Smart Cotton Declaration
UCHINO is committed to using cotton as a material.
Aiming for ultimate lightness, softness, and comfortable functionality,
We have expanded our development range to towels, gauze, and knitwear.
We are pursuing the creation of an unprecedented, advanced, comfortable and pleasant material - "Smart Cotton."
By further advancing material development and creating products that are considerate of society and the environment,
We will propose a healthy and comfortable lifestyle.
Smart Cotton
~A new definition of UCHINO cotton material~
Utilizing experienced techniques and the latest technology
Created with a comfortable feel and high functionality,
Advanced and high-quality cotton material
Patent acquisition
It indicates that the materials, manufacturing methods, and products have been developed by UCHINO using its own unique technology and are patented in Japan and around the world.
Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 "Product Class I" certified
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is the world's highest safety standard, established to support consumers in purchasing textile products that do not contain harmful chemicals. In particular, "Product Class I" sets strict standards for infants and young children.
Winner of consecutive gold awards in the Omotenashi Selection
(Marshmallow Gauze®, Super Marshmallow®, Happy Towel®)
*Marshmallow Gauze® has won the gold award for 10 consecutive years since 2015.
The OMOTENASHI SELECTION is an award given to products and services that have been selected from a global perspective and are born from the uniquely Japanese spirit of "omotenashi" (hospitality).
Department Store Buyers Award Living Category
Awarded for 9 consecutive years (2015-2023) (Marshmallow Gauze®)
For the ninth consecutive year, the company has won the Best Seller Award in the Living Category of the Department Store Buyers Awards, sponsored by Senken Shimbun and given to companies that have contributed to the development of the fashion business industry.
Winner of the Kids Design Award (Marshmallow Gauze®)
The Kids Design Awards recognize designs that contribute to the safety and security of children, designs that foster creativity and open up the future, and designs that make it easier to have and raise children.
Recommended by the Japan Atopic Dermatitis Association
Marshmallow Gauze®・Crepe Gauze®
Marshmallow Waffle Gauze / Marshmallow Waffle Gauze Light
Marshmallow Gauze & Pile and Airy Touch® series products
Some towels from the Towel Gallery, including the Shiawase Towel®, are recommended by the Japan Atopic Dermatitis Association.
*Some products may not be eligible depending on their specifications.
At UCHINO, we believe that the best feel and highest quality come from carefully selected ingredients and manufacturing methods.
We spin the best possible yarn from carefully selected cotton, and are thoroughly committed to weaving, dyeing, and finishing, always striving to develop the very best.
We offer a variety of items made using materials unique to UCHINO, which is constantly evolving.
What is UCHINO quality?
Pursuing higher quality and safety,
Those that meet the criteria
We define this as "UCHINO Quality."
"UCHINO quality" means high-quality products that are superior in quality, comfortable to use, and have world-class safety.
It is managed by strict quality standards and meets international safety standards.
"Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, Product Class I (for infants and young children)"
This product is certified by the Food and Drug Administration, and is comfortable to use and safe enough to be placed in a baby's mouth without worry.
We pursue quality and safety that is tailored to the characteristics of each product, and manufacture our products to a higher standard than the quality standards generally used in the industry.
UCHINO is committed to quality and usability, and we strive to achieve even higher levels of quality and safety in our products.
What is UCHINO Premium?
Made using carefully selected high-quality natural materials from around the world and special manufacturing processes, these products are a cut above the rest, featuring superior quality and a rich feel, with the utmost in texture, functionality, and comfort.
<Carefully selected ingredients>
We use carefully selected high-quality materials, such as rare extra-long staple cotton, which accounts for less than 5% of the world's cotton, smooth silk that is gentle on the skin, and linen, which is characterized by its pleasant stimulation.
＜Special manufacturing process＞
In addition to towels, gauze, and waffles that have been patented using our unique technology, we have maximized the feel and comfort of our products by using structures and manufacturing methods that improve functionality such as absorbency and quick drying.
