HighChem Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ushio Taka, hereinafter refered to as HighChem), PLAY PRODUCT STUDIO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takayuki Sugai, hereinafter referred to as PLAY PRODUCT STUDIO), and Ono Meriyasu Industrial Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Motoyasu Ono, hereinafter referred to as Ono Meriyasu Industrial) have collaboratively developed a 100% PLA (polylactic acid) filament yarn (long fiber), which will be launched as T-shirts by "MAISON SPECIAL," a brand developed by PLAY PRODUCT STUDIO, starting April 1st. This marks the first time a high-brand in Japan has utilized 100% PLA filament yarn for production.
The developed PLA filament boasts a silk-like drape and a smooth texture with a glossy, elegant finish. It overcomes the challenges associated with dyeing PLA, achieving vivid colors even with 100% PLA content. Additionally, compared to polyester T-shirts, it reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 86% during raw material production.
MAISON SPECIAL products
PLA Smooth Prime Over Crew Neck T-Shirt
https://maisonspecial.co.jp/products/11231411304
This cut-and-sew item is made from an innovative, environmentally friendly material derived from corn, giving it a sophisticated look that is typical of MAISON SPECIAL. Although it is oversized, it has an elegant texture and a stylish silhouette that gives it a mature impression without looking unfashionable.
SEX: Men/Women, Material: PLA100%, Product number: 11231411304
What is PLA?
Since PLA uses biomass such as corn as its raw material, it absorbs CO2 during the plant growth process, and is a carbon-neutral material that does not increase CO2 in the atmosphere even when incinerated. In addition, the amount of CO2 emitted during the manufacturing of raw materials is a 1/7th that of polyester, so it can be expected to reduce CO2 emissions during the manufacturing of raw materials. Furthermore, it is biodegradable, decomposing into water and carbon dioxide under certain conditions, creating an ideal cycle in which it returns to nature after use. As it is made from lactic acid, it has natural antibacterial properties, and has recently attracted attention as a textile material.
Development of next-generation Sustainable Materials HIGHLACT®
HighChem is collaborating with textile-related companies in Japan that boast high technology, such as Ono Meriyasu Industrial, to expand the use of HIGHLACT® in fashion. Leveraging the carbon-neutral properties of PLA, HighChem is exploring its potential as an alternative to polyester materials, aiming to realize a sustainable future for fashion that can coexist with our everyday lives. Furthermore, HighChem is accelerating research and development efforts to solve challenges related to PLA's heat resistance and durability.
Media inquiries regarding this release
HighChem Company Limited
Public Relations: Kuroiwa (+81-90-6539-4213) / Chen
TEL: +81-3-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp
PLAY PRODUCT STUDIO Co., Ltd.
Marketing Department Person in charge: Tamai
TEL: 03-6758-0605 E-mail: corporate@playproductstudio.co.jp
ONO MERIYASU KOGYO CORP
Sales Department: Takahashi
TEL: 03-6821-5524 E-mail: info@onomeriyasu.jp