News

Osaka-Gunze Limited (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan, President: Toshiyasu Saguchi) [TOKYO: 3002] is pleased to announce that Gunze, in cooperation with its consolidated subsidiary Gunze Green Co., Ltd., has achieved carbon negativity, in which the amount absorbed exceeds the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The amount of emissions absorbed by Gunze Green's greening project and the amount of emissions from the production of "3D-MADE Boxers" and "Cutoff™ Boxers" sold by BODY WILD were calculated by the Center for Urban Research, Kyushu University in cooperation with the Natural Capital Credit Consortium, a general incorporated association. As a result, under the analysis based on the method developed by the Center, the "BODY WILD" target products were found to be carbon negative.

■”BODY WILD” is an environmentally friendly product developed through collaboration between industry and academia.
The amount of greenhouse gas reduction contribution from Gunze Green's greening project and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the production of BODY WILD products were calculated using a highly reliable method called Extended Life Cycle Assessment, which was developed by the Center for Urban Research, Kyushu University through joint industry-academic research. Based on this reliable analysis, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and reductions were correctly estimated, and Gunze Green's greening project and "BODY WILD" products were found to be carbon negative.

■Work with Gunze Green to address carbon negatives.
While the manufacturing process of one BODY WILD product emits approximately 2.209 kg-CO2e* of greenhouse gases, Gunze Green annually supplies approximately 4,843 tons of trees throughout Japan that absorb approximately 4,843 tons of CO2. This estimate proves that BODY WILD products are carbon negative, achieving virtually zero or less greenhouse gas emissions.
*CO2 equivalent, which is the value of carbon dioxide equivalent.

■CARE ENVIRONMENT Carbon Negative certification, an initiative for environmentally friendly products recognized by a third party.
CARE Certification is the world's first initiative created by the Japan Institute of Metrology and Sustainability to make visible to everyone whether or not environmental impact and human rights are protected in the manufacturing process of products. CARE Certification has two categories: ENVIRONMENT and HUMAN RIGHTS. Gunze has obtained the "CARE ENVIRONMENT Carbon Negative Certification" (Environment Division), believing that this is a value that should be further spread throughout the world in the future. Gunze will continue to rise to the challenge of sustainable manufacturing with the goal of realizing an "Earth Friendly World”.

■Commentary by Dr. Shuutaro Takeda, Associate Professor, Center for Urban Research, Kyushu University, The Organization for Sustainametrics, Japan.
On the occasion of receiving the first "CARE Certification (ENVIRONMENT)" in Japan, I'm very pleased to cooperate with Gunze Limited in the development of "BODY WILD" as earth-friendly underwear. Global warming has various effects on the natural environment and human life. Under these circumstances, Gunze's initiative to offset greenhouse gas emissions from underwear production through its green business is a globally valuable and industry-leading initiative.
We are committed to making the earth a better place to live and tomorrow a better place to be. For the future of the earth, I will continue our efforts with Gunze.

■BODY WILD has refreshed its brand image for the first time since its debut in 1998.
BODY WILD has been one of our main men's underwear brands since 1998 and has been renewed with a new concept and logo as a total apparel brand for seamless living since February 2024.
The concept is "Bringing the body back to nature". In response to the current trend of seamless lifestyle and fashion, where people choose what they can identify with, we are taking the brand to a new level with an assortment that allows people to feel the brand's DNA, "the pursuit of comfort," all over their bodies.

■About Gunze and our green business
Founded in 1896 in Kyoto, Japan, Gunze is a leading designer and manufacturer of medical devices, plastic films, engineering plastics, electronic components, apparel and other products. Gunze employs more than 4,800 people in 10 countries around the world.
Gunze has been engaged in green business since 1973, based on our experience and technology in mulberry cultivation for sericulture, fertilizer management and soil research, and has been developing green business related to plants and flowers for 51 years. At present, the green business department has 4 offices nationwide.