GUNZE CoA -Profile-

Ever since we began as a company, we at Gunze have been used to summing up our philosophy in one phrase: golden quality for silver prices; and though we've no intention of forgetting such an important point, we feel that the dawning of the 21st century is an apt time to add another equally important ideal: sharing the world.

Let us explain: manufacturers like ourselves who use large amounts of energy and materials have a special interest - and responsibility - in maintaining a healthy relationship between mankind and the environment. We also have a special advantage for, while we approach the question of human convenience versus environmental benefit from the viewpoint of the individual consumer, when we act on it, it's with the strength of a dynamic concern. We think this flexibility is a bonus that will help us strike the right balance of sharing between our planet, its people and industries like ourselves.

In fact we've already started the process: for instance when we developed a recycled fabric that put to good use that notorious environmental nuisance, the plastic bottle. We're happy to have helped reduce - however modestly - the flood of waste material threatening our beautiful planet. We've also developed biodegradable plastic materials that decompose naturally when buried, and are moving ahead with their practical application in a number of areas.

So while we still go for gold in the quality stakes, we realize as a manufacturer that reduction of waste and conservation of resources makes an equally important contribution to society. Indeed, it's our belief that making quality products and conserving energy and resources are two side of the same icon.

We've taken the first steps- now let's go on-
Sharing the world with each other and with its nature!

		At Ayabe, the town near Kyoto where Gunze began life as a silk-manufacturer, we have created a place where people can come and learn about the wonders nature and human invention. The Gunze Memorial Square centers on an museum housed in a silk warehouse from the early years of this century.
		Here, visitors can trace the fascinating story of textiles in human history. The museum is divided into the Silk Hall, which presents the history of silk-spinning right back to its origins, the Knit Fabric Hall, which looks at the process leading to the invention of knit fabric, with a supplementary exhibition on underwear, and the Hosiery Hall, which gives a unique account of the story of socks and stockings. The adjacent Gunze Museum presents an exhibition of replica capturing the Gunze founding spirit, which has continued to encourage local and individual development for over one hundred years now.
		Among the many other points of interest is a garden uniting various specimens of mulberry- the plant on which silkworms feed- from around the world. Gunze is pleased 6.to have given enjoyment to the many visitors who have come to our miniature theme park since it opened in 1996.