The Teijin Group announced today that its BIOFRONT heat-resistant bioplastic will be used in silk crepe kimonos worn by staff at Murasaki, a Japanese restaurant operated by Kikkoman Corporation in the Japan Industry Pavilion of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China beginning May 1.
The material for the kimonos was produced in collaboration with the city of Kyotango, home of traditional Tango silk crepe, or chirimen, which is known for its unique water ripple-like texture. Using special techniques developed by Kyotango artisans, Teijin's advanced BIOFRONT fibers were interwoven with silk fibers to produce a new material that retains the beautiful texture and sheen of Tango silk crepe.

Under the "Tango Biofabrics" project launched last year, Teijin has been working with the city of Kyotango to develop new, eco-friendly applications for BIOFRONT, by combining its advanced bioplastic fibers with Kyotango's traditional silk craftsmanship.

BIOFRONT, an environmentally friendly bioplastic produced from plant-based feedstock, is superior to conventional bioplastics in terms of both heat resistance and durability. Its melting point of 210°C is significantly higher than the 170°C melting point of conventional bioplastics, which allows BIOFRONT to withstand ironing. Other BIOFRONT products can endure high-temperature processing, such as fabric dyeing and plastic molding.

The Teijin Group also will organize its own exhibit in the Japan Industrial Pavilion of the 2010 World Expo, aiming to further promote brand awareness in China, where Teijin has been operating since 1970s, as well as worldwide.

About the Teijin Group
Based in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, Teijin is a global technology-driven group operating in five main fields: synthetic fibers (aramid fibers, carbon fibers and polyester fibers); films and plastics; pharmaceuticals and home health care; trading and retail; and IT and new products. Teijin Limited, the holding company for the Teijin Group, is listed on the Tokyo and Osaka stock exchanges. The group had consolidated sales of USD 10.5 billion (JPY 943.4 billion, USD 1=JPY 90) in fiscal 2008 and employs 19,453 people worldwide, with 169 companies around the world.