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How Japan experts are turning noodle waste into eco-friendly paper Researchers at Kagawa University inJapanhave found an innovative way to reduce food waste by transforming discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper-like sheets using microorganisms. The project focuses on repurposing unsold and discarded Sanuki udon, a speciality of Kagawa Prefecture, into sustainable cellulose-based sheets that resemble traditional Japanese washi paper. The initiative was developed by Professor Naotaka Tanaka from the university’s Faculty of Agriculture. Drawing on years of research into microorganisms and cellulose-producing bacteria, Tanaka devised a process that converts unwanted noodles into durable eco-friendly material. The production process begins by mixing discarded noodles with water. Enzymes are then added to break down the starch into glucose. Acetic acid bacteria cultivated in the mixture gradually form a cellulose membrane, which is later dried to create paper-like sheets. Researchers say a single serving of udon can produce between five and ten A4-sized sheets. According to the team, the resulting material is more resistant to water and tearing than ordinary paper. It als…

Japan researchers turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper ... Latest News 2026.06.08 A university in Kagawa is turning one of the western Japan prefecture's most famous foods into an unlikely new material, using discarded udon noodles to create biodegradable "paper". Researchers are using microorganisms to transform unwanted wheat noodles from local restaurants into thin sheets of cellulose with a texture similar to traditional Japanese "washi" paper, in an initiative aimed at reducing food waste and creating new local products. The project was developed by Professor Naotaka Tanaka of Kagawa University's Faculty of Agriculture, who established the technology by applying research into microorganisms and cellulose-producing bacteria. Kagawa Prefecture is widely known for Sanuki udon, a regional noodle specialty that attracts visitors from around the country. But large quantities of noodles also go unsold or are discarded after losing their flavor once boiled and left sitting for too long. "With large amounts of udon noodles being discarded in Kagawa Prefecture, I thought repurposing them could help reduce food waste," Tanaka said. "The process of converting discar…

Japan researchers turn discarded udon noodles into ... - 毎日新聞 This photo shows Sanuki udon noodles. (Photo courtesy of the Agency for Cultural Affairs)(Kyodo) TAKAMATSU (Kyodo) -- A university in Kagawa is turning one of the western Japan prefecture's most famous foods into an unlikely new material, using discarded udon noodles to create biodegradable "paper". Researchers are using microorganisms to transform unwanted wheat noodles from local restaurants into thin sheets of cellulose with a texture similar to traditional Japanese "washi" paper, in an initiative aimed at reducing food waste and creating new local products. The project was developed by Professor Naotaka Tanaka of Kagawa University's Faculty of Agriculture, who established the technology by applying research into microorganisms and cellulose-producing bacteria. Kagawa Prefecture is widely known for Sanuki udon, a regional noodle specialty that attracts visitors from around the country. But large quantities of noodles also go unsold or are discarded after losing their flavor once boiled and left sitting for too long. "With large amounts of udon noodles being discarded in Kagawa Prefecture, I thought repurposing them c…

Japan researchers turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper ... Baku, June 4,AZERTAC A university in Kagawa is turning one of the western Japan prefecture's most famous foods into an unlikely new material, using discarded udon noodles to create biodegradable "paper", according to Kyodo News. Researchers are using microorganisms to transform unwanted wheat noodles from local restaurants into thin sheets of cellulose with a texture similar to traditional Japanese "washi" paper, in an initiative aimed at reducing food waste and creating new local products. The project was developed by Professor Naotaka Tanaka of Kagawa University's Faculty of Agriculture, who established the technology by applying research into microorganisms and cellulose-producing bacteria. Kagawa Prefecture is widely known for Sanuki udon, a regional noodle specialty that attracts visitors from around the country. But large quantities of noodles also go unsold or are discarded after losing their flavor once boiled and left sitting for too long. "With large amounts of udon noodles being discarded in Kagawa Prefecture, I thought repurposing them could help reduce food waste," Tanaka said. "The proces…

Researchers in Kagawa turn discarded udon noodles into ... national Researchers in Kagawa turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper June 7 06:11 am JST Today | 12:00 am JST 4 Comments By Yusuke Nishikawa TAKAMATSU The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below. © KYODO ©2026 GPlusMedia Inc. GaijinPot Celebrates: Japan Summer Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking, aloha-inspired live music by SHEN and free flowing drinks and buffet at TWO ROOMS NIHOMBASHI. July 2 (Thurs), 7pm to 9:30pm. Get your ticket now for a 50% Discount. Only 50 Early Bird Tickets Available. Click Here GaijinPot Celebrates: Japan Summer Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking, aloha-inspired live music by SHEN and free flowing drinks and buffet at TWO ROOMS NIHOMBASHI. July 2 (Thurs), 7pm to 9:30pm. Get your ticket now for a 50% Discount. Only 50 Early Bird Tickets Available. Click Here Sort by Oldest Latest Popular 4 Comments Login to comment sakurasuki June 7 08:21 am JST Except now everything is going digital. -7 ( +0 / -7 ) browny1 June 7 11:05 am JST A good idea to utilize waste that already exists.…

FEATURE: Japan researchers turn discarded udon noodles into ... TAKAMATSU, Japan - A university in Kagawa is turning one of the western Japan prefecture's most famous foods into an unlikely new material, using discarded udon noodles to create biodegradable "paper". Researchers are using microorganisms to transform unwanted wheat noodles from local restaurants into thin sheets of cellulose with a texture similar to traditional Japanese "washi" paper, in an initiative aimed at reducing food waste and creating new local products. Log in or create a Free MembershipAccount or Free Membership Provides Newsletter from Editorial Team and access to archive articles from past three months. By continuing, you agree to theTerms of Use,andPrivacy Policy.

Japanese scientists convert food waste into biodegradable paper using a ... Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. Japanese scientists convert food waste into biodegradable paper using a beloved noodle dish World 3 min. Read Japanese scientists convert food waste into biodegradable paper using a beloved noodle dish By CurrentIndia.com June 19, 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp There is something quietly circular about the sight of yesterday’s lunch becoming tomorrow’s stationery. In Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture, where bowls of thick Sanuki udon are part of the local identity, unwanted noodles are being given a second life that few would have predicted. Instead of heading for disposal, surplus udon is being turned into thin biodegradable sheets with a texture that recalls traditional handmade paper. The process sits somewhere between microbiology, environmental science and local craftsmanship. It is small in scale, almost understated, yet it speaks to a wider concern that many regions face: what to do with perfectly usable resources that lose their value long before they l…

Japan researchers turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper TAKAMATSU (Kyodo) -- A university in Kagawa is turning one of the western Japan prefecture's most famous foods into an unlikely new material, using di