PROTEGATE EXPO 2025
The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 in 2020 had a significant impact on our social lives. There are still many unknown viruses, and we can never predict when or how an infectious disease might spread. Disinfecting our hands is one way to protect ourselves and those we care about.
SARAYA, which began its journey developing Japan’s first medicated liquid soap and dedicated dispenser, has been promoting the habit of handwashing since 1952. Now, envisioning the future of hand hygiene, we have created a new automatic hand sanitizer dispenser, PROTEGATE EXPO 2025, in collaboration with TerraCycle and 3DPC.
The PROTEGATE hand sanitizer was developed by TEAM EXPO 2025, a co-creation program promoted by the Japan Association for the World Exhibition that brings together individuals and teams to take on the challenges of the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai and its future beyond the event. The name PROTEGATE is a combination of "protect" and "gate", symbolizing its role in preventing infections at entry points. Additionally, inspired by the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the project aims to raise awareness about marine environmental issues, leading to the name PROTEGATE EXPO 2025.
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| Cleaning a beach in Tsushima. You can read more about the problems the island is facing in this article. |
Today, environmental issues facing our oceans are becoming increasingly serious, and marine plastic waste is one of the most pressing concerns. Since the 1950s, humanity has produced approximately 8.3 billion tons¹ of plastic, with 6.3 billion tons² discarded as waste and only about 9%³ being recycled. Shockingly, around 22%³ of plastic waste has not been properly disposed of and has simply disappeared into the environment. Even now, an estimated 12 million tons⁴ of new plastic waste flows into the ocean each year, causing severe harm to marine life. The total amount of plastic waste in the ocean has already exceeded 150 million tons⁵.
As a company that manufactures products, SARAYA believes it has a responsibility to act. That’s why, in addition to using recycled plastic, we are also working to use marine plastic waste as a raw material. Read about the main points of this innovative dispenser below:
Reusing Marine Plastic Waste in the Dispenser Body
Driven by the desire to create a sustainable hand sanitizing dispenser, SARAYA has incorporated marine plastic waste into the grey part of the dispenser body. The material combines recycled plastic with marine plastic provided by TerraCycle, and is shaped using extrusion molding technology.
The blue nozzle part of the dispenser also uses a material made from recycled polypropylene (PP) mixed with marine plastic. It is produced using a 3D printer from 3D Printing Corporation, which has the technology to manufacture products using marine plastic as a raw material.
What kind of Marine Plastic?Marine plastic often contains impurities such as salt and sand, and the plastic itself may be degraded. As a result, reusing it comes with many challenges – such as difficulties in molding it properly or inconsistencies in appearance, including color variations. Despite the above, we use marine plastic that has washed up on the shores of Tsushima City in Nagasaki Prefecture: this waste is collected, sorted, washed, dried, and crushed into pellets to be reused as raw material.
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Accelerating Maintenance with IoT Technology
PROTEGATE is equipped with communication devices and a weight sensor, allowing users to check the remaining amount of sanitizer and battery level via a web interface. This reduces the effort required for maintenance and enables more efficient management of the dispenser.
Designed Easy-to-Use for Everyone
With universal design in mind, the dispenser features both Japanese and English labels, along with easily understandable pictograms. To ensure accessibility for all – adults, children, and wheelchair users – PROTEGATE offers two height options for the hand-sanitizing space. Additionally, the hand insertion area has been made larger to help prevent sanitizer from splashing during use.
Partner Companies Involved in Production
About TerraCycle
TerraCycle is a social enterprise working to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to today’s increasingly complex waste problems, under the mission of "Eliminating the Idea of Waste." Headquartered in the United States, the company operates in 21 countries around the world, building and managing platforms that promote recycling, reuse, and the use of recycled materials.
About 3D Printing Corporation
Since its founding in 2016, 3DPC has provided high-value manufacturing services and sold cutting-edge 3D printers, contributing to shorter lead times and cost reductions. Currently, the company is developing a digital manufacturing platform called "Taiga" to further optimize the supply chain. By combining multiple technologies – not limited to 3D printing – 3DPC continues to deliver innovative solutions for parts production.
A Message from the Creator
When I visited the shores of Tsushima and Tomogashima to observe the current state of marine debris, I was left speechless by the unimaginable situation. Using marine plastic in industrial products presents many challenges in terms of quality, manufacturing, cost, and sustainability. However, by incorporating it into the design of a hand sanitizer dispenser, we hoped to raise awareness about the issue of marine waste and share an example of how marine plastic can be repurposed in society. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire behavioral change, spark innovation, and ultimately contribute to restoring the beauty of our oceans. |
Where to find at the EXPO:
- NPO ZERI JAPAN Pavilion BLUE OCEAN DOME Dome C
- EXPO site rest areas 1 and 2