News Release

HighChem Company Limited (Headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Taka Ushio, hereinafter referred to as HighChem) is proud to announce that its next-generation sustainable material, HIGHLACT® (made from PLA, polylactic acid), has been selected for the staff T-shirts at "Animelo Summer Live 2022-Sparkle-", the world's largest anime song live event, commonly known as "Anisama". The T-shirts are produced by Mangart Beams, highlighting HighChem's commitment to innovative eco-friendly solutions.

A project developed by Beams, a pioneering select shop in Japan, that deals with a wide range of manufacturing and branding for pop culture and entertainment such as manga, anime, games, idols, theater, and television. Anisama produces official goods and staff T-shirts in collaboration with the company.

<Mangat Beams>
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MANGARTBEAMS

PLA 30%, Cotton 70%

"Animelo Summer Live" is affectionately known as "Ani-Sama" and is the world's largest anime song live event, which will be held for the 17th time in 2022.

“Ani-Sama 2022” will be held under the theme of “Sparkle”, which directly expresses the sparkle of youth, the image of a vibrant summer, and the dynamism of live performances.

■ Date and time: August 26 (Fri), 27 (Sat), and 28 (Sun), 2022 Doors open at 14:00 / Show starts at 16:00 / Scheduled to end around 21:00
■ Venue: Saitama Super Arena
■ Appearance: Approximately 55 to 60 artists
■ Expected number of visitors: 84,000 people (28,000 people x 3 days) *Subject to change depending on government policy
■ Official website: https://anisama.tv/

HighChem has independently researched and developed PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable material derived from biomass, and launched it as the next-generation sustainable material, HIGHLACT®. To overcome the heat sensitivity—a known drawback of PLA—HighChem enhanced the material's heat resistance using plant-derived modifiers. Furthermore, by collaborating with specialists in Japan's textile industry, the company has successfully integrated Japan's superior traditional weaving and dyeing techniques into the development of high-grade fibers that meet global standards. This innovation not only leverages but also preserves Japan’s esteemed textile heritage while pushing the boundaries of environmental sustainability.

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Compost temperature: 68 degrees (temperature at time of removal after 3 days), moisture content around 50%

PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-based sustainable material made from starch found in corn and other crops. It has antibacterial properties due to lactic acid, and does not increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere even if it is incinerated (carbon neutral), so it has a lower environmental impact than synthetic fibers and contributes to a decarbonized society. In addition, it decomposes into water and carbon dioxide under certain conditions (biodegradable), so it decomposes in the natural environment.

HighChem Company Limited　Overview
Company Name: HighChem Company Limited
Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo 3-1, Toranomon 1-chome, Tokyo Toranomon Global Square 11F
Representative Director： Taka Ushio
Business： Export/import and sales of Chemicals / outsourced manufacturing / Technology Licensing related business / manufacture and sales of catalysts / Biodegradable Materials import and sales, etc.

Media inquiries regarding this release
HighChem Co., Ltd. PR Division – Eriko Kuroiwa
E-mail: kuroiwa@highchem.co.jp Phone: +81-3-5251-8580 / +81-90-6539-4213 (Kuroiwa)