KITPAS

Kitpas have been making quality art materials for over 80 years since they began in 1937 as a manufacturer of dustless chalks. Their factory in Bibai-shi (which translates to 'beautiful shell city) in Hokkaido, Japan had waste piles of scallop shells that were causing environmental issues so Kitpas decided to reduce, reuse and recycle this material. The use of powdered shells makes Kitpas' chalks stronger, smoother and long lasting and used by more than 60% of Japanese schools.

Today Kitpas is recognised as Japan's leading manufacturer of innovative, eco-friendly art materials and also empower people with learning disabilities with 70% of their workforce having intellectual disabilities.