News Release
HighChem's Sustainable HIGHLACT® Fiber to Make Third Appearance at Milan's Premier Yarn Exhibition
Corn-derived PLA fiber aims to capture significant market share in Europe and America by 2025
TOKYO, [August 28, 2024] - HighChem Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Taka Ushio) announced today that it will showcase its corn-derived polylactic acid (PLA) fiber brand "HIGHLACT®" at the 62nd edition of Filo, the international yarn and textile exhibition in Milan, Italy, scheduled for September 18-19, 2024.
This marks HighChem's third participation in Filo, following successful showings in September last year and February this year. Through this exhibition, the company aims to further elevate HIGHLACT®'s presence in the European and American markets as a sustainable fiber alternative to recycled polyester.
Since its launch as a material brand in 2021, HIGHLACT® has been gaining traction in Japanese, European, and American markets. The sustainable characteristics of PLA fiber, combined with HighChem's superior fiber production technology, have led to its adoption by a wide range of brands. The company has been strengthening its presence in Europe and America through participation in European exhibitions, the launch of a global website, and the recruitment of experienced personnel in the United States.
"Our goal is to see full-scale adoption of HIGHLACT® from fiscal year 2025," said Yuichi Taka, Director of HighChem. "We're not just introducing a new fiber; we're pioneering a sustainable future for the textile industry. HIGHLACT® represents our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, and we're excited to showcase its potential at Filo."
Exhibition Details:
The 62nd edition of Filo
Dates: September 18-19, 2024
Venue: Allianz MiCo: Milano Convention Centre
Gate 16, Via Gattamelata 5, Milan, Italy
HighChem Booth: C1
About HIGHLACT®
Market Potential
The global PLA market is poised for significant growth, with production capacity expected to reach about 1.3 million tons annually by 2025.
HIGHLACT® is a corn-derived PLA fiber that offers eco-friendly characteristics:
• Biodegradable: PLA decomposes into water and carbon dioxide through microbial action, reducing environmental impact upon disposal.
• Carbon Neutral: Corn, the raw material, absorbs CO2 during growth, contributing to carbon neutrality.
• Lower CO2 emissions in raw material production: PLA production emits 72% less CO2 compared to PET, the raw material for polyester.
Exhibition Products at the 62nd Filo
HighChem will display its latest innovations, including:
100% PLA Knitting Yarn
◀︎ 100% PLA Knitting Yarn
Filament and spun yarns, as well as blends with cotton, Tencel, silk, and paper.
100% PLA Fleece
A breakthrough fabric developed over three years, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials.
Eco-friendly Sock Fabrics
Utilizing PLA as an alternative to nylon or polyester, with natural antibacterial properties.
Sustainable Denim and Chino Fabrics
PLA-based fabrics that reduce water and chemical usage compared to traditional cotton production.
For more information, please contact:
＜HighChem Co., Ltd. Public Relation＞
Contact: Ms. Kuroiwa (+81-90-6539-4213) TEL: +81-3-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp