FUKUI — This plastics manufacturer has created a biodegradable pick for guitar to raise awareness about environmental problems, especially plastic waste.
Nishibata Blow Industry Co., Fukui, created the “Zero” pick. It is made from plastics that don’t naturally break down after disposal. The company’s development team also included members of a rock band, who ensured that the green picks produced a good sound.
Nishibata collaborated with Neqas Co., a biodegradable resin company, in Awara (Fukui Prefecture) on the project. The result was a guitarpick entirely made from plant-based resin. According to a representative of Nishibata, the Zero is believed to be the first guitar pick made completely from this resin.
Yusuke Takeuchi (41), a guitarist, started a Nishibata rock band seven years ago. They have been active ever since. The firm’s president, administrative personnel, department heads, section heads, as well as section heads, are its members. They practice in the company cafeteria. They also perform at local festivals, and other events. They have also produced PR videos and posted them on YouTube.
However, the band was forced to stop all activities due to the coronavirus epidemic. Takeuchi says that while he was playing the Zero, he noticed the pick in his fingers and thought of the Zero.
Takeuchi told the Mainichi Shimbun that “we have to get information about the environment, especially since we deal with plastics.” “Music is my way to a sustainable society.
Each version of the pick was tested by the band members, who paid close attention to the shape as well as the resin material. Resin is harder than plastic and therefore more difficult to work with. After much trial and error, they finally came up with a pick that buyers loved. Schecter Guitar Research ordered a production run.
You can purchase the picks at Nishibata’s Rakuten online shop page or other outlets starting at 400yen (about $3.20 for three).
(Japanese original by Chika Jokomi, Osaka Bureau).