Forests are an important presence that prevents global warming, protects us from disasters, and heals our hearts, but now those forests are not functioning properly due to lack of successors and delays in maintenance.
“We cannot overlook this situation.”
With such strong feelings, there are people who are integrating forestry and manufacturing and challenging themselves to create safe and secure products.
USP Corporation’s President Ueda Yasuhiro has risen up with like-minded colleagues to protect the future of forestry.
What kind of thoughts did they have when starting this initiative? We will introduce it in detail.
What is USP Corporation?
USP Corporation is a manufacturing company that has been managed by President Ueda Yasuhiro in Nakauchi, Kurashiki City for over 20 years.
Initially founded as a resin and metal cutting processing business, it launched a new forestry business in 2021. Together with young employees in their 20s who were hired at the start, they are working broadly on basic forestry activities such as wood processing and effective utilization of waste materials aimed at minimizing manufacturing loss, continuously challenging themselves to achieve a sustainable society.
Currently, they are utilizing the technology cultivated in the manufacturing industry, collaborating with universities and small factories, and are engaged in integrated product development from raw material procurement to manufacturing equipment development, and even product creation to sales.
Start of Forestry Business and Background
The trigger for starting the forestry business was the heavy rain in July 2018.
Ueda realized that one of the causes of the flooding was the trees that had been left unattended without proper thinning, and he felt the importance of forest maintenance.
Afterward, he learned that the unmaintained forests in Kibi Chuo Town were affecting agricultural land, recognizing that the lack of successors in forestry and delays in forest maintenance were local issues. This became the decisive factor for entering the forestry business.
Features of the Business and Initiatives for SDGs
Ueda says he was healed by the aroma of hinoki while he was cutting down trees at the request of farmers in Kibi Chuo Town.
Depending on the season, when cutting the trees, splashes of water would rise, and he noticed that the aroma of hinoki spread around each time.
When he investigated the components of hinoki, he discovered that it had various effects. He then decided to commercialize essential oils from hinoki produced in Okayama Prefecture as a way to let many people know about the local hinoki industry and to convey the goodness of traditional hinoki in Japan.
In the process of commercialization, he researched waste-free extraction methods and optimal aromas, and developed equipment such as distillation devices utilizing the processing technology he had cultivated so far.
Furthermore, they are promoting sustainable resource utilization from the perspective of SDGs by making full use of the harvested wood. As part of this resource utilization, they also launched a pet business selling cat litter made from waste chips and hinoki deodorizing mist for pets.
About USP Corporation's Project Brand
USP Corporation is developing a project brand called KYONEN Hinoki that utilizes hinoki from Okayama Prefecture.
The products are as follows:
- Hinoki essential oil… High-quality essential oil without additives or coloring
- Wa Mist (Nago Mist)… All-around distilled water mist for deodorizing, anti-odor, antibacterial, and sterilization
- Pet Mist (for all pets)… High-quality hinoki mist that is gentle on pets, without additives or coloring
- Natural hinoki mat for small animals and birds (chip type)
- Natural hinoki mat for insects (for adults), without additives
They are actively participating in events such as Kurashiki Sansai City to let more people know about the appeal of these products and are conducting proactive PR activities.
In the future, they plan to expand their focus beyond hinoki products to agriculture, working on the development and sale of essential oils and aroma products utilizing often discarded peels of oranges, yuzu, and lemons.
By not wasting resources and creating new value, we spoke with the project members of USP Corporation about further developing their business.
We interviewed Ueda Yasuhiro, President of USP Corporation, Ueda Yuta, head of the forestry business division, and Takahashi Yoki, President of Magmell Corporation, who is in charge of developing and selling pet food.
Interview with USP Corporation's President and Project Members
Trigger for Entering Forestry from Manufacturing
What was the trigger for entering forestry from manufacturing?
Ueda Yasuhiro (no honorifics)
I have always been interested in forestry, and the heavy rain in July 2018 was a major turning point. I learned that the flooding was partly due to insufficient forest maintenance. Old trees fell, narrowing the river width and causing floods. Witnessing these issues made me want to do something about it.
I understand you actually visited Kibi Chuo Town.
