2024.04.26

Repeat Customers Galore! The Savior of Outdoor Scenes, Foxfire's 'Wearable Insect Repellent' Series

With the cherry blossoms in full bloom and warmer days on the rise, some may already be planning their summer vacations. Whether heading to the mountains or rivers for fun or engaging in gardening, one common issue faced is insect bites. Despite using insect repellent sprays or mosquito coils, their effectiveness is questionable. Especially in active outdoor settings, one might find themselves bitten by insects even after taking precautions.

Enter insect repellent clothing. Foxfire's 'Wearable Insect Repellent' series features a material called 'SCORON®', developed in collaboration with Earth Corporation and TEIJIN FRONTIER. This material discourages insects from lingering, prompting them to quickly fly away. In this regard, we spoke with Shuhei Kanno and Hisaki Matsuo from the outdoor department at TIEMCO Ltd., who handle this brand, about the development of 'SCORON®' and its mechanisms.

PROFILE

Hisaki Matsuo

TIEMCO Ltd., Outdoor Department, Planning and Development Section, Chief Involved in the design of clothing since the start of handling SCORON® products. Initiating the development of SCORON products based on personal experiences of being bothered by insects during activities like fishing and trekking, which are hobbies.

PROFILE

Shuhei Kanno

TIEMCO Ltd., Outdoor Department, Principal in charge of Foxfire Promotion Handled promotion since the introduction of SCORON® products. An avid fisherman, enjoying lure fishing in mountain streams during the season, always using SCORON products.

Starting from 4 Types of Fly-fishing Vests

Can you tell us about the founding of Foxfire?

Tiemco started in 1969 by importing fishing gear. However, foreign products did not match Japanese climate or sizing. Also, unlike other countries, in Japan there is a tradition of mountain stream fishing.

Therefore, in 1982, a Tiemco employee created four types of fly-fishing vests. This was the beginning of the Foxfire brand.

Subsequently, they sold windbreakers made of parachute fabric and wading shoes for walking in rivers. They were also pioneers in incorporating Gore-Tex into outdoor mountain parkas.

While specializing in water-resistant products, the company now handles general outdoor products, making items suited to Japan's climate.

'Wearable Insect Repellent', What Functionality Does it Offer?

Although you promote 'Wearable Insect Repellent,' what are the features of 'SCORON®'?

In summer outdoor settings, the major issues are insects, UV rays, and sweat. SCORON® addresses all these. Not our original material, but as it is made domestically by joint development between Earth Corporation and TEIJIN FRONTIER, it is safe to use.

Along with superior insect repellent capabilities, it also features UV protection and quick-drying properties.

What exactly is meant by insect repellent?

Insect repellent mechanisms come in two types: volatile and contact repellent. Volatile types release compounds from the product that insects dislike, but a downside is that these compounds can deplete while the products sit on store shelves.

On the other hand, our 'SCORON®' is of the contact repellent type. Insects landing on the fabric immediately sense the repellent compounds through their feet, causing discomfort and making them fly away promptly. Thus, it doesn't entirely prevent insects from approaching, but rather, it causes them to depart swiftly once they come close.

How long does the insect repellent function last?

Although it is sold for its durability, the insect repellent function does not last indefinitely. The effect inevitably diminishes with each wash. However, the effectiveness does not dramatically decline.

After 20-30 washes, more than 80% of the effectiveness remains. For regular use, you can still feel the insect repellent effect for about three seasons. Of course, even after the insect repellent effect wears off, you can continue to wear it as clothing with high moisture-wicking and UV protection features.

Completed as Outdoor Clothing After About 10 Years, 'SCORON®'

It's an interesting mechanism, but were you involved from the development stage of 'SCORON®'?

At that time, TEIJIN FRONTIER was quietly making work clothes with 'SCORON®' material for agricultural work and other tasks. The challenge was to adapt it into suitable materials and designs for outdoor clothing.

Initially, it was aimed at heavy-duty usage, and the fabrics were stiff and not suitable for casual use, but as we started developing materials with TEIJIN FRONTIER, it evolved into its current form.