TYPE-XI Spiber project
The “TYPE-XI Spiber project” is a collaborative initiative with Spiber Inc. This project is an endeavour to address societal challenges and make steps towards a sustainable future, showcasing the power of technology and design.
Spiber continues to tackle resource limitation issues through innovation, focusing on the capabilities of proteins. One such material, “Brewed Protein™ fiber”, is considered a game-changing material for the future. It belongs to a new category of “protein fibers” and is manufactured using Spiber’s proprietary microbial fermentation technology with plant-derived raw materials as its base. As the first artificial protein fiber material to be mass-produced by the company, it boasts environmental biodegradability and is expected to significantly reduce land and water usage compared to animal-derived fibers like cashmere and wool. This makes it a promising next-generation material that offers a sustainable alternative to conventional animal-derived, plant-based, and synthetic materials.
A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE resonated with Spiber’s forward-looking vision for the future and began exploring the potential of protein fibers through their product development. The “TYPE-XI Spiber project” leverages the unique properties of this new material, taking a step towards a sustainable future while continuing to expand the possibilities of innovative materials.
The first product from the “TYPE-XI Spiber project” is a timelessly designed pair of straight-cut, 5-pocket trousers made with over 50% Brewed Protein™ fiber. These trousers utilize the difference in shrinkage between Brewed Protein™ fiber yarn and plant-based polyester yarn to create a striped pattern, offering a new interpretation of the Steam Stretch technique. By blending the two materials, the trousers provide a soft and comfortable fit, while their natural hue, achieved without dyeing, highlights the material’s inherent beauty.
For more details on the collaborative initiative between Spiber and A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE, please refer to “DIALOGUES,” featured on the A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE brand page. These articles delve deeper into the project through conversations between Spiber’s representative, Kazuhide Sekiyama, and A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE’s designer, Yoshiyuki Miyamae, along with the engineering team.
Episode 3 “Protein Revolution #1”
Episode 4 “Protein Revolution #2”
From Spiber
We are delighted that products using our materials are being launched for the first time by A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE.
Around two years ago, designer Yoshiyuki Miyamae and the A-POC ABLE team began development, deeply resonating with the potential of Brewed Protein™ Fiber and Spiber’s core business philosophy. The journey of creating intricate fabric development, refined designs, and ultimately remarkable products, is an achievement only possible through the collaboration with the A-POC ABLE team, which has been an invaluable learning experience for us.
We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with the A-POC ABLE team. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on material development and production that inspire and captivate designers and creators to fuel their creative endeavours.
Spiber Inc.
Established in 2007, Spiber is a biotech venture company based in Yamagata, Japan. Dedicated to creating innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable well-being, Spiber has developed a new material solution inspired by nature’s diversity and circularity, the “Brewed Protein™” material platform. By harnessing the power of precision fermentation, Spiber engineers proteins at the molecular level, resulting in versatile materials that can be tailored to specific needs. This innovative solution opens up new possibilities for sustainable and high-performance materials in various industries, including apparel, food, automotives, and more.
