appcycle

Founded in 2022 and based in Aomori, Japan, appcycle Inc. , d. b. a.

appcycle, operates as a vegan leather manufacturing company that utilizes the leftover skins of apples after being processed into apple juice and manufactures and sells environmentally friendly apple leather products. In February 2026, Appcycle Co. , Ltd. raised an undisclosed amount  in angel funding .

The company provides RINGO-TEX, which is synthetic leather containing apple powder upcycled from discarded apples. By utilizing these unwanted apple by-products, the firm produces apple leather, an alternative to genuine leather and traditional synthetic leather. The company's apple leather is available in various forms, including bags and caps, under the brand What Is Heart (WIH). In addition to their apple leather merchandise, appcycle Inc.

also engages in the online sale of Aomori specialty products such as apple juice and other local delicacies. The company also provides services in agriculture and product development consultation, assisting with processed product development, and hosting events both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, the firm offers global human resource development programs, including practical English conversation workshops for companies and schools as well as company-wide global human resource development training. The company plans to use the February 2026 funding to enhance the production system and improve the quality of RINGO-TEX, develop a local ecosystem, and broaden partnerships.