Two Japanese companies, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. jointly developed PIECLEX, the world’s first piezoelectric fabric. Murata and Teijin Frontier founded PIECLEX with a joint venture to research, develop, manufacture and sell the fabric in question.
PIECLEX fabric realizes antimicrobial performance by converting motions such as human movement into electrical energy by combining Murata’s piezoelectric technology cultivated through development and manufacture of electronic components with Teijin Frontier’s fabric technology, which spans from yarns and materials to product manufacturing. PIECLEX also contribute to protecting the global environment as it uses plant-derived polylactic acid (PLA) as its raw material and does not apply chemical agents and organic solvents.
Going forward, PIECLEX Co., Ltd. will develop a wide range of applications of PIECLEX, from clothing products such as sportswear and innerwear to industrial products including filters and sanitary materials. Production and sales will start from fiscal 2020, with the goal of 10 billion yen in sales by fiscal 2025.
PIECLEX is a carbon-neutral, earth-friendly fabric
PIECLEX uses PLA, which is produced by fermented starch extracted from plants to produce lactic acid then bonded. Since plants absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and synthesize starch, PIECLEX does not increase the total amount of carbon dioxide that causes global warming.
PIECLEX fabric generates electricity by using the expansion and contraction of the fabric produced by human movement or other motions. This enables antimicrobial and deodorant (antibacterial function; which prevents odor generated by bacteria that decomposes sweat and sebum) functions; without using chemical agents or organic solvents, helping to reduce the environmental load.
Both companies are satisfied with the cooperation and the results
Murata’s Chairman of the Board and President Tsuneo Murata said that; the fabric developed by the newly established PIECLEX Co., Ltd. makes use of Murata’s piezoelectric technology and knowledge; cultivated through products such as SAW filters, resonators, and sensors. Noting that to the present, Murata has contributed mainly in the field of electronic equipment; Tsuneo Murata continued his words saying; “I am very happy that this combination with Teijin Frontier’s fabric technology will let us challenge the creation of new value in the field of fabrics. This joint venture will make the most of both companies’ strengths and contribute to the creation of prosperous lifestyles through electrical fabrics”.
Teijin Frontier’s President Chief Executive Officer Shinji Nikko said that; the piezoelectric fabric realizes antimicrobial performance without using chemical agents, etc. Noting that it also contributes to environmental load reduction as it applies plant-derived raw materials, Nikko continued saying; “PIECLEX integrates Murata and Teijin Frontier’s cutting-edge technologies; and I believe this innovative fabric will be essential for sustainable future lifestyle. By providing fabric that have never existed before, we will contribute to realize bountiful lifestyles and beautiful environment”.