Suzuki SC-100ECO ECOCA Biomass Plastic Castanet

ECOCA is Suzuki's answer to the ordinary school castanet: the same two shells on a cord, moulded from a biomass plastic that carries 60 percent wood powder instead of running entirely on petroleum feedstock. The wood content is why no two look alike, the surface comes out in brown shades like marble because of the moisture and oil the powder brings with it.

Suzuki carries the Biomass Mark on it, the certification the Japan Organics Recycling Association awards to products that meet its quality and safety standards for biological-resource materials. The packaging follows the same line: 100 percent recycled pulp board printed with vegetable oil ink. It is 58mm across and 50g per piece, which is the size a primary-school hand closes around comfortably.