Bronze Sustainable Product · 2026
Ringo Gamaguchi Clasp Purse
- Bronze A' Design Award 2026 in Sustainable Product
- CLIENT: Appcycle
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 10,045
- Verification code 66E5575781 · Verify this award
Colors
About Ringo Gamaguchi Clasp Purse
This product takes the shape of an apple because it is crafted from Ringo Tex, a synthetic leather derived from apple waste. Its dimensions are based on the size of a real small apple, emphasizing its origin. Its main feature is its slimness, not usually seen among clasp purses. This was achieved by adopting a sewing approach different from conventional purses, allowing the structure to remain thin. The intention was to create a product that can easily fit into bags or pockets, allowing coins and other small items to be carried smartly without adding much bulk.
About the Bronze A' Design Award
Ringo Gamaguchi Clasp Purse is a Bronze A' Design Award winner, a highly prestigious recognition granted to outstanding designs distinguished by creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness. Bronze winners are amply skillful and strikingly creative artifacts that authenticate the vast experience, imagination, and resourcefulness of their designers. Ringo Gamaguchi Clasp Purse is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished object that is notably professional and innovative. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning design incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, and is excellent for its attention to detail. Ringo Gamaguchi Clasp Purse splendidly satisfies needs, touches desires, charms feelings, and appeals to curiosity.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This clasp purse utilizes "Ringo-Tex" a bio-based leather developed by appcycle Inc. in Aomori, Japan's largest apple producing region. Around 20,000 tons of apple residue is produced each year, much of it discarded or incinerated, contributing to CO2 emissions. Ringo-Tex upcycles this waste into synthetic leather through a low-carbon stabilization process. Molded into a 3D apple form expressing it's origin uniting symbolism and craftsmanship while inviting participation in a sustainable society.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- W80mm x D19mm x H90mm
- Tags
- Apple, Apples, Aomori, Japan, Nippon, Bio-leather, Synthetic leather, coin case, purse, clasp purse, kiss-lock, push-lock, accessory, sustainability, vegan leather, appcycle, upcycle, ethical, multifunctional bag, circulation
- Production Technology
- The product is built from four key materials: a clasp frame, Ringo-Tex bio-based leather, an electroformed nameplate, and lining. While the clasp is standard, molding Ringo-Tex is far more demanding than working with genuine leather and required six months of research. Stitching along the complex contours demonstrates Japanese craftsmanship. The gold seed motif, mass-produced by molding, defines the brand’s elegant identity.
- Design Challenge
- The greatest challenge in developing this product was achieving the bumpy texture and stitching applied to complement it. While embossing genuine leather is relatively easy due to it’s elasticity, plant-based synthetic leather is difficult to shape and sew because it lacks these properties. After six months of collaboration with multiple companies and testing we succeeded in creating the texture using a proprietary welder process. It is the product’s most charming yet challenging feature.
- Research
- Ringo-Tex is created by processing apple residue into power and using it as a raw material, reducing petroleum-based inputs in manufacturing by 72 - 74%. This approach lowers the dependence on finite fossil resources and decreases environmental impact. It maintains the durability and water resistance comparable to existing synthetic leather, offering a upcycled next-generation bio-based material that balances sustainability with practical performance.
- Inspiration
- This product is the first release of "Golden Seed" a brand created to embody appcycle's philosophy of "circulation". With the concept of "sowing regenerative seeds and facing a golden future" it expresses Aomori's identity it's apples in a cute, friendly, and accessible way. With refined construction intricate and meticulous stitching reflect the depth of Japanese craftsmanship.
- Project Duration
- The Project was started in 2025 Aomori and was unveiled in Tokyo in January 2026 as the debut product of the Golden Seed brand. For the next phase the team plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign followed by expansion into online platforms and retail stores both in Japan and internationally.
- Operation Flow
- A clasp purse with a push lock to store and carry small items such as coins, AirTags and SD cards.
- Patents
- Currently in the process of submitting a application for a patent.