＜High Quality＞
In pursuit of higher quality and safety, we manage our products according to strict quality standards, and our towels, baby products, and various gauze materials (fabrics) are certified by the international safety standard OEKO-TEX (mat products are not included).
What is OEKO-TEX?
What is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?
(Oeko-Tex® Standard 100)
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is the world's highest safety standard, established to support consumers in purchasing textile products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
It is a mark of safety of textile products that is only given to products that pass rigorous analytical tests for more than 350 types of harmful chemicals, and has become an important indicator for trade and consumption in over 100 countries around the world.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certification Areas
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 has four standards based on application, with the standards becoming stricter for products that come into contact with the skin more frequently.
The most stringent standards are set for product class I, which is intended for infants and young children.
What are the products recommended by the Atopic Dermatitis Association?
This is a certification system for recommended products that was launched in response to inquiries from patients to the Japan Atopic Dermatitis Association asking, "Is there anything that would work?"
Products that are considered from various perspectives and deemed to be beneficial to patients are approved as recommended products.
Marshmallow Gauze®・Crepe Gauze®
Marshmallow Waffle Gauze / Marshmallow Waffle Gauze Light
Marshmallow Gauze & Pile and Airy Touch® series products
Some towels from the towel gallery, including the Shiawase Towel®
is recommended by the Japan Atopic Dermatitis Association.
*Some products may not be eligible depending on their specifications.
Consideration for the environment and society
What is sustainable cotton?
Sustainable cotton means "cotton produced in a sustainable manner" and is cotton that is grown in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment, takes into consideration the health and lives of workers, and provides fair working conditions so that cotton cultivation can continue in the long term into the future.
Minimize environmental impact
- Reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers to avoid contaminating the soil
- Reduce water usage to avoid harming the environment
Consideration of workers' health and lifestyle
- Agricultural methods that consider safety and no health hazards
- Fair trade that improves the lives of not only farmers but the entire community
Fair working conditions
- A fair system that is free from human rights violations and gender discrimination
- Fair employment conditions, free from child labor and exploitation
It is a global organization established to solve environmental and social issues related to the cotton value chain.
The Cotton2040 initiative aims to promote sustainable cotton
"Grown in a way that maintains production levels while minimizing environmental impact.
While addressing long-term environmental constraints and socio-economic issues,
Something that can support producers’ livelihoods and communities.” It is defined as:
There are no legal regulations or certifications for sustainable cotton, but Cotton2040 defines Better Cotton, Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA), Fairtrade cotton, Australian cotton (myBMP), American cotton, OCS, GOTS certified organic cotton, GRS, and RCS certified recycled cotton as sustainable cotton, and this serves as an indicator.
Currently, we define sustainable cotton as the following:
・American cotton
・Australian cotton
・Better Cotton
・Fair trade cotton certified by international fair trade standards
In the future, we also plan to add OCS and GOTS certified organic cotton and recycled cotton products.
Sustainable cotton initiatives
We are actively committed to promoting the use of sustainable cotton and have set targets for the proportion of sustainable cotton used in the products we sell.
For our original brands, which we plan and develop in-house, we aim to increase the proportion of sustainable cotton used to 70% by the end of 2025, and 100% by the end of 2030.
What is Better Cotton?
Better Cotton is cotton distributed by BCI (Better Cotton Initiative), the world's largest organization running a cotton sustainability program (the world's largest cotton farmer support organization), and currently accounts for approximately 23% of the world's cotton.
BCI works to promote better, more sustainable cotton cultivation by educating cotton farmers on water and soil management, as well as proper fertilizer and agricultural practices.
Because the goal is to improve cotton cultivation, the process is strictly controlled up until harvest, but because Better Cotton itself has no added value, there is no tracing of the actual cotton at the distribution stage. Only the amount distributed between members is treated as Better Cotton, and the total amount is managed within a single system, from ordering the product to procuring the cotton and shipping the product.
Because Better Cotton does not trace the actual products, it is not possible to label products as "made with Better Cotton." However, the theoretical amount used is strictly controlled, and the amount and ratio of usage across the company can be clearly shown.
While we cannot express "what we are using it for," we can explain "how much we (as a company) are using" and "how we are using it."
