News Release

HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato Minato-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Ushio Taka hereinafter referred to as HighChem) is selling Corn-derived PLA (polylactic acid) fiber “HIGHLACT®” that it has developed in-house in Italy. We will be exhibiting at the 61st edition of Filo (Below, Filo), an international yarn and textile trade fair in Milan. Philo will also exhibit newly developed 100% PLA fleece and chino fabric.

HighChem will be exhibiting at Philo for the second time, and will be exhibiting at the PLA fiber "HIGHLACT®", which is attracting attention as a new Sustainable Materials in Europe, at the World Cup held in Milan in July. We also plan to exhibit at Milano Unica, the premier textile exhibition. Through these proactive PR efforts, we aim to increase the presence of HIGHLACT® in Europe.

Exhibition contents

At this exhibition, in addition to HIGHLACT® 's specialty formal black, we will also be exhibiting 100% PLA fleece and chino fabrics that HighChem has successfully developed. In addition to exhibiting the latest collections of 100% PLA filament yarn and spun yarn, we also plan to exhibit a collection of PLA knitted yarn (including fancy yarns such as blended yarns of PLA yarns and Japanese paper).

PLA100% Chino
By using 100% PLA fabric as an alternative to cotton, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of water used, which has been an issue when using cotton.

What is HIGHLACT®?
HIGHLACT® is polylactic acid (PLA) fiber Corn-derived. Based on our extensive knowledge in the chemical field, HighChem has brought together the high technological capabilities of traditional Japanese textile manufacturers to successfully turn polylactic acid (PLA) into fibers, which was previously difficult to do. We have achieved numerous breakthroughs in the development of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, including spun yarn, filament yarn, and knitted yarn, as well as the successful dyeing of 100% PLA filament yarn in deep colors. These technological capabilities have received high praise from apparel brands both domestically and internationally, and are widely adopted by collection brands. We have also obtained OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, the world's highest international standard for textiles and leather.

About HighChem Company Limited
HighChem is a Japanese chemical manufacturer with innovative technological capabilities such as sustainable material development. We are focusing on the development of CCU technology, which uses CO2 to manufacture Chemicals, as well as biochemical technology and next-generation battery technology. In addition, for PLA fibers, which provide an innovative future for the textile industry, we are leveraging our technological capabilities to develop our business, not only developing threads and fabrics, but also starting with the development of upstream materials.

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)