The ‘arflex ECO PROJECT’, which transforms fabric offcuts into new value, has been awarded the Japanese Red Cross Society’s ‘Gold Medal of Merit’

‘arflex’ is a manufacturer of modern furniture designed for long-lasting, worry-free use. Its product ranges—represented by the ‘MARENCO’, which celebrated its 55th anniversary this year, and the long-running bestseller ‘A・SOFA’—feature high-quality fabrics and leathers carefully selected primarily from Italy and Europe. The ‘arflex ECO PROJECT’, which makes use of fabric and leather offcuts generated during the manufacturing process, was launched in 2013 following the desire of staff at the ARFLEX JAPAN Asahikawa Factory to ‘avoid wasting even the very last scrap of material’. Beginning with the production of promotional items and donations to charity, the project has evolved into the creation of original products such as totes, bottle bags, indoor slippers and small leather goods, with 10 per cent of sales revenue continuously donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. In recognition of this service, the company has recently been awarded the ‘Gold Medal of Merit’—the highest honour bestowed upon organisations that have made significant contributions to Red Cross activities. Furthermore, at ‘ARFLEX ReStore’ in Futako-Tamagawa, Tokyo, and ‘ARFLEX OSAKA’ in Minami-Senba, Osaka—both of which run the ‘arflex ECO PROJECT’—the company utilises the four ‘Re’s: ‘Reuse’ (original items made from fabric offcuts), ‘Resale’ (outlet sales of display items), ‘ Refresh (upcycled furniture)” and “Repair (furniture maintenance)”, fully realising the potential inherent in interiors and textiles themselves and pursuing a sustainable virtuous cycle.