VANCOUVER, BC — August 21, 2024 — ChopValue, the pioneering circular product manufacturer transforming underutilized urban resources into climate positive wood alternatives, is proud to announce their first corporate location in Japan. Scheduled to begin operations later this fall, the strategic expansion embodies ChopValue’s deep respect for Japan’s rich cultural heritage and its relationship with the humble chopstick. This investment reinforces ChopValue's commitment to delivering exceptional products, embracing the spirit of “mottainai” through circular design, and nurturing a carbon negative footprint that honors the traditions of Japan’s culture of quality wood craftsmanship.

ChopValue Japan’s head office will be based in Tokyo, housing the extension of Vancouver’s corporate team responsible for overseeing operations across the country. Spanning over 5,000 square feet across three levels, the newly signed Microfactory in nearby Kawasaki will feature the company’s first micro-manufacturing production facility in Japan with additional space for a product and technology development lab addressing local market needs.

Kawasaki is rewriting its industrial legacy by taking decisive steps toward a sustainable future. Known as a center of excellence for advancement and R&D in Japan, the city has a focus on fostering international collaboration in green innovation, making it the ideal location for ChopValue's first Microfactory in the country. ChopValue’s presence in this progressive city is a physical representation of addressing recent challenges in the small business trades environment through state of the art technology solutions, and aligns with Kawasaki’s ambitious goal of creating a decarbonized society by 2050.

“At ChopValue, we honor the concept of 'monozukuri' by creating job opportunities that blend traditional craftsmanship with sustainable innovation,” shared Felix Böck, Founder and CEO of ChopValue. “We're committed to nurturing a new generation who can carry forward the legacy of family businesses - in a way, I see it as a local revitalization, balancing the respect for tradition and passion for environmental stewardship. Our expansion into Japan not only represents the largest and most densely accessible market for urban harvesting chopsticks, but also a chance to drive wealth generation in local communities through the production of high-quality products. In a world where climate action can seem overwhelming, we want to involve the trades to work with us on tangible solutions — proving that circularity and design can lead the way toward a sustainable future.”

As ChopValue lays the foundation for future growth with their first Microfactory in Japan, they are not only reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship, but also setting the stage for transformative alliances across the country. As its initial market entry is focusing on creating a strong brand presence ensuring quality standards, product design guidelines and value-aligned partnerships, ChopValue’s growth strategy in Japan will create significant and lasting impact by integrating a phased approach that blends immediate and long-term goals. Initially centered on driving product partnerships and achieving major manufacturing efficiencies, this approach will be followed by locally established joint ventures that pave the way for sustainable market development. The final phase focuses on ChopValue’s philosophy of using franchising to expand its operations that empower local business ownership and accelerate rapid nationwide impact to meet the growing demand for sustainable products, to help build a resilient, sustainable economy for generations to come.

The signing of the first location comes just six weeks after announcing ChopValue's Advisory Board for the Japan market entry, paving the way to tackle Japan's annual 27 billion chopstick opportunity.