discarded pottery to create new mugs and glasses. The items, a fusion of local history and recycling technology, will give you an opportunity to think about the future.

Let’s take a look at the challenge of “RI-CO” to change the future with a cup of coffee.

Recycled pottery brand “RI-CO

RI-CO is a recycled pottery brand located in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. The company recycles discarded ceramics and uses recycled materials to make mugs and other items for sale.

Failed Bizen Pottery that is thrown away in the mountains behind the city, and pottery that accumulates in final disposal sites.

The company’s goal is to “do something about the problems hidden in these beautiful crafts.”

This was the question that prompted Mr. Wakiyama and Mr. Maki to meet and “RI-CO” was born.

Until now, no one has taken on the challenge of making ceramic garbage because they had given up on the idea that it was impossible.

Determined to solve this problem and change the fate of discarded items that are thrown away and forgotten, two people who love Bizen Pottery stood up.

The name “RI-CO” has four meanings.

Recycled: To recycle discarded ceramics.
Inspiration: Cherish the inspiration that comes from the senses.
Continue: Passing on a world without end to the next generation
0waste: Achieve zero waste with recycled resources.

We do not just recycle discarded pottery. We aim to create products that are loved in everyday life while taking the environment into consideration.

Thinking about gentleness from a cup of coffee.

With this concept in mind, we continue to take on the challenge of transforming ceramic waste into something of value.

Caring for local history and resources
Thinking about discarded objects
Have hope for the future environment

The appeal of “RI-CO” is that it brings gentleness to the hearts of those who hold it in their hands.

Coffee tastes better? Charm of Bizen Pottery

Bizen City in Okayama Prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea, is known as the birthplace of Bizen Pottery, which has been handed down for more than 1,000 years. Bizen Pottery is one of the six oldest kilns in Japan. It is made using a firing process that does not use a glassy film called yuyaku to cover the surface.

Did you know that there are many legends about Bizen Pottery related to beverages, such as “sake tastes better” and “water lasts longer”? There are various theories, but the surface structure of unglazed pottery and the unique composition of Bizen clay seem to be the reasons for this.

RI-CO from the continue.” conducted a study on the taste of coffee and found that Bizen clay is the best match for coffee. Bizen Pottery enhances the mildness and acidity of the coffee rather than the bitterness of the coffee.

We should know now! Serious Pottery Garbage

The beautiful reddish-brown color of Bizen ware has been loved since ancient times. However, there was a hidden problem behind it that needed to be solved.

That is the problem of “pottery waste.

In Bizen City, approximately 10% of the Bizen Pottery produced is discarded every year. Pottery that has been broken because it leaks or is slightly chipped is left in the hills behind workshops orthrown away aspotterywaste.

Furthermore, it is estimated that ceramics, glass, and concrete make up 18% of the final disposal volume.

Nevertheless, some people may wonder, “Can’t ceramics born from the earth be returned to the soil?

Actually, the answer is no. Because the clay is fired at high temperatures, it becomes as hard as stone. This is why earthenware more than 2,000 years old is excavated from archaeological sites.

With only 20 years left in Japan’s final disposal capacity, ceramic waste was a more serious and difficult challenge than we had imagined.

From Bizen Pottery to New Bizen Pottery

I want to recycle Bizen Pottery.”

When I told this to the people around me, they all responded in a backward way, saying, “It costs a lot of money and is difficult.

However, I could not give up. Mr. Maki, who works for a brick company, took a cue from brick recycling and succeeded in recycling Bizen Pottery.

Although the possibility of eliminating ceramic waste was created, the next obstacle stood in the way: recycled materials leak water.

With the goal of commercialization, we began research on preventing water leakage. At the same time,we also considered ways to utilize its absorbent qualities, such as inflowerpots and water purifierfilters.

After much trial and error, we ended up with drippers and mugs. The reason for this is that coffee is loved by people all over the world.

Items that consider gentleness from a cup of coffee

The items produced by “RI-CO” are not designed to look smooth and sleek, but rather to bring out the tactile qualities of recycled materials.

Where does the ceramic clay come from and where does it go?
What can we do to preserve the rich environment for a long time?
What does it mean to be environmentally friendly?

We want you to think about the future a little bit over a cup of coffee. This is filled with such kind of gentle thoughts for the future.

GOOD MORNING Mug Cup 200

Dishwasher and microwave safe. The texture of natural materials and the effect of the materials make for a refreshing aftertaste. It creates a refreshing moment. Stylish and simple, you will never get tired of using it every day.

TIME Rock Glass

This earthenware glass is suitable for both iced and hot drinks. With its cool design, it can be used all year round. The warmth created by the clay will fit comfortably in your hand.

You can only find old and new mugs and glasses here, where the technique of the production area that preserves tradition and the hope for the future of recycling are fused together.

A story that lasts even after use! A Gentle Story

The Recycled Bizen Series can be recycled as raw materials for recycled ceramics. The gentle cycle continues even after many years of use.

It may be difficult to live a 100% environmentally friendly life. However, it is possible to enjoy an ethical lifestyle casually, starting with a cup of coffee.

RI-CO will continue to take on the challenge of eliminating ceramic waste from the world.

If you are moved even a little by the idea of doing something you can do, or by the beautiful design, please pick up the item and feel the warmth of the earth and the consideration for the environment that is put into it.

Click here to see the products of“RI-CO from the continue.

Official website of “RI-CO from the continue.