Chemical maker Teijin is developing a new type of fibre that contains ingredients that protect the skin. The company has got an approval to manufacture and sell the new clothing material as a ‘beauty product you can wear’, the first allowed under the Japanese law. The company will partner with athletic clothing maker Descente to sell sportswear made for yoga and running from next summer. Teijin also plans to sell underwear under its own brand in fiscal 2016.
The fiber will be made of modified polyester polymer containing malic acid that will retain the skin's low acidity. Whenever perspiration forms and dries, the skin becomes alkaline, making it susceptible to microbes and other irritants. The fibre also releases compounds that interact with the skin's moisture to enhance beauty.
Synthetic fibre manufacturer Toray Industries is also seeking an approval to sell a type of clothing material as a medical device. The textile will be made for "smart clothing" that can monitor physiological data such as the heartbeat. The company plans to make a full jump into the medical device market after building trust in the product as a type of sportswear.
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