Communication

Banana paper projects Ashi

Extra Form
Country	Cambodia
Year	2024
Award	GOLD WINNER
Client	Kumae Banana Paper Products Co., Ltd.
Affiliation	KIT DESIGN FARM
Designer	Yoshihiro Kitayama
English	Ashi paper is result of combination between 70% banana fiber and 30% recycled bottle fiber.“Ashi” products are water resistant, up-cycling, long lasting and handmade our products that are proudly made by former workers at the dump site.We make products such as pouches, coasters and postcards made of paper printed with over 50 graphics inspired by Cambodia’s nature and culture.“Ashi” is a brand as souvenirs for tourists in Siem Reap. We aim to create products that recollecting emotions and excitement of Cambodia.We make everything from materials to products in a village.We are spreading of bringing the real “made in Cambodia” to the world.
Native	「亜紙」はバナナペーパーに独自の方法で加工を施し、耐久・耐水性を加えたkumaeが開発したオリジナルの新しい紙素材です。一枚ずつ手で漉いた紙に、カンボジアの自然や文化、伝統、暮らしなどからインスパイアされた50種類を超えるグラフィックを印刷して、ポーチやコースター、カードケース、ポストカードなどのプロダクトをつくっています。「Ashi」はシェムリアップで観光客へ向けたお土産ブランドとして展開していて、カンボジアへ訪れて感じたワクワクやドキドキをふっと思い出す、そんなプロダクトを目指しています。またメイド・イン・カンボジアのモノがまだ少ない中、素材から商品までシェムリアップのゴミ山の側にある小さな村でつくりながら、本物のメイド・イン・カンボジアを世界へ発信しています。
Website	kit-design.jp
Positive Comments
Judging Comments	The Banana Paper Projects "Ashi" by Yoshihiro Kitayama received the 'Gold Winner' at the Asia Design Prize 2024 for its innovative use of sustainable materials, combining banana fiber with recycled bottle fiber to create water-resistant, upcycled products. The jury highlighted the project's social impact, employing former dumpsite workers to handcraft items that capture Cambodia's nature and culture, embodying the essence of "made in Cambodia" and offering tourists meaningful souvenirs while promoting environmental sustainability.