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| July 27, 2005 |
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TEIJIN Ltd. Announces Development and Licensing of Next-Generation "Self-Regulating Fiber"
- Groundbreaking New Material to Be Used in the Innovative Sportswear of Nike, Inc. - |
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| Teijin Fibers Limited | |
TOKYO, JAPAN, July 27, 2005 - TEIJIN FIBERS LIMITED (TFJ), a wholly owned subsidiary of TEIJIN LIMITED (TEIJIN), has developed a groundbreaking self-regulating fiber, provisionally named the "M.R.T. Fiber", for use in the innovative "NIKE SPHERE REACT" sportswear range developed by NIKE, INC. (NIKE). TFJ has entered into a licensing agreement for this fiber material with Nike, and will exclusively supply the fiber worldwide for the "NIKE SPHERE REACT" range.
Typically, sportswear product development involves apparel manufacturers using and commercializing fiber materials developed by fiber manufacturers. On this occasion, however, the material manufacturer TFJ and apparel manufacturer NIKE have been engaged in full-scale joint development right through from the conceptual stages. This process has given rise to a number of new technologies, which have resulted in the successful development of an innovative new product that offers new value in the form of unprecedented functionality that is actually "visible" to wearers. "Nike Sphere React" is an innovative new sportswear range that NIKE has plans to market worldwide, and that NIKE JAPAN Corp. will sell in Japan as golf, tennis, soccer, running, and outdoor leisure sportswear.
TFJ's self-regulating "M.R.T. Fiber" is the "NIKE SPHERE REACT DRY" and "NIKE SPHERE REACT COOL" ranges.
The details are as follows.
Details
1.Background to Development
| (1) |
In 2002, NIKE proposed the "NIKE SPHERE REACT" concept to TFJ. This involved fabrics that undergo dynamic structural changes to adapt to the wearer's environment and to maintain a comfortable personal atmosphere. |
| (2) |
With a view to realizing this concept, after joint research got underway with the "NIKE Global Advanced Innovation Team", who is involved in the development of new products for NIKE from the fabric development stage, a fiber was successfully developed that featured self-regulating functions for adapting to environmental changes. |
| (3) |
The "M.R.T. Fiber", used to created this ground-breaking new fabrics, is a next-generation fiber the likes of which has never been seen before that has reversible transformation properties, whereby the fiber stretches when moisture is absorbed and shrinks when it dries out. |
2.Technical points in the development of NIKE SPHERE REACT
| (1) |
Fiber development
Newly developed was the "M.R.T. Fiber" (*), a fiber capable of reversible transformation in that it stretches / shrinks when moisture is absorbed and shrinks when it dries out.
This fiber has enabled the realization and control of outstanding moisture absorption and stretch functionality through the fusion of the following new polymer technologies and new yarn-making technologies.
| a. |
New polymer
We have developed a polyester ester polymer that absorbs and discharges moisture quickly. |
| b. |
New yarn-making technology
We have developed technology for controlling the amount of water absorbed and discharged, the degree of stretch or shrinkage, and the response speed. | * "M.R.T. Fiber" (Moisture Responded Transformable Fiber) is a moisture-absorbing polyester fiber developed by TFJ. |
| (2) |
Fabric structure development
| a. |
To realize outstanding self-regulating functionality (*) by making use of and maximizing the "M.R.T. Fiber" properties for reversible stretching and shrinking with moisture absorption, we developed special textured yarn, weaving and knitting, and dyeing and finishing technologies. |
| b. |
TFJ has come up with a new structure that realizes two different self-regulating functions for the purpose of ensuring the comfort of the wearer when they are perspiring.
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Control of fabric shape changes in moist environments; |
| - |
Control of fabric breathability in moist environments. | |
| c. |
To provide the aforementioned functions reliably, special, never-before-seen, new control technology was developed. | * Self-regulating functionality allows clothing to undergo reversible transformation to suit environmental changes in order to ensure that the wearer remains comfortable at all times. |
| (3) |
Product development
NIKE and TFJ have also jointly developed optimal sewing requirements and product design for commercializing this fabric with special properties, such as being able to change in size with the absorption of moisture. |
| (4) |
Patents
| Japanese patents: |
16 |
| Overseas patents: |
Three (pending) | |
3.NIKE SPHERE REACT
| (1) |
"NIKE SPHERE REACT DRY"
When the athlete is dry, "NIKE SPHERE REACT DRY" lays comfortably against the body. As the athlete heats up and sweats, "NIKE SPHERE REACT DRY" is activated, visibly changing as it reacts to moisture. Upon contact with sweat, the material using "M.R.T. fiber" transforms from a flat fabric to a three-dimensional structure that reduces cling to the body. The innovative materials change like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings increasing to nearly two times its original thickness in an engineered pattern. Airflow across the skin increases to aid in evaporative cooling. When the sweat has evaporated, post exercise, the lightweight microfiber fabric returns to a flat shape against the body.
- Change in fabric shape -
- Data evaluating stickiness during perspiration (Measured at TFJ's Osaka Research Center) -
"NIKE SPHERE REACT DRY" can reduce stickiness by around 50%, compared with conventional polyester products. |
| (2) |
NIKE SPHERE REACT COOL
"NIKE SPHERE REACT COOL" breathes with the athlete. When the athlete sweats, "NIKE SPHERE REACT COOL" materials using "M.R.T. fiber" opens up instinctively, becoming more breathable to permit increased airflow across the skin. The fabric reacts to the body's moisture, becoming as much as twice as breathable, in the gym or on the field. This openness creates a cooler personal atmosphere between the body and the fabric and gives the athlete freedom to perform more comfortably. The materials are designed to mimic nature and react to the body, like a flower in tune with the sun.
- Change in fabric shape -
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For further information, please contact:
Public Relations & Investor Relations Office
Teijin Limited
Tel: +81-3-3506-4055 / Fax: +81-3-3506-4150
E-mail: pr@teijin.co.jp
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Information in the press releases is current on the date of the announcement.
It is subject to change without prior notice.
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