Kapok Illustrated Book vol.2 -Characteristics of Kapok Fiber (Part 2)-
Disadvantages of straight hair with short fibers
Why has Kapok, which has excellent functionality, not been used for clothing until now?
One of the answers lies in the characteristics of kapok fiber.
To process fibers into thread, they must be loosened, stretched, and twisted.
However, the fibers of kapok are short and do not have crimps, so the fibers do not intertwine with each other and cannot be twisted.
This process is difficult for kapok, and although it was attracting attention as a material, it was difficult to make it into clothing.
Another factor is that short fiber kapok has not been widely available in the market, as long fibers are widely distributed in the market.
Kapok too light
Kapok's appeal is that it is light and highly functional, but this lightness was also the reason why it was not used for clothing.
This is because the kapok is so light that it gets thrown into the air during the process. Cleaning at the factory is very time-consuming because the particles are scattered in very fine particles.
This does not provide good work efficiency or a good work environment, and kapok has been avoided as a material that is difficult to work with.
Kapok for clothes
As introduced, kapok is difficult to handle.
So how did it transform into clothes?
The secret lies inside the fabric of KAPOK KNOT products.
The inside of the fabric is not stuffed with kapok cotton.
In fact, it is made of kapok cotton that has been processed into sheets and sewn into it.
By processing it into a sheet, the cotton won't fly away, and the cotton won't bunch up, which is common with down.
This seat, which was researched and developed by KAPOK KNOT in collaboration with major companies, is designed to wrap your entire body in kapok.
This was the reason why kapok could be made into clothing.
How was that?
This time, we would like to introduce the reason why high-performance kapok has not been used as a material for clothing.
Kapok has many charms, but there are many challenges that must be overcome before it can reach you as clothing.
KAPOK KNOT will continue to expand the possibilities of kapok material, so please look forward to it!
source:
Developing country forest business database BFPRO
https://jifpro.or.jp/bfpro/sanpin/sanpin-02/1309/
Kapok fiber (Indonesia)
https://www.maff.go.jp/j/kokusai/kokkyo/yosan/attach/pdf/h30_report-75.pdf
Tokyo Cleaning and Sanitation Industry Association
