Takihyo Co., Ltd., (Head Office: Nishi-ku, Nagoya; President and CEO: Kazuo Taki; hereinafter “Takihyo”), a “Life Converter” that pursues beauty, has formed a strategic alliance with HighChem Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Ushio Taka; hereinafter “HighChem”), the developer of HIGHLACT®, a corn-derived PLA (polylactic acid) fiber, which is attracting attention as a next-generation sustainable material. While jointly developing “HIGHLACT®” in fashion, a fabric planned and developed by Takihyo using “HIGHLACT®” has been adopted by SHIPS Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoshinori Miura; hereinafter “Ships”) which operates select stores nationwide that propose high-quality fashion, for its 2023 Spring/Summer collection.
■Sweat T-shirt made of polylactic acid fiber PLA and cotton blend inlay lining. The light-weight, comfortable, lined fabric is made in a relaxed size fit, making it a highly versatile piece that can also be worn on its own.
Price: ￥8,910 (incl. tax)
Color: Natural, Grey
Size: S/M/L/XL
Composition: (Body) Cotton 80%, PLA 20% (Other fabric) Cotton 95%, Polyurethane 5%
■Relaxed T-shirt made of bare cotton blend with polylactic acid fiber PLA. The material is extremely lightweight and highly stretchable. The high gauge material has a beautiful surface texture, making it a good choice as an inner layer for jackets.
Price: ￥8,910 (incl. tax)
Color: Off White, Black
Size: S/M/L/XL
Composition: (Body) Cotton 68%, PLA 24%, Polyurethane 8% (Other fabric) Cotton 100%
Background of adopting HIGHLACT® for the Spring/Summer 2023 Collection
During our product development as part of our SDGs efforts, we believed that in addition to environmental considerations, it was important for our customers to first experience the benefits of our products and materials. In the process, we came across HIGHLACT®, a PLA material made by HighChem, which has many advantages not only for the environment but also for the customers who wear it, such as its antibacterial and deodorant effects and its mild acidity that is gentle to human skin. Considering our ongoing efforts to be carried on into the future, we have adopted this material starting this season.
■SHIPS PLA Special Content
https://www.shipsltd.co.jp/pages/sp_shipsm_pla_20230417.aspx
■What is HIGHLACT®?
New material made from corn-derived PLA (polylactic acid)
PLA (polylactic acid) is a carbon-neutral material that does not increase CO2 in the atmosphere even when incinerated because it is made from biomass such as corn, which absorbs CO2 during the plant growth process. In addition, CO2 emissions during raw material production are 1/7th that of polyester. Furthermore, it is biodegradable, decomposing into water and carbon dioxide under certain conditions, allowing for an ideal cycle in which the product returns to nature after use. As for its function, it has natural antibacterial properties because it is made from lactic acid, and has been attracting attention as a fiber material in recent years.
■Implementation of HIGHLACT®, the next generation of sustainable material
In January 2022, Takihyo signed a basic strategic alliance agreement with HighChem to jointly develop HIGHLACT®, a PLA fiber developed by HighChem, for fashion. Taking advantage of the carbon-neutral properties of PLA, we are exploring its potential as an alternative to polyester materials in order to realize a sustainable future for fashion that can be fulfilled even if we continue with our usual lifestyles. We are also accelerating research and development of materials to solve the heat resistance and durability issues faced by PLA.
SHIPS LTD. Summary
Company Name: SHIPS Ltd.
Representative: President and Representative Director Yoshinori Miura
Location: 1-20-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Capital: ¥60 million
Business: Planning, manufacturing and sales of Men’s, Women’s, and Kids’ apparel products
HIGHCHEM CO., LTD. Summary
Company Name: HighChem Co., Ltd.
Representative: President and Representative Director Ushio Taka
Location: Tokyo Toranomon Global Square 11F. 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001
Capital: ¥99.8 million
Business: Import/export and sales of chemical products, contract manufacturing, technology licensing-related business, manufacture and sales of catalysts, import and sales of biodegradable materials, etc.
COMPANY SUMMARY
Company Name: Takihyo Co., Ltd.
Representative: President and Representative Director/Executive Officer Kazuo Taki
Location: Nagoya Lucent Tower 23/24 Fl. 6-1 Ushijimacho, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 451-8688
Capital: ¥3.62 billion
Established: May, 1751
Official Website: https://www.takihyo.co.jp
Sustainable Site: https://takihyo.jp