Ringo Gamaguchi がま口財布 by Yutaro Kumagai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅賞 in サステナブル製品・プロジェクト・グリーンデザイン Competition Category.
銅サステナブル製品· 2026
Ringo Gamaguchi がま口財布
Client: Appcycle
A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in サステナブル製品 Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #181064The Design
About Ringo Gamaguchi がま口財布
この製品は、りんごの廃棄物から作られた合成皮革「Ringo Tex」を使用しているため、りんごの形をしています。その寸法は本物の小さなりんごの大きさに基づいており、その由来を強調しています。最大の特徴は、がま口財布には珍しい薄さです。これは従来の財布とは異なる縫製方法を採用することで実現され、構造を薄く保つことができました。バッグやポケットに簡単に収まり、コインなどの小物をかさばらずにスマートに持ち運べる製品を作ることを目指しました。
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award 銅賞
Ringo Gamaguchi がま口財布は、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Ringo Gamaguchi がま口財布は、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Ringo Gamaguchi がま口財布は、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- This clasp purse utilizes "Ringo-Tex" a bio-based leather developed by appcycle Inc. in Aomori, Japan's largest apple producing region. Around 20,000 tons of apple residue is produced each year, much of it discarded or incinerated, contributing to CO2 emissions. Ringo-Tex upcycles this waste into synthetic leather through a low-carbon stabilization process. Molded into a 3D apple form expressing it's origin uniting symbolism and craftsmanship while inviting participation in a sustainable society.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- W80mm x D19mm x H90mm
- Tags
- Apple, Apples, Aomori, Japan, Nippon, Bio-leather, Synthetic leather, coin case, purse, clasp purse, kiss-lock, push-lock, accessory, sustainability, vegan leather, appcycle, upcycle, ethical, multifunctional bag, circulation
- Production Technology
- The product is built from four key materials: a clasp frame, Ringo-Tex bio-based leather, an electroformed nameplate, and lining. While the clasp is standard, molding Ringo-Tex is far more demanding than working with genuine leather and required six months of research. Stitching along the complex contours demonstrates Japanese craftsmanship. The gold seed motif, mass-produced by molding, defines the brand’s elegant identity.
- Design Challenge
- The greatest challenge in developing this product was achieving the bumpy texture and stitching applied to complement it. While embossing genuine leather is relatively easy due to it’s elasticity, plant-based synthetic leather is difficult to shape and sew because it lacks these properties. After six months of collaboration with multiple companies and testing we succeeded in creating the texture using a proprietary welder process. It is the product’s most charming yet challenging feature.
- Research
- Ringo-Tex is created by processing apple residue into power and using it as a raw material, reducing petroleum-based inputs in manufacturing by 72 - 74%. This approach lowers the dependence on finite fossil resources and decreases environmental impact. It maintains the durability and water resistance comparable to existing synthetic leather, offering a upcycled next-generation bio-based material that balances sustainability with practical performance.
- Inspiration
- This product is the first release of "Golden Seed" a brand created to embody appcycle's philosophy of "circulation". With the concept of "sowing regenerative seeds and facing a golden future" it expresses Aomori's identity it's apples in a cute, friendly, and accessible way. With refined construction intricate and meticulous stitching reflect the depth of Japanese craftsmanship.
- Project Duration
- The Project was started in 2025 Aomori and was unveiled in Tokyo in January 2026 as the debut product of the Golden Seed brand. For the next phase the team plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign followed by expansion into online platforms and retail stores both in Japan and internationally.
- Operation Flow
- A clasp purse with a push lock to store and carry small items such as coins, AirTags and SD cards.
- Patents
- Currently in the process of submitting a application for a patent.
- Team Members
- CEO : Kei Fujimaki
Vice President : Shohei Hatakeyama
Designer : Yutaro Kumagai
Craftsman : Fumio Sudo
Photographer : Ryokan Abe
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