Kyoto, Japan – 4 December, 2025 - Bioworks Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Sōraku District, Kyoto Prefecture; CEO: Koji Sakamoto, hereinafter Bioworks) has developed the next-generation plant-based synthetic fibre "PlaX", which has been adopted for the first time by Goldwin Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Takao Watanabe, hereinafter Goldwin) for use in "THE NORTH FACE" and "NEUTRALWORKS."
Background of the joint development between Bioworks and Goldwin Bioworks and Goldwin have been jointly developing PlaX products since 2022. The Boa fleece outerwear using PlaX was released from the 2025 Autumn/Winter collection of 'THE NORTH FACE' and 'NEUTRALWORKS.' launched by Goldwin.
Towards commercialization, an extended period of prototyping and testing was conducted between the two companies. To meet Goldwin's high-quality standards, particularly in terms of dyeability and durability, both companies collaborated to review the yarn processing conditions and designs, repeatedly testing and improving the materials with the cooperation of textile manufacturers and dyeing factories. Through these continuous efforts to enhance quality, preparations for practical use were carried out over approximately three years, leading to its adoption this time.
Moving forward, both companies will continue to strengthen their collaboration from both material development and product design perspectives, aiming to accelerate sustainable manufacturing. Through the expanded adoption of PlaX, Bioworks will contribute to reducing environmental impact in the fashion industry and achieving a circular society.
Main products using PlaX
THE NORTH FACE Extreme Pile Hoodie Jacket Price: ¥30,800 (tax included) Colours: Black, Fossil Ivory Sizes: S, M, L, XL Material: Outer fabric and hood lining: 65% polyester, 18% acrylic, 17% polylactic acid Lining: 100% polyester Hem and cuffs: 70% acrylic, 30% wool.
NEUTRALWORKS. SNOWMELT / FULL ZIP FLEECE Price: 41,800 yen (tax included) Colour: Black Sizes: S, M, L, XL Material: [Outer fleece] Polyester 65%, Acrylic 18%, Polylactic acid 17% [Outer cloth] Wool 40%, Polyester 35%, Nylon 25% [Lining] Polyester 100%.
Introduction to the Brand: THE NORTH FACE｜The North Face
Founded in San Francisco in 1966, "THE NORTH FACE" started as a small manufacturer, but soon gained high trust with the release of its sleeping bags. Not only were they high quality, but their indication of the "minimum temperature rating"—showing the lowest temperatures at which they could be comfortably used—drew significant attention.
At the same time, during the era of the Vietnam War quagmire, countercultures against a materialistic society and existing values were flourishing. Young people with keen senses left the cities and returned to nature. The energy of these individuals resonated with the unconventional style of THE NORTH FACE, eventually sparking a backpacking boom.
For over 50 years, we have been pushing the limits of outdoor experiences through the creation of sleeping bags, apparel, tents, and backpacks.
Our mission is not to imitate nature, but to adjust the interactions of multiple natural principles to bring out unprecedented new functions. We aim to convey to the next generation the proper way to interact with nature, the right way to relate to people, and the importance of valuing things. This is the mission of THE NORTH FACE.
NEUTRALWORKS is a wellness brand with the tagline 'GET YOU READY', supporting people who want to spend 24 hours in a sports lifestyle by optimising their mind and body to a neutral state and supporting new challenges. 'Optimising the mind and body to a neutral state' means enhancing the natural abilities humans possess by optimising the mind and body. By exercising appropriately to improve physical abilities and resting adequately, it maintains a healthy state of mind and body (=neutral). From the perspective of health medicine and sleep management, it proposes a richer lifestyle by offering products with excellent design and functionality, as well as high-quality services and information.
"PlaX" is a new material that contributes to reducing environmental impact by enhancing quality and functionality through the addition of our uniquely developed 'plant-derived additives' to the biomass material 'polylactic acid (PLA),' which is made from plants such as sugarcane. It is gaining global attention not only as an alternative to petroleum-derived synthetic fibers such as polyester but also as a highly versatile material.
《Features of PlaX Fiber》
- Compared to polyester, replacing it with PlaX reduces CO2 emissions by 70% during the production of long fibers and by 50% during the production of short fibers (raw cotton).
- Compared to cