Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd.,  the Teijin Group’s fiber products converting company, announced that it has developed an indigo-like synthetic fiber, named INDI5, in collaboration with DAIICHI GOUSEN and MITSUKE SENKOU, Japanese long-established textile mills of heavy-weight fabrics and dyeing.

INDI5 is a lightweight indigo-like fabric offering comfort, easy care and fade resistance. The colorfast indigo-like fabric combines Teijin Frontier’s polymer-modification technology, DAIICHI GOUSEN’s weaving technology and MITSUKE SENKOU’s dyeing technology.

The firm has been working with these companies since 2012 to help them revitalize their domestic operations. The new fiber was developed in Mitsuke, Niigata Prefecture, one of the firm’s main production regions for heavy-weight fabrics and well known as indigo dyeing.

INDI5 polyester fiber is made with a highly dye- and color-receptive polymer that bleeds like indigo-dyed cotton. It offers natural texture, and it can be partially bleached with a special process for color variation. Special weaving technology also achieves denim-like texture.

Features of Teijin INDI5 fabric

・Denim-like uneven coloring
・Soft, lightweight synthetic fiber
・No discoloration after washing
・Wrinkle resistance and fast drying
・Denim look combined with comfort

The firm is now exploring marketing opportunities for INDI5 available in four color variations, including the ladies wear, outerwear and uniform segments. Annual sales are expected to reach 200,000m by the fiscal year ending in March 2021.