The Fibers & Textiles Research Laboratories was established in 1969, integrating the fibers and textiles research centers and laboratories previously scattered nationwide. Research ranges from polymer design to polymerization and yarn-making and fiber processing, in achieving a steady stream of new-age fibers and textiles.

In addition to "Shingosen" (new synthetic fibers) and other new apparel products, the Laboratories has yielded high-performance fibers for tire cord, Ecsaine* suede-texture artificial leather, Toraysee* high-tech wiping cloth and other breakthroughs. Also emerging are carbon fibers, hollow fibers for use in artificial kidneys and other fundamental technology to spearhead new business.

The Laboratories advances research into environmental harmony (plant-derived materials, low environmental impact processes, etc.), pursuing bold new horizons for fibers and textiles. As recent eco-friendly achievements, research targets the plant-based materials of polylactic acid fibers and thermoplastic cellulose fibers, while low environmental impact projects include moves to eliminate harmful substances and solvents from the fiber and fabric manufacturing process. To realize new fiber frontiers, the research here includes perfection of nanofibers with diameters a mere 1/1,000th that of human hair, exploration of fibers made from high heat-resistance polymer, chemical-resistant polymer, liquid-crystal polymer, and other functional polymers, research into medical device use fibers and other advances. These research processes have further evolved and extended the boundaries of polymer technology, yarn-making technology, fiber processing and other fundamental technologies that support the fiber and textile industry. The progress is also expanding beyond mere fundamental technology, mobilizing fiber technology to pioneer new fields beyond the realm of conventional fiber and textile products.

Fiber technology originally developed for apparel is being actively expanded into interior design, amenities and other product fields, while also used as industrial materials. In the industrial material sector, anticipating higher demand for fibers with greater strength, resilience, heat resistance, chemical resistance and other properties, the Laboratories is moving into PPS fibers and products that differ from polyester, nylon and other conventional fibers.

Recent results of this research include the polytrimethyleneterephalate (PTT) composite fiber excelling in lift stretch, breakthroughs such as Feminos* and Sillook Duet* that outstrip the domain of "Shingosen" as fashion textiles, and car mats made from polylactic acid.

The Laboratories continue to pioneer applications beyond the realm of apparel. Examples include groundbreaking research into new technology and products mobilizing the wonders of cutting edge fiber in three growing business areas - environment, biomaterials and IT-related products.