We have been a member since 2020, and our key overseas supply chains have also joined the Better Cotton platform.
Initiatives toward SDGs
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
"SDGs" is an abbreviation for "Sustainable Development Goals," and is a set of common goals for the international community to realize a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive society that was adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015. It is made up of 17 goals indicated by icons, 169 targets that are specific targets for each goal, and 244 indicators.
UCHINO's approach to implementing SDGs
From our founding to the present, we have always held the firm belief that customer satisfaction comes first, and we develop products using high-quality materials developed with our own technology. As a company that designs lifestyles that allow people to live healthy and comfortable lives, we aim to expand our network not only in Japan but also around the world, and to further grow into a global niche top company. Based on our philosophy that "customer profits generate company profits, which are returned to employee profits and society profits," we will continue to make further efforts toward the realization of a sustainable world through signing the United Nations Global Compact and working on SDGs.
Signing and participating in the United Nations Global Compact
We have signed and participated in the United Nations Global Compact and support its 10 principles.
The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is a voluntary initiative in which companies and organizations participate in creating a global framework for achieving sustainable growth. Companies and organizations that sign the UNGC agree to 10 principles related to the protection of human rights, the elimination of unfair labor practices, environmental protection, and the prevention of corruption, and continue to work toward their realization.
Initiatives to achieve the SDGs
1. We develop and propose products that contribute to health promotion.
From good sleep to good health
In this day and age when the term "sleep debt" has been nominated for the buzzword award, our Marshmallow Gauze® pajamas have evidence that "97% of people experience a good night's sleep." Going forward, we will continue to promote "good sleep = UCHINO" and strengthen our development and proposals that lead to good sleep and good health.
Creating products that can be used safely even by those with sensitive skin
Many of our products have been selected as recommended by the Japan Atopic Dermatitis Association, so they can be used safely by people with sensitive skin. We will strengthen the development of products that are gentle on the skin and less irritating, and establish the brand "Gentle on the skin = UCHINO."
*Some products may not be eligible depending on their specifications.
2. We aim to use 100% sustainable cotton
We are promoting a shift to sustainable raw materials that are considerate of the environment and society. We already use sustainable cotton from the United States and Australia in our main products, Marshmallow Gauze® and Shiawase Towel®, but we will further increase the usage rate in the future, aiming to make the usage rate of sustainable cotton in UCHINO brand products 70% by the end of 2025 and 100% by the end of 2030.
Sustainable cotton at UCHINO
Better Cotton
・American cotton
・Australian cotton
The three cotton varieties mentioned above are sustainable, with proper management of water and pesticide use and improvements to working conditions.
3. Support people suffering from disasters, illnesses, etc.
For many years, we have supported organizations and companies through product donations and other means, providing support to areas where normal life has become difficult due to damage from earthquakes, typhoons, and other disasters, and to people whose quality of life has declined due to illness or poverty.
[Examples of initiatives]
- Support through product donations to areas affected by earthquakes, typhoons, etc. (As of April 2020: Cumulative total of 44,926 units)
- Every year, we donate our products to the Chuo University Overseas Housing Construction Volunteer Circle.
- In collaboration with the Iwate Hospice Association, a citizens' group based in Morioka City that supports cancer patients and their families, we are conducting awareness-raising activities for skin-friendly towels and gauze hats, and working to ease the pain of as many people as possible.
4. We will conduct economic activities that are considerate of the environment.
- As a general rule, we will use more environmentally friendly materials for product labels and packaging, as well as packaging materials and shopping bags used in stores (e.g., using environmentally friendly paper and reusable bags).
- As a general rule, we use reusable cardboard for shipping, and we are reducing the amount of cardboard used by streamlining our logistics operations.
- We will donate or reuse used products.
- We will promote paperless operations within the company and reduce the burden on the environment.
5. We do not manufacture products under unfair working conditions
Many of our customers are women, so we will proactively appoint women who are in similar positions to our customers to managerial positions. We will also create an environment where women can work with peace of mind, and promote the active participation of women throughout the company.