Corn clothing, Japan's HighChem, has also completed mass production of PLA fiber
In terms of mass production of polylactic acid (PLA) fiber and other textile fibers and clothing fabrics, in order to achieve differentiated competition, Japanese manufacturers need to cut into the production technology and skills they are relatively good at. Tokyo-based chemical trading company HighChem is such a successful example.
PLA is considered to be an alternative material for tableware and shopping bags due to its low thermal conductivity and excellent dye absorption capacity (easy to print and dye). HighChem chose to use traditional Japanese technology to improve this biodegradable plastic fiber made in China so that it can be used in the fashion field. In December 2021, HighChem began selling PLA fibers and fabrics called Highlact, which are made from biodegradable plastics made from corn.
Based on the personal connections of Yuichi Taka's father, Ushio Taka, founder and president of HighChem, HighChem invested in Chinese PLA manufacturer BBCA Group in 2020 and is responsible for the sales of its products in the Japanese market. Fengyuan Group is the world's second largest PLA producer, with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons. With the commissioning of Fengyuan Group's new plant with an annual output of 300,000 tons, it will become the world's largest PLA producer.
Aiming to "grow with the help of Sino-Japanese chemical trade business", Gaochao is a Chinese who founded 21st Century Trading Co., Ltd. in 1993 and later founded HighChem in 1998 to start Sino-Japanese trade business.
Yuichi Taka said that he thought of using PLA to produce clothing fibers, but was opposed by his father at first. Large Japanese chemical manufacturers have tried to commercialize PLA fibers, but failed to successfully solve technical weaknesses such as insufficient heat resistance. Gaochao, an engineer, is very clear about this trial and error process.
In early 2021, Yuichi Taka decided to engage in the PLA fiber business despite his father's opposition, "wanting to absorb the wisdom of the Japanese fiber and textile industry."
So far, HighChem has hired four clothing and fabric experts and sells these fibers to traditional textile industry centers in Japan, including Fukui Prefecture, a synthetic fiber manufacturing center, and Okayama Prefecture, a denim fabric production center.
Without preconceived ideas, fiber and textile workers choose to add natural fibers such as cotton to PLA fibers, as well as plant-based modifiers, to gradually improve them to the quality required for clothing fibers. "The improvement in fiber quality can be achieved because we are in Japan, and craftsmen will continue to propose ways to improve, which is a business environment that does not exist in China," said Yuichi Taka.
Currently, HighChem has signed Highlact supply contracts with Tokyo-based fabric manufacturer Ono Meriyasu Kogyo and textile trading company Takihyo, and clothing using this fiber is expected to be available in the fall and winter. Sales negotiations with large clothing manufacturers in Europe and Japan are also underway. Of course, Highlact fiber still has the problem of poor heat resistance, and the clothes made of it cannot be ironed. In addition, the selling price is three times the price of polyester fiber-US$12 per kilogram.
HighChem hopes to further improve the cost, strength, heat resistance and other performance issues of PLA fiber in the future, so that this pure natural product can replace 20% of Japan's polyester fiber in the near future and contribute to the realization of "sustainable fashion".
