Yuri Ito

CEO at SORENA | Pioneering Upcycling OS | Producer of Ringo Leatherette | Bio-Materials

Nagano, Japan

About

At SORENA, we believe that "waste" is a misplaced resource. We operate as an "Upcycling OS" (Operating System), specializing in converting diverse agricultural residues into high-value functional materials, including leatherette, paper, and skincare ingredients. Our journey is rooted in a landmark achievement: we were the first in Japan to develop "Ringo Leatherette," a sustainable synthetic material made from apple waste. This innovation began in Nagano, born from a passion to give new life to local produce and preserve a vibrant planet for the next 100 years. While we are proud of our origins with apples, our vision has evolved. Today, we focus on a scalable framework that transforms any agricultural waste into industrial-grade materials. By partnering with academic institutions and global industry leaders, we are implementing these bio-materials across sectors such as mobility, interior design, and consumer goods. We are building the essential infrastructure for a truly circular economy. Core Expertise: • Upcycling OS: Transforming a wide range of agricultural waste into multi-purpose industrial materials. • Circular Economy: Reducing petroleum reliance and creating new value for regional resources. • Global Collaboration: Seeking visionary partners to co-create the future of sustainable materials.

Experience

  • CEO at 株式会社SORENA