Ueda Yasuhiro
When I visited Kibi Chuo Town, I confirmed many places where the trees growing around agricultural land were hindering the growth of crops. When I asked the local residents, they said that no one was cutting down the trees, and the farmers were also struggling, which made me strongly feel the need for forest maintenance. The lack of successors in forestry is also serious, and I decided to tackle this issue.
About the Forestry Business
What preparations did you make to start the forestry business?
Ueda Yasuhiro
In starting forestry, I first obtained qualifications for chainsaws and heavy machinery, and spent about three years preparing. To ensure the success of the business, I decided to collaborate with acquaintances from various industries, leveraging each of their strengths. Thus, I officially started the forestry business in 2021.
So, you reached out to Takahashi. Takahashi, why did you decide to work at USP Corporation?
Takahashi (no honorifics)
I run a company that sells pet food made from grains, and I was approached by President Ueda. Hearing about the plans to develop a business that also considers agriculture, I had a desire to create circular products, so I joined the team.
What are you particularly focusing on in the forestry business?
Ueda Yuta (no honorifics)
We are working on “circular forestry” that effectively utilizes all wood resources. We are particularly focusing on hinoki, distilling it to extract oils and distilled water for commercialization. Hinoki has effects such as deodorizing, relaxation, and sterilization, and can be utilized in various applications as a safe natural material.
Takahashi
The waste generated after logging is processed into cat litter, chips, firewood, and pellets for utilization. We aim for a sustainable business from the perspective of SDGs by making full use of resources generated from forestry.
About Hinoki Aroma Products
Hinoki aroma products are also being developed. What are their characteristics?
Ueda Yuta
Hinoki distilled water has been scientifically proven to have relaxation effects and antioxidant properties. Based on this, we are advancing the development of products such as pet mists, insect repellents, hand creams, and shampoos. We are currently collaborating with a cosmetics company to develop a wider range of products that can be used by more people.
At "Ebisu no Yu" in Tsuyama City, hinoki essential oil and distilled water are used in low-temperature saunas. We aim to continue developing products that maximize the appeal of hinoki.
The Future of Forestry
What kind of future do you envision through forestry?
Ueda Yasuhiro
We aim to build a sustainable business model by conducting everything from primary industry to sixth industry in-house. We have already constructed a factory in Kibichuo Town and are advancing forest management. Furthermore, we aim to enter agriculture and fisheries to provide a safe and rich living.
Okayama Prefecture is among the top producers of hinoki in Japan, but the forestry industry itself is currently declining. We will also challenge ourselves to revitalize forestry by conveying the appeal of hinoki in new forms such as oils and distilled water.
Future Prospects
Finally, please share your future prospects.
Ueda Yuta
Forestry has a strong image of being "dangerous" and "difficult," but due to technological advancements, safe and efficient work is now possible. Our company has also introduced machines that can fell trees once sufficient skills are acquired. While utilizing such technologies, we want to convey the appeal of forestry to the younger generation.
Ueda Yasuhiro
Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, which form the foundation of food, clothing, and shelter, are essential to human life. Entertainment can only exist with a safe and stable life. However, the future of our lives is not guaranteed.
Japan is often said to be a "resource-poor country," but in reality, it has abundant resources. However, we currently depend heavily on imports. We want to build our business with our own hands, enrich the lives of our families and friends, and make them happy.
To realize this aspiration, we will further expand the pillars of our business and contribute to society together with our colleagues.
Conclusion
USP Corporation aims to establish itself as a company that handles all processes of production, processing, and sales, creating employment while striving for the realization of a sustainable society.
Here, like-minded colleagues gather, leveraging their individual strengths to develop the business and create an environment where they stimulate each other.
This challenge, which began with the thought that "we must do something ourselves," will likely expand into new industries as a new form of company while incorporating the perspectives of the younger generation.
I look forward to seeing what kind of future USP Corporation will carve out and its further activities.
Data of USP Corporation
| Organization Name | USP Corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Precision processing business Forestry Manufacturing and sales of pet food and pet supplies |
| Representative Name | Ueda Yasuhiro |
| Year Established | 2013 |
| Address | 10-3-10 Nakauchi, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-455-4772 |
| Website | USP Corporation |
Magmell Corporation… A company that develops gluten-free and nutritionally balanced pet food made from rice flour.