Japan: Awareness on the sustainable use of local wood
Engaging young people in the use of local wood.
The forestry industry in Japan has suffered decline in recent times resulting in reduced forest management. Givaudan employees, with the support of the Givaudan Foundation are helping raise awareness of the value of Japanese wood and the importance of good forestry, and in doing so also supporting the most vulnerable in society.
In Tokyo, volunteer employees from Givaudan have partnered with a non-profit organisation, specialising in social initiatives that promote the use of wood from local forests through manufacturing upcycled items made by people suffering from disabilities.
Since 2021, the Givaudan volunteer team has been organising awareness campaigns, workshops on wood aroma extraction and upcycling initiatives for young people. They also distributed meals accompanied by cypress-scented chopsticks to vulnerable people in a welfare association and sensitised them to the use of Japanese wood. In order to be fully competent on the subject, the team members gained certification as Tree Educators.
The overall initiative was met with very positive feedback from the beneficiaries who recognised the creativity of the project and its relevance. Finally, the initiative also promoted the integration of people with mental disabilities who manufactured wood products, such as chopsticks, used during the project.