A Sustainable Shift in Fashion: PlaX and emmi Collaboration
In an exciting development for sustainable fashion, Bioworks, based in Kizugawa, Japan, has introduced its next-generation plant-derived synthetic fiber, PlaX, into the Spring/Summer 2025 collection of the popular women's brand, emmi.
The Collection Launch
Emmi, operated by Mash Style Lab and known for its daily wear as well as wellness and training apparel, will showcase the new collection starting June 12, 2024. A dedicated page for the sustainable collection will be launched on emmi's official online store at noon, allowing for pre-orders to be placed. Meanwhile, the collection will hit shelves at emmi's physical stores across Japan beginning June 19.
This new collection follows the previous ones in Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter 2024, reflecting emmi and Bioworks' commitment to sustainability by thoroughly analyzing and visualizing the CO2 emissions of each product.
The Green Factory Initiative
As part of their partnership, Bioworks and emmi have made a significant step towards minimizing CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process. By selecting a 'Green Factory' that covers approximately 45% of its power needs through self-generated energy, the teams have aimed to significantly cut emissions and increase transparency. This strategic move not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with the production of these garments but also plots out a clear path for the reduction rates achieved.
The growing demand for transparency in production processes is becoming increasingly prevalent in the fashion industry, with consumers increasingly eager to know how their clothing is made. This shift is especially strong in Europe, where initiatives like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) seek to standardize the management and disclosure of product lifecycle information. Japan is also catching up, as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced trials for a Japanese variant of the DPP set to begin in 2024.
The Importance of Transparency
Bioworks recognizes that enhancing transparency throughout the supply chain is not merely a regulatory necessity; it serves to build trust with consumers and partner businesses alike. As part of their commitment to social accountability, Bioworks and emmi have revealed the detailed production process for the PlaX-integrated products, including the origin of the raw materials and manufacturing locations.
Measuring Environmental Impact with LCA
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a method for quantitatively evaluating the environmental impact across a product's life cycle, has been employed to measure the CO2 emissions from the production of these garments, from raw material sourcing through to manufacturing and transportation. This comprehensive analysis, carried out by Bioworks and emmi, will continue into the Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
By opting for 'Green Factories' for the sewing processes—where 45% of the required electricity is generated through solar power—emmi is projected to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 15-17% per product when compared to standard manufacturing facilities.
Details of the Emmi x PlaX Collection
- - Cropped Emmi Logo T-Shirt: ¥7,480 (Available in Off White, Light Beige, Blue, Black)
- - Tuck Design Top: ¥7,920 (Available in White, Yellow, Black)
- - Pile Hoodie: ¥16,500 (Available in Light Gray, Blue, Brown, Black)
- - Pile Ame Su Ri Dress: ¥19,800 (Available in Light Gray, Blue, Brown, Black)
How to Purchase
The online collection will be available for pre-order starting June 12 at noon through the official emmi online store and USAGI ONLINE. The collection will also be available in all emmi direct stores starting June 19.
About Emmi
Emmi aims to provide sophisticated daily wear and fashionable wellness and training apparel under the concept of 'clear mode.' Their designs incorporate active lifestyle elements while ensuring comfort and style.
About PlaX
PlaX, a new material developed from plant-based sources, significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with clothing production. By substituting traditional materials, PlaX can cut CO2 emissions during manufacturing by up to 70% for long fibers and 50% for short fibers. This innovative fiber also consumes 90% less water than cotton.
Bioworks, with the vision of creating a sustainable ecosystem and enhancing wearer enjoyment through their products, has been at the forefront of this eco-innovation since its inception in 2015.
For more information, visit
Bioworks.