Ichikawa's traditional forging technology used for new iron supplement tool

Tradge Co., Ltd., based in Ichikawa, Hyogo Prefecture, has launched a new brand called ‘metl.’ to repurpose traditional local manufacturing techniques. The company is introducing ‘metl. egg,’ a tool designed for easy iron supplementation by being placed in boiling water or rice cookers.

The product utilizes soft iron forging and polishing techniques originally used for producing domestic golf irons in Ichikawa. By using metal scraps (burrs) from the golf iron manufacturing process, the company is employing an upcycling approach to create high-density, durable products. Unlike traditional cast iron tools, these forged items are designed to resist deep rusting and flaking.

Scientific testing has demonstrated that boiling 300ml of water with the device releases approximately 0.2mg of iron, equivalent to about three raw clams. The product also helps reduce residual chlorine in tap water, improving the taste of tea and hot water. Safety testing by third-party institutions confirmed no detection of lead or antimony, and research is ongoing in collaboration with Professor Ichiro Kaneko of Hyogo Prefectural University.