We reduce litter and microplastic leakage, from surveys to countermeasures and policy. Drawing on 15 years of turning environmental technology into business and taking it worldwide, we help more people start environmental businesses.
400+ sitesMicroplastic survey sites in Japan and abroad (since 2018)
About 25%Share of artificial turf in microplastics flowing into waters in Japan (by mass). Our survey found it to be the largest source
600million+ recordsOur own litter data, collected through our services Pirika and Takanome
Osaka Prefecture, Environment, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dept. (sports facilities in the prefecture)
To stop microplastics (artificial turf) from leaking, we supported a survey of facilities in the prefecture, guideline writing and the introduction of countermeasures.
Aichi Prefecture, Environment Bureau
We surveyed litter on riverbanks and riverbeds and analyzed its sources from amount, type and location. The results are used to set priorities for countermeasures.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
With UNEP, we surveyed plastic leakage in four countries of the Mekong River basin and compiled solutions in an English report.
Our consulting team focuses on two things: reducing environmental problems and growing environmental businesses.
If there is no effective way to survey or solve a problem, we develop one ourselves.
We do not stop at the survey. We go on to improve sources, industries and policies.
We try things ourselves first, and base our advice on the firsthand information we gain.
After finding the facts, we reduce litter and microplastic leakage in two ways: stopping it before it leaks, and collecting it after.
Method
We developed Albatross, a low-cost microplastics sampling device, in-house.
Facts
About 25% of microplastics leaking in Japan turned out to be artificial turf. We published the results.
Measures
We wrote guidelines and made a countermeasure product with a manufacturer. It prevents over 90% of leakage.
Policy
Through policy proposals, the main artificial turf subsidy programs in Japan changed, and more facilities adopted the measures.
Expansion
Extending measures to other sources, such as coated fertilizer and tire wear, and to other countries through the UN and others.
We support environmental startups and technologies from universities and companies until they stand on their own as businesses and reach the world.
We can work with you in many ways, depending on your request. Feel free to contact us even if your goals are not yet clear.
We can join tenders, and can also help you write the specifications. Sharing case examples and ideas for plans is free of charge.
We also accept direct contracts, joint research, and subcontracts for parts of large projects.
Surveys of leakage from products and facilities, annual technical advisory, and support for using the results in sustainability disclosure. We design the service to fit a company's needs.
Yes. We take on microplastics sampling and analysis, surveys of litter in rivers and on beaches, and road litter distribution surveys on their own. You can ask about planning and designing countermeasures later, after seeing the results.
Yes. Using examples from other governments and companies and subsidy programs you can use, we can help you prepare materials for the department in charge and the finance department.
You can ask even when you want to sell overseas but do not know where to start. We help sort out the support programs you can use and plan the first step. Government bodies and foundations can also ask us from the planning stage of a support program.
The client decides whether to make results public. Results of our own surveys are published as open data. If you publish, we can help prepare the materials.
Pirika offers environmental services, from litter collection and surveys to recycling.
A platform that promotes litter picking
Used in 137 countries and regions, with over 460 million pieces of litter collected. Pirika makes cleanups by individuals, governments and companies visible and easier to join.
Litter distribution survey
AI analyzes road videos to survey littering and illegal dumping. It measures the effect of countermeasures and suggests improvements to keep towns clean.
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Surveys, pollution control, business support
Pirika consultants provide environmental surveys, pollution control and support for environmental businesses, tailored to each client.
Turning litter and beach waste into resources
We develop technology and businesses to recycle plastic and other waste that was hard to recycle before.
Automating beach litter cleanup
Robots make collecting and carrying litter washed ashore more efficient. We also accept requests to exhibit them at environmental events.
Pirika, Inc. works to solve environmental problems, starting with litter leaking into nature. Its purpose is to overcome every environmental problem through science and technology. Pirika runs the Pirika litter-picking app (used in 137 countries and regions, with over 460 million pieces of litter collected), the AI litter survey Takanome, and services in consulting, recycling and robotics.
