Photo credit: B. Manning @photos.bybe
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- Article author: Rebecca Beloin
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Egypt and Japan may be thousands of miles apart, but the similarities in their philosophies towards sustainability and mindful consumption inspired our first blog guest, Heba Emam, to create her company, Kemetori. Heba graciously shared her story about the experiences and inspirations that lead to the launch of her sustainable products.
Tell us a little about you.
I am Egyptian by birth and Japanese by soul. Ancient Egypt has always fascinated me. I feel incredibly fortunate to be Egyptian and experience glimpses of ancient Egypt in our daily lives. Egypt, a country deeply connected to the Nile River, relies on this vital water source to sustain life. However, the river’s resources are barely enough for the growing population, making water a precious and valued resource. Growing up, I learned to cherish resources. For example, tissue paper was treated as something special, and we consumed it sparingly.
Living in Japan (which was my childhood dream and it came true!) deeply shaped my personality and outlook during my seven years there. I admired the extreme precision in every aspect of life, the celebration of imperfections, and the appreciation for beauty in the simplest things, like every single grain of rice. These lessons left a profound impact on me, making me more mindful about waste, overconsumption, and discarding items unnecessarily. My husband and I make a daily effort to reuse, reduce, and recycle, always seeking ways to live more sustainably.
Tell us about your company. What do you make?
Kemetori creates handmade, sustainable goods such as reusable food wraps, re-sacs, bento bags, and organic bakery items for markets, alongside other eco-conscious products that emphasize functionality, aesthetics, and environmental mindfulness.
What does Kemetori mean?
Kemetori derives its name from "Kemet," the ancient name for Egypt meaning "Black Land," and "Torii," the Japanese gate that marks the transition from the everyday world to the sacred. Inspired by Egypt’s timeless endurance (Djet) and Japan’s Wabi-Sabi philosophy of embracing imperfections, Kemetori blends these influences into artisan-crafted, eco-friendly products rooted in cultural heritage and sustainability.
What inspired you to start making reusable food wraps and re-sacs?
In Egypt, I often saw food wrapped in newspaper or cloth tied into knots, a resourceful practice that unfortunately has been replaced by the widespread use of plastic bags. When I moved to Japan, I was amazed by the similarities between ancient Egyptian and Japanese cultures. However, Japan succeeded in modernizing while preserving its traditions, particularly its intricate wrapping culture. Recycling in Japan is unparalleled; in my home, I managed eight different bins and adhered to a strict recycling schedule.
How do the wraps and re-sacs work?
My food wraps/ re-sacs can adapt to the shape of any soft or solid food, making them incredibly space-conscious and practical. They are also leak-resistant—even if oil spills on them by mistake, it stays contained long enough for me to take action. When I get home, I simply flip the wrap inside out, soap wash, rinse it with the sink sprayer, and leave it to dry overnight for reuse the next day. If they get dirty, I simply machine wash and machine dry them gently.
How do you use your products in your home?
I literally use them to carry everything—sandwiches, snacks, popcorn, cheese, bread, and crackers. Since we bulk purchase for our family, these bags make it easy to portion and store food while keeping everything fresh. When I am in a hurry and don’t have time to make my lunchbox, I grab bread from the freezer and cheese from the fridge and throw them in there. By the time I get to work, the bread has thawed beautifully and is ready for me to make a sandwich. Knowing they are FDA-approved and food-safe, I feel confident storing food in them for weeks. I was pleasantly surprised to see how bread, cheese, and crackers stay fresh and maintain their texture for extended periods. My kids are not as eco-conscious as I wish, but they love using them because they’re simple and convenient.
Why is sustainability important to you?
Sustainability is essential because it preserves our planet for future generations and aligns with my values of mindful living. The materials we choose for food storage impact our health. After working for 20 years in cancer research, it saddens me to see how, despite incredible advancements, cancer is growing faster than our ability to treat it. Cancer is not smarter than us—it is simply the result of our lack of mindfulness regarding the particles we consume daily, especially those that come into contact with our food. That’s why Kemetori’s wraps and re-sacs are made with FDA-approved, food-safe materials, ensuring the safety and well-being of our customers. They are washable, reusable, and designed with outer layers that convey cultural stories.
What do you wish people would do more or less of for our planet?
I hope more people focus on reducing waste rather than relying solely on recycling. Recycling alone has not proven to be a sufficient solution for our planet. By reducing our dependence on disposable plastics and supporting local, sustainable businesses, we can create meaningful change that benefits both our health and the economy.
Where can people get more information about Kemetori?
I work for St. Jude, and I love my work there, which is why I don’t get much time to indulge in my pages. But here you go: 📸 Instagram: @kemetori_usa
At Boshi Botanicals, we proudly partner with some amazing people who prioritize the health of our communities and our planet. This blog series shares their inspiring stories and the work they do to help us all live more sustainably. Shop for Kemetori’s re-sacs and food wraps via our website or in our store.
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