Sustainable materials, eco-friendly printing technology, beach clean-up activities, and 1% of the profits go to the world's children. Mystera will tell you about the "responsibility for the future" that Mystera puts into a personalized picture book.
Mystera's thoughts on the environment
MY STELLA continues to make environmentally friendly efforts through the production of picture books to protect the earth where children who will lead the future can live with peace of mind.
We actively use environmentally friendly materials and value sustainability in our production process. We want to nurture a society where children can have hope for their own future, starting with small reading time between parents and children. That is the wish of Mystera.
In an era where the impact of climate change is increasing, we would like to nurture children to value both their future and the global environment through reading experiences at home.
Commitment to sustainable materials
Bagasse Pulp
Mystella's body paper uses bagasse pulp. Bagasse pulp is made from sugar cane pomace, which is generated in large quantities during the sugar production process. By effectively utilizing resources that were previously discarded, we can reduce the cutting of new wood and reuse resources without wasting them.
FSC Certified Paper
FSC certified paper is an international certification that indicates that the paper is produced from well-managed forests. By producing paper in a sustainable way while protecting the forest ecosystem, we can pass on the beautiful forests to future generations.
Environmentally friendly inks
Iizuka Printing, which operates Mystella, actively uses non-VOC inks, vegetable inks, and soy inks to reduce emissions of harmful substances. In addition to FSC-certified paper, we are also promoting the use of LIMEX, an alternative material to paper.
Eco-friendly printing technology
Mystera's picture books are produced using state-of-the-art on-demand printing technology instead of traditional offset printing.
On-demand printing is a method in which only the required number of copies is printed when needed. As a result, the large amount of "slander" (trial printing and defective products during printing adjustments) that occurred in conventional printing is almost zero, and the waste of paper resources can be greatly reduced.
In addition, by using the latest high-efficiency printing machines, we achieve high-quality printing while minimizing energy consumption. While reducing the environmental impact, each book is carefully created as a picture book with the child's name. That is the printing style of Mystera.
Utilizing our experience and technology as a printing company with a history of 70 years, we are particular about the texture and feel of the paper while creating picture books that are environmentally friendly.
Promoting the elimination of plastics as a paper specialist
Iizuka Printing is working to reduce the use of plastics through environmentally friendly printing. By proposing paper alternatives such as clear files and encapsulation materials, and reviewing excessive packaging, we are promoting the elimination of plastic together with local companies.
In addition, on-demand printing produces only the required copies, reducing waste and resource loss.
Under its own brand "MY STELLA", we reduce the use of plastic materials such as OPP and use bagasse pulp and FSC-certified paper to practice sustainable material selection. As a paper specialist, we continue to provide local communities with options for eliminating plastic.
Participation in Coastal Cleanup Activities ─ KAMBARA15th
Iizuka Printing belongs to the coastal cooperation organization "KAMBARA15th" designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and continues to participate in coastal cleanup activities in the Kambara Construction Zone of Fuji Coast. We are working with local residents and the government to reduce marine plastic litter.
In addition to our business efforts to eliminate plastic, we also actively participate in activities to protect the local coastal environment, aiming to realize a plastic-free society from both local activities and business.
Manufacturing that balances children's safety and environmental consideration
Mystera's picture books are made with attention to detail so that children can handle them safely and comfortably. The easy-to-hold size, wire-free binding, and rounded corner design are universal designs that prioritize children's safety.
The thread sewing machine binding is designed to open 180 degrees flat and allow children to easily turn the pages. This binding method makes the picture book more durable and can be enjoyed repeatedly. As an "important thing" that deepens the bond between parents and children, we are particular about ease of use and durability, and aim to be a book that supports the precious time of parents and children while feeling the warmth of paper.
Utilizing our experience in the printing industry, we are particular about the texture and feel of the paper, while creating picture books that are environmentally friendly and safe.
Bringing the joy of reading to all children – donating 1% of the proceeds
In addition to delivering special picture books to children, Mystera also focuses on activities that spread the joy of reading.
There are still many children in the world who have not yet been exposed to the joy of reading. We are aware of this situation and donate 1% of the proceeds from the picture books we sell through our certified NPO Room to Read Japan to help children around the world develop basic literacy skills and acquire life skills that promote gender equality.
With each Mystera picture book published, it also contributes to supporting the education of children around the world.
Endorsement of the "#適応しよう" campaign
Mystera is participating as a supporting partner in the "#適応しよう" campaign organized by the National Institute for Environmental Studies' Center for Climate Change Adaptation.
The "#適応しよう" campaign is an initiative to expand "adaptation actions" to each and every citizen to live comfortably in response to the impact of current and future climate change.
Mystera practices 6 of the 15 adaptive actions.
- Let's live comfortably even in the extreme heat ─ Suggestions for reading time in a cool room
- Acquiring disaster prevention know-how ─ Formulating a business continuity plan (BCP)
- Let's stock up on disaster prevention goods ─ Improving disaster prevention awareness on a daily basis
- Use energy efficiently – on-demand printing and high-efficiency printing machines
- Careful use of limited water ─ Adoption of materials with low environmental impact and support for tree planting activities
- Adapt, participate, and share ─ Campaign endorsement and information dissemination
▶ Click here for details of "Mystera's #Adapt" initiative ：
Iizuka Printing "Mirai Creation Project SOLCHE"
Iizuka Printing, which operates Mystella, has established a promotion committee to revitalize SDGs activities and started the team under the name "Future Creation Project SOLCHE".
"SOLCHE" is a coined word created by combining solution (solving a problem) × chemistry (chemical change), and then mixing the Italian derived "soleggiato (sunny), sorriso (smile), and che (exclamation words, what is it)".
The chemical changes we make. It's not about being "as expected," but about truly valuable branding that will make many people admire how wonderful and wonderful it is. It's sunny and can create smiles and more than you expected. We have a message for such a wonderful and sustainable future.
It contains the hope that our activities will spread to the world like ripples and lead to a better future. In addition, it contains many positive meanings, such as "temperature", which is the warmth of people, and "sound" of activities.
Environmental Initiatives Promoted by SOLCHE
- Utilization of environmentally friendly non-VOC inks, vegetable inks, and soy inks
- Promoting the use of FSC-certified paper and LIMEX, an alternative material to paper.
- Introduction of printing machines and production printers with low environmental impact
- Introduction of decarbonization and renewable energy
One step at a time from what we can do. Iizuka Printing will actively work on the SDGs and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
What we can do now for the children of the future
Mysterra was born from the desire for all children to find their own "shining star" and rely on that star to move forward into the future. To find an unshakable star that guides you. I believe that this will be an important compass for children to gain confidence and develop a rich mind.
By choosing sustainable materials such as bagasse pulp and FSC-certified paper, and adopting environmentally friendly printing, we put "responsibility for the future" into each personalized picture book. And with each picture book published, it also contributes to supporting the education of children around the world.
In an era where the impact of climate change is increasing, we want to nurture children through reading experiences at home that make them value both their future and the global environment. That is the wish of Mystera.
We will continue to take small steps to protect the future of children and the global environment.
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