URCYL
Moldable Wood
URCYL is a completely new, moldable material crafted solely from URUSHI and wood.
Born from the fusion of Japan’s 10,000-year tradition of natural materials and modern science, this innovative material redefines the idea of “disposability” and offers a future where objects are repaired and cherished for a hundred years.
Sustainability
Carbon minus
Using URCYL helps to promote a sustainable cycle of forest utilization. This groundbreaking material contributes to long-term CO₂ sequestration.
Made of plants
Composed solely of URUSHI and wood powder, URCYL offers exceptional moldability through thermo-compression forming. It delivers outstanding heat, water, and wear resistance, ensuring a long and reliable product lifespan.
Crafted in Japan
URCYL is manufactured entirely in Japan. We continue to develop our technology with the goal of sourcing 100% of our raw materials domestically.
URUSHI
History, uses, and tradition of URUSHI
URUSHI is also known as “Japan”, a traditional material with a history spanning more than 10,000 years. Throughout the ages, it has been used in daily life as both a coating and an adhesive. Its exceptional durability has been proven over time, and it is highly resistant to heat and water. In addition, its antibacterial and antiviral properties have been scientifically verified.
Eastern Aichi Prefecture, where ELEMUS is based, was one of Japan’s leading URUSHI-producing regions from the Edo to the Meiji period (17 to late 19th century). The URUSHI tree requires approximately 15 years from germination to reach a size suitable for sap extraction. Around 200 grams of sap are collected from a single tree, after which it is harvested and replanted. While URUSHI is a renewable, cyclical resource with a relatively short cultivation cycle, its germination process and chemical composition remained largely unexplained for many years. Through extensive research, we have scientifically clarified the germination process and successfully analyzed URUSHI’s primary component: thermosetting phenolic resin.
Innovation
From seed to URCYL
Seed
Urushi tree plantation
Wood powdering technology
Innovative material
Moldable wood
Application
Products made of URCYL
