Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Pochi ya Kufungwa by Yutaro Kumagai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award in Usanifu wa Bidhaa Endelevu, Miradi na Muundo wa Kijani Competition Category.
ShabaBidhaa Endelevu· 2026
Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Pochi ya Kufungwa
Client: Appcycle
Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award Winner in Bidhaa Endelevu Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #181064The Design
About Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Pochi ya Kufungwa
Book Text: Bidhaa hii ina umbo la tofaa kwa sababu imeundwa kutoka Ringo Tex, ngozi bandia inayotokana na taka za tofaa. Vipimo vyake vinategemea ukubwa wa tofaa halisi dogo, vikisisitiza asili yake. Sifa yake kuu ni wembamba wake, jambo ambalo halionekani mara kwa mara miongoni mwa pochi za kufungwa. Hili lilifikiwa kwa kutumia mbinu ya kushona iliyo tofauti na pochi za kawaida, ikiruhusu muundo kubaki mwembamba. Lengo lilikuwa kuunda bidhaa inayoweza kuingia kwa urahisi ndani ya mikoba au mifuko, ikiruhusu sarafu na vitu vingine vidogo kubebwa kwa weledi bila kuongeza wingi mkubwa.
The Recognition
About the Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award
Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Pochi ya Kufungwa ni mshindi wa Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award, utambuzi wenye heshima kubwa unaotolewa kwa miundo bora inayotofautishwa kwa ubunifu, ustadi na busara. Washindi wa Shaba ni kazi za ufundi mwingi na bunifu ya kushangaza zinazothibitisha uzoefu mpana, mawazo na ustadi wa wabunifu wao. Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Pochi ya Kufungwa inatarajiwa kuwa kitu kinachothaminiwa sana, kupendwa na kuenziwa, ambacho ni cha kitaalamu na bunifu kwa kiasi kikubwa. Muundo huu ulioshinda Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award unajumuisha mbinu bora katika sanaa, sayansi, usanifu na teknolojia, na ni bora kwa umakini wake kwa undani. Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Pochi ya Kufungwa hutosheleza mahitaji kwa uzuri, hugusa hamu, huvutia hisia na kuvutia udadisi.
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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