Contains artificial protein material. What makes it different from previous sweaters?
The Sweater is made of 70% wool and 30% Blude Protein, an artificial protein material. But, frankly speaking, you would not know that artificial protein material is used unless you are told.
Brewed Protein, the artificial protein material used in The Sweater, was developed by Spiber , a bio-venture company based in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The main raw material is plant-derived sugar, which is produced through a fermentation process utilizing microorganisms. Because it does not use petroleum-derived raw materials as its main ingredient, it is attracting attention as a next-generation material that can help solve issues faced by the apparel industry, such as the microplastic problem.
Arai: It is important to note that while the Sweater is made of an innovative material, an artificial protein material, it is no different in quality than conventional wool sweaters. The sweater itself has hardly changed its shape in the 1,000 years since its birth. In the development of "The Sweater," we went through a process of trial and error to find the right formula to ensure the quality of the sweater while blending artificial proteins.
The Sweater" is priced at 88,000 yen including tax. It is quite expensive, but what is the reason?
Arai: Yes, the price of one sweater is expensive, but we believe it is important to present to the world something completely new and with a strong message: a sweater made of artificial protein material.
