Mipox Co., Ltd. Japan’s first *1 reflector brand “Ref Lite” develops new material that contributes to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry

[Mipox Co., Ltd.] Japan’s first*1 reflector brand “Ref Lite” develops new material that helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry ​
Mipox Co., Ltd. Press release: April 23, 2025 Japan’s first*1 reflector brand “Ref Lite” develops new material that helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry ～Using next-generation plant-based synthetic fiber “PlaX” developed by Bioworks～ “Changing the world through painting, cutting, and polishing” Mipox Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture, President and CEO: Jun Watanabe) is a thin and lightweight reflector cloth (retroreflective material) “Ref Lite” series of Japan’s first*1 reflector (retroreflective cloth) brand “Ref Lite”. The base material of the “Ultra Light Reflector” uses “PlaX,” a next-generation synthetic fiber derived from plants made from polylactic acid, which is researched and developed by Bioworks Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Soraku-gun, Kyoto Prefecture, President and CEO: Koji Sakamoto, hereinafter referred to as “Bioworks”). This is our first attempt to incorporate biodegradable materials*2 into our reflector products. *1 First manufactured and sold in Japan as an open lens type retroreflective cloth (according to our research at the time of release in 1968) *2 Materials that are decomposed into substances that exist in nature, such as water and carbon dioxide, by the action of microorganisms
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/54807/56/54807-56-e1b60fca9505731f66082c11d9c272f8-1151×767.jpg ■Background of PlaX adoption A reflector is a special material that reflects light in the direction it receives it. Traditionally, it was mainly used in workwear for safety purposes, but in recent years it has attracted attention for its visual effects as a “glowing material” and has been adopted by many designers and creators, including sportswear and Paris Fashion Week brands. Until now, the majority of the market for reflector base materials has been synthetic fibers such as polyester, which are mainly made from petroleum. On the other hand, in recent years, interest in materials that contribute to reducing environmental impact has increased in the fashion industry, and more sustainable product development is required. Against this background, we adopted PlaX for the “Ref Lite Ultra Light Reflector,” a thin and lightweight reflector cloth (retroreflective material), with a view to replacing it with materials that contribute to reducing environmental impact. In addition to a total of 31 colors, you can also consult about original colors. We realize a variety of designs while reducing environmental impact. Ref Lite will continue to pursue new possibilities for reflector products, expand the range of expression for designers and creators, and support the next generation of sustainable fashion industry through the development of socially and environmentally friendly products. ■About the product PlaX is a plant-based synthetic fiber made from sugarcane, and is a new material researched and developed by Bioworks that contributes to environmental issues such as resource depletion and carbon dioxide emissions by replacing petroleum-based synthetic fibers. By adopting PlaX, we have realized the development of a new environmentally friendly reflector product.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/54807/56/54807-56-f3a95aa089fd4e52650db693d20f33da-765×510.png After reflection ■Comment from Kazutaka Miwa, Executive Officer and General Manager of PlaX Division, Bioworks Co., Ltd. We are very pleased that PlaX has been selected for Mipox’s “Ref Lite.” At the international fabric fair Premiere Vision, where we recently exhibited, Ref Lite fabrics using PlaX attracted the attention of many visitors and received high praise from high-end brands. Out of the approximately 150 product numbers on display, it attracted particular attention and was picked up by so many brands that it ranked in the top five, making us realize once again its potential. We will continue to develop PlaX as a material that reduces environmental impact and opens new possibilities for fashion. ■Comment from Junichi Miyamoto, head of Ref Lite, Mipox Co., Ltd. With the need to reduce
environmental impact, the introduction of sustainable materials has become an urgent issue in the fashion industry. In particular, the need for reflector cloths made from biodegradable materials continues to grow, and our company has been working to resolve this issue. As a result of repeated manufacturing evaluation and development in-house, we were able to develop the Ultra Light Reflector Series based on Bioworks’ PlaX. This product maintains functionality while being environmentally friendly, and is also available in different colors. We are confident that this will open up new possibilities not only in the uniform industry, but also in the fashion industry. We will continue to promote sustainable manufacturing and create new value for the fashion industry together with everyone in the industry. ■What is “PlaX”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/54807/56/54807-56-e1133f20fc33cf43580c1cd94a4b4652-311×101.png 《Features of PlaX》 “PlaX” is a new material that contributes to