Italy’s major textile manufacturers split into
responsive and indifferent camps over REACH

Senshoku Keizai Shimbun asked major textile manufacturers in Italy questions about countermeasures for REACH which exhibited at "MilanoUnica," a new textile exhibition held in Milan from September 12 to 15. Mr. Mario Boselli, the chairman of the National Chamber for Italian Fashion and of the world-famous Marioboselli Holds, sees that once REACH is enacted, it will have a major impact on the Italian textile industry. 　Mr. Boselli said, "We are taking action in the group as a whole for textile production and have already given instructions to dyeing firms receiving consignments not to delay in responding to REACH," as may be expected of a leader of the industry, he was quick to take the necessary action. (Note): REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is taking into consideration radical revision of frameworks for the currently operating regulatory system for chemicals in the EU such as Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD), Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD), Existing Substances Regulation and Restrictions on marketing and use.

(Photo) Mr. Mario Boselli, the chairman of the National Chamber for Italian Fashion and of the world-famous Marioboselli Holdings

Clerici Tessuto of Como, Italy focus intensively on ink-jet printing.

Clerici Tessuto　of Como in Italy has started to intensify ink-jet　printing of silk. The company manufactures 1,600,000 meters per year with conventional printing machines, and has about 1,300 clients. Its sales network is divided into 40% in Italy, 25% in Europe, 15% in East Asia and 20% in America. It is planning to enlarge its clientele by increasing the range of printing processing with ink-jet printing machines to produce elegant designs which have been difficult to make with conventional printing machines, Mr. Stefano Gamba, in charge of exports, told our correspondent in Milan.

AIST and Toyobo produce Biosurfactant using natural yeast.
It shows moisturizing effects equivalent to natural ceramide.

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Toyobo have jointly established the technology to produce a natural lipid called "Biosurfactant" using natural yeast and vegetable oil which shows moisturizing effects equivalent to ceramide, a natural humectant. With this technology, costs can be reduced to under one-tenth of those of conventional natural ceramide.

According to AIST and Toyobo, "Biosurfactant" can be used for cosmetics and dermal products for external use like natural ceramide known as a skin moisturizer, it can be effective in intensifying the stability of cosmetic materials and the penetration of skin with its characteristic production of nanometer-sized capsules (liposomes). In the future promotion of this product, Toyobo is targeting uses in other than skincare products like highly-functional detergents using the excellent surface-active effects, advancing production cost reduction.

Moisturizing effect in 3D model skin

National Institute of Animal Health and Shikibo jointly develop
fabric for bird influenza countermeasures keeping antiviral effects
after 50 washings.

The National Institute of Animal Health of the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization and Shikibo have jointly developed an antiviral finishing fiber "Flutect" which reduces infectivity of bird influenza remaining over 99.9% attached to fabric even after 50 washings.

The characteristics and antiviral effects of "Flutect" that Shikibo released are as follows.

Role of international division of labor for textiles.
Japan Chemical Fibers Association accepts study commissioned by
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Japan Chemical Fibers Association has undertaken a project sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for the fiscal year 2006 called "Survey of the role of international division of labor with major textile countries." In this survey, they are going to explore efficient export promotions and the most suitable role for the international division of labor for Japan capitalizing on the strength of its textile industry by grasping the current status, issues and future possibilities for textile industries in China, ASEAN members and Bangladesh. Domestic hearings, international field surveys and preparation of statistical data will be mainly conducted within the year, conducting the survey with completion slated for March 2007.

Kuraray raises prices of vinylon, PES stable fibers and thermoplastic elastomers.

Kuraray will raise the price of vinylon which is a polyvinyl alcohol fiber, a high-strength solvent type and watersoluble type fiber "KURALON K-II" and polyester stable fibers from October 1 shipments. The range of the price hike is 50 yen/kg for vinylon and "KURALON K-II" and 40 yen/kg for polyester stable fibers. The price of hydrogenated styrene thermoplastic elastomers "SEPTON" and "HYBRAR" will be raised by 5-10% from October 2 shipments.