hide kasuga 1896 Co., Ltd . (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hideyuki Kasuga;hereinafter “the Company”) is launching a joint development project for a new safety flooring product that integrates the Company’s eco-friendly material brand “TRANSWOOD®” with the safety flooring technology of Toppan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Satoshi Oya; hereinafter “Toppan”).

The goal of this project is to develop a hybrid flooring material that combines three key elements: "safety," which scientifically reduces the risk of fractures in the event of a fall; "aesthetic appeal," derived from the texture of "TRANSWOOD®"; and "environmental sustainability," achieved through the use of wood-based raw materials and biomass resin.By proposing a new concept that balances safety and luxury, the two companies aim to launch sales in March 2027, targeting a wide range of markets including hotels, residences, art museums, and medical facilities.

■ Background of Development

In Japan, falls and fractures account for the third-leading cause of the need for long-term care (13.9%)*1, and demand for safety flooring is rapidly increasing among the national government, local governments, and healthcare providers. Against this social backdrop, perceptions of the value of safety flooring are also undergoing significant change.Once viewed simply as “safety equipment for the elderly,” safety flooring is now being reevaluated as a universal value—a floor that offers comfort and peace of mind for everyone.Furthermore, in spaces where aesthetics are prioritized—such as hotels and art museums—interest is growing in high-design safety flooring that does not detract from the space’s visual appeal. In high-end residences, the concept of “design × safety” is beginning to be accepted as a new form of added value.

Against this backdrop, our company and TOPPAN have begun developing new building materials that utilize "TRANSWOOD®" to transform safety flooring from a mere functional material into a product that simultaneously enhances both spatial and environmental value.

■ About "TRANSWOOD®"

Our eco-friendly material brand, "TRANSWOOD®," was developed based on the concept of a "100-year cycle." By uniquely blending wood-based raw materials—such as wood from thinning operations—with biomass resin derived from used cooking oil, it helps reduce CO₂ emissions and plastic usage throughout the entire product lifecycle.

We support a wide range of manufacturing methods, including injection molding, extrusion molding, and 3D printing, and are actively developing applications across diverse fields such as architecture, home appliances, mobility, daily necessities, and art objects. We are also engaged in joint development projects with major manufacturers, adopting recyclable designs that allow for post-use resource recovery, and promoting the establishment of cross-industry circular economy schemes.

A prime example of this is the adoption and installation of TRANSWOOD® tiles in the “Ray Garden” at the National Day Hall of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo (designed by the Yasui & Hirata Design Consortium). Recognized for their performance and aesthetic appeal as an eco-friendly material, these tiles serve as a concrete model for a circular economy through their implementation in an international public space.

■ About TOPPAN's Safety Flooring

Jointly developed by TOPPAN and Professor Yasumi Ito of the Department of Safety and Biomedical Engineering at Yamanashi University, based on their research titled “Evaluation of Impact Loads on the Femur During Falls.” This product addresses the risk of femoral fractures during falls while providing a natural walking sensation and smooth caster movement.Used in various facilities as a flooring material that balances safety and practicality (recommended by the Japanese Society for Fall Prevention).

Reference: https://forest.toppan.com/info/detail_12/

■ Future Vision

While promoting the adoption of our products in a wide range of spaces—including hotels, residences, commercial facilities, cultural facilities, and medical and nursing care facilities—we will drive market expansion by establishing a new category of building materials that combines sophisticated design with high safety standards.

*1 Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2022 (Reiwa 4) Basic Survey on National Living Conditions