reducing environmental impact with updated quality and functionality by adding “plant-based additives” developed by our company to polylactic acid (PLA), a biomass material made from plants such as sugarcane. It is attracting worldwide attention as a highly versatile material that can be used as an alternative to petroleum-derived synthetic fibers such as polyester. • Compared to polyester, by replacing it with PlaX, CO2 emissions from producing long fibers are reduced by 70%, and CO2 emissions from producing short fibers (raw cotton) are reduced by 50%. • Compared to cotton, water usage from raw material to yarn production is reduced by 90%. • A material with the characteristic of “biodegradability” that is broken down into water and CO2 by microorganisms. • It is compatible with chemical recycling, which reproduces equivalent materials from waste, and research and development is progressing toward the realization of a closed loop that circulates resources. • Reduces CO2 emissions during
incineration. No harmful substances such as dioxins are generated. ■What is Bioworks Co., Ltd. Bioworks is a material creation company that manufactures and sells “PlaX,” a next-generation plant-based synthetic fiber made from polylactic acid, with the vision of “a new ecosystem where the joy of making and the richness of wearing continues.” Based on the knowledge accumulated through research and development of polylactic acid since our founding in 2015, we will expand into the textile business in 2021. As a material that will play a role in moving away from petroleum-based raw materials in the fashion industry, it is attracting attention and has begun to be adopted by domestic and international textile companies and brands. Bioworks WEB: https://www.bioworks.co.jp/ bio Official OnlineStore: https://bio-plax.com/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/54807/56/54807-56-68e81fc56b6c8c985ab371e16aa6d8bc-1456×244.png ■Ref Lite Overview Brand name: Ref Lite
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/54807/56/54807-56-78cb5b22ea5ac52f1f137b8964d6fcf5-318×58.png “Ref Lite” is the first company in Japan to manufacture
retroreflective fabric. For approximately 50 years, we have refined our technology as a pioneer in the reflective materials industry. We use advanced technology such as special processing of the reflector surface and color mixing to achieve high reflectivity and a wide variety of color variations. It creates valuable shine in all fields, from professionals who require high visibility to fashion applications that allow them to freely express their sensibilities. Delivering the best brilliance to people, every day. Ref Lite makes it possible. Ref Lite brand site ​ ■Features of Ref Lite Image
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/54807/56/54807-56-7ab0699be008f0eaacbf586153f9297f-750×534.jpg Color reflector reflection image 1. Infinite color variations The biggest feature of Ref Lite is its endless color variations. It enables free color expression that was not possible with conventional reflective materials. 2. Advanced reflective performance Ref Lite, which has mastered fine packing technology, arranges glass beads uniformly and densely. Demonstrates excellent reflective performance. 3. Flexible custom-made/small quantity orders With Ref Lite, you can select not only the color but also the base material. We also support small-scale production with raw fabric lengths of 50 m or more. Since we can customize our products to fit your order, we can provide you with the most suitable product. 4. The brilliance that can only be created in Kyoto, the place of founding Ref Lite was born in 1968 in Kyoto, where traditional industries such as Nishijin-ori and Yuzen dyeing are still alive. Inheriting the rich sense of color and sophisticated aesthetic sense cultivated here, we continue to evolve today. 5. Extensive recruitment track record Ref Lite has been adopted by many organizations and companies that require strict quality standards, such as government agencies such as police and fire departments, and major companies. *Ref Lite and the Ref Lite logo are registered trademarks of Mipox Co., Ltd. *We can also provide samples of reflective cloth to the media. Please contact us for inquiries. ■Mipox company profile Company name: Mipox Co., Ltd. Location: 18 Satsukicho, Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture Founded: November 21, 1925 Representative: Atsushi Watanabe, Representative Director and President U R L: https://www.mipox.co.jp/ Stock code: 5381 [About Mipox] Mipox Co., Ltd. will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. Based on the technological capabilities we have cultivated to date, we aim for further evolution and sustainable growth. We started as a German trading company in 1925, importing and selling foils and pigments, and entered the polishing field in earnest in the 1970s. Although our business is very niche, we have demonstrated our strengths in high-tech fields such as hard disks and optical fibers based on our core technologies of “painting,” “cutting,” and “polishing.” As a 100-year venture that will continue to take on challenges, we aim to realize a sustainable society, embody what our customers want to achieve, and change the world with our core technologies of “painting,” “cutting,” and “polishing.”
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