2024.10.02
The Shockwaves of Featherless Down Jackets! What Future Fashion Is Depicted within Sumitomo Metal Mining's "SOLAMENT®"
Have we ever seen such a shocking garment in the fashion industry? A down jacket that claims to be one but uses absolutely no down, yet possesses remarkable heating and insulating properties, all designed with a colorless aesthetic. It resembles clothing that has come from the future.
The secret behind this captivating design lies in "SOLAMENT®," developed by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd..
To delve into the mystery of this fascinating item, we spoke with Yoshisuke Ishibashi, the project leader of "SOLAMENT®" in the Functional Materials Division of the company.
PROFILE
Keisuke Ishibashi
Project Leader, SOLAMENT® Project, Planning & Development Department, Functional Materials Division, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
Born in 1991. He has experience in overseas sales for waste power generation plants, new business development for factory automation equipment, and launching digital marketing projects. Since October 2022, he has been engaged in the planning and development of functional materials. Currently, he leads initiatives from brand project launch to dissemination strategies for the SOLAMENT® project.
What is "SOLAMENT®" Utilizing Near-Infrared Light?
First, please tell us about your business.
Our company started in 1590 with the copper smelting business. Subsequently, in 1691, we shifted our model to combine smelting and resource business during the opening of the Besshi Copper Mine in Ehime Prefecture.Basically, we extract minerals from mines and refine them in factories to make them easier to process. In this process, we have developed technologies to produce finer metal powders. This technology is currently applied to nickel-based cathode materials and nanoparticles for inks that are essential for electric vehicles and hybrid cars.
The Functional Materials Division, which handles "SOLAMENT®," is the department that applies such metal processing technologies to chemicals.
What is "SOLAMENT®"?
This is a metallic compound that absorbs near-infrared light contained in sunlight and generates heat within the material itself. It was originally sold as "near-infrared absorbing material (CWO)" but was rebranded to "SOLAMENT®" last October to effectively convey its characteristics.What functions does this material have?
It has several functions, including "SOLAMENT® for HEATING" and "SOLAMENT® for HEAT BLOCKING."For example, if we coat a window with "SOLAMENT®," it will absorb the near-infrared light from the sun, and heat will be stopped there. As a result, heat won't reach indoors, meaning that in summer, there is less need to lower the air conditioning setting, thus reducing the environmental impact.
Focusing on this heat-absorbing quality, using it in apparel can create products that feel extremely warm in winter. Traditionally, products that enhance the perceived temperature kept body heat, but "SOLAMENT®" derives heat from the sun, allowing for a warmer sensation than ever before.
This material seems poised to excel across various industries depending on its application.
Currently, the highest sales are from car windows. There is also significant appreciation for its use in agricultural greenhouses.The interior of a greenhouse can get extremely hot, creating harsh working conditions for farmers, who were previously unable to work past around 10 AM during the summer. Thanks to "SOLAMENT®"'s heat shielding effect, they can now work until after noon while still allowing sufficient light for crops to grow properly.
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Utilizing sunlight has many potential applications.
“SOLAMENT® for SKIN” plays a role in blocking infrared rays, which are a contributing factor to skin aging. Generally, ultraviolet rays are known to cause sunburn and dark spots, but recent studies have revealed that near-infrared rays have a significant direct impact on the skin, making measures against them increasingly important.Additionally, there’s “SOLAMENT® for PRIVACY.” Those who engage in sports such as swimming and beach volleyball often struggle with the threat of voyeurism, preventing them from fully demonstrating their abilities. By incorporating this into their uniforms, we can help protect them from such invasions. I’ve heard that our materials are actually being used in international competitions.
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