A SCOTTISH inventor has described a “pinch-me moment” after his unique origami creation landed a major deal in Japan, where the art of paper folding began to flourish more than 1000 years ago.
Andrew Flynn, a former engineer at Dyson and now head designer and founder of Potr, said being able to stock his unique self-watering origami plant pot “in the home country of the art form” was a “pinch-me moment”.
The self-watering origami plant pot – the first of its kind – was designed and produced in Glasgow and Bristol and first hit shelves in 2019.
The pot is made from recycled polypropylene and recycled cotton that would have otherwise ended up in landfill and uses 90% less material compared with traditional plant pots.
Since the launch of its plant pot, Potr has gone on to grow a global following, with plans to launch its products in more than 100 shops across Japan in February.
In December, Flynn travelled to Japan as one of six Scottish brands selected to take part in the Scottish Development International (SDI) Showcase Trade event at the British Embassy.
Flynn said taking the brand overseas had been “a daunting prospect”, but that it was “the direction of growth that we want to take”.
He continued: “We continue to perform well in the UK, especially given recent deals with brands like Bloom & Wild, but this has confirmed what we believe; that our products have true export potential.
“We began working with SDI in January this year; their help so far has been invaluable. We will continue to work with them to target new territories and spread the word of Potr around the world.”
The SDI introduced the brand to key importers, distributors, retailers and brands, as well as providing interpreters during discussions.
Angela Colthorpe, Scottish Development International’s in-market consumer trade specialist in Tokyo, said: “We were delighted to support Andrew on his recent visit to Japan and introduce him to a range of buyers and contacts to support his expansion in the country.
“Being inspired by origami, there is a clear connection for Potr’s brand and Japanese consumers and that was evident in the significant interest Andrew had during our recent showcase at the British Embassy.
The major deal, carried out by Diasho Trading who will act as importers, distributors and agents for the brand in Japan, is believed to help Potr triple its turnover by the end of this financial year.
It is also believed that exports will account for almost half of the firm’s revenue from 2024 onwards.
Flynn added that he is currently developing a custom product for one of Japan’s largest horticultural brands, Bloomee.
The six-figure deal is expected to result in tens of thousands of plant pots being sold in Japan.
