May 23, 2024 – Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., the fiber and product processing company of the Teijin Group, announces the development of a new, versatile and comfortable polyester material that combines high breathability with UV protection. This new product reproduces the structure of the traditional Japanese “Sudare” shutters (bamboo shutters), which both block the sun and allow the breeze to pass through.
As extreme summer heat became more common, Teijin Furite developed this new polyester to meet the market demand for a material with enhanced heat protection. Heat protection includes breathability, UV resistance, and stickiness resistance. However, until now, breathability (achieved through gaps between fibers) and UV protection were considered mutually exclusive.
To solve this dilemma, Teijin Frontier has created a structure with gap-like and highly breathable areas in the warp or weft direction of the fabric. These three-dimensional gaps, which resemble bamboo curtains, allow the material to have both excellent air permeability and high UV blocking properties of 85% or more. This structure allows for breathability of 50㎤/㎠・s or higher. The new product also offers sustainability benefits through the partial incorporation of recycled polyester. Its structure and elastane fibers provide tensile properties, while surface unevenness due to yarn shrinkage and structural differences avoids stickiness. In addition, in order to achieve the combination of functions, Teijin Furite also uses special high-shrinkage technology and dyeing finishing technology. This material has potential in both fashion and casual wear.
Teijin Furite will begin promoting the product in Japan’s Spring/Summer 2025 fashion and casual clothing collection, with the goal of selling 250,000 meters in FY2024 and 750,000 meters in FY2027.
