**History and Current Status of Apple Pomace Recycling in Aomori Prefecture - 1999 to 2020s**

**History and Current Status of Apple Pomace Recycling in Aomori Prefecture - 1999 to 2020s**

In 1999, Dainou, based in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, began an initiative to compost apple pomace discharged from juice factories. This process involved mixing apple pomace with coffee grounds and rice bran, utilizing microorganisms for fermentation. The resulting compost was widely used in local agriculture through a partnership with the large-scale farm "Koganezakino Farm." This initiative significantly contributed to waste reduction and improved agricultural productivity in the region, earning recognition as a successful example of sustainable agriculture in Aomori.

Entering the 2020s, technologies for reusing apple pomace advanced further. In July 2020, the Aomori Agricultural Cooperative Association (JA Aoren) established "Glenkal Cinery Co., Ltd." to develop new technology that dries approximately 5000 tons of annual apple pomace at low cost, making it suitable as a raw material for bioplastics. This initiative has realized the advanced utilization of regional resources amid growing demand for renewable materials.

Furthermore, in March 2024, JA Aoren and JA Zen-Noh Kitani Northern Feed Cooperative developed feed by blending apple pomace with coffee grounds discharged from convenience stores. This feed is used for fattening Aomori's locally produced "Aomori Kuraishi Beef," promoting waste recycling and local production for local consumption.

Additionally, the company KOMORU in Goshogawara City developed a new material, "Adam," utilizing apple pomace. This material is used for fashion accessories and interior furniture finishes, pioneering new possibilities for regional industries.

Through these initiatives, Aomori Prefecture has evolved its utilization of apple pomace, contributing significantly to waste reduction, environmental conservation, and the revitalization of the local economy. This history reflects a continuous evolution from mere waste treatment to the creation of new value.