Oji Holdings Launches Paper Yarn Made From Recycled Paper Cups

Oji Holdings has developed a new paper yarn material made from recycled paper cups as part of its efforts to expand resource recycling and support a circular economy.

The company announced that, together with Oji F-Tex and Oji Fiber, it has created “OJO⁺PC,” a paper yarn produced using pulp recovered from used paper cups. The material will be upcycled into fabric products.

Paper cups are typically coated with plastic for water resistance and are often excluded from conventional paper recycling streams, resulting in most being incinerated after use. Oji said its recycling technology enables the recovery of pulp fibres from the cups, which are then processed into paper yarn.

Under the initiative, Oji F-Tex converts used paper cups into base paper for yarn production, while Oji Fiber processes the material into the finished “OJO⁺PC” paper yarn. The company said the development is intended to add value to recycled materials while increasing the recycling rate for used paper cups.

The project builds on recycling collaborations the Oji Group has pursued since 2022 with businesses in the food service, hospitality, construction and distribution sectors. In September 2025, the company launched its “Renewa” brand to expand recycling initiatives focused on materials that are traditionally difficult to recycle.

According to Oji Holdings, the group will continue developing environmentally focused materials and products as part of its broader sustainability strategy centred on renewable forest resources and circular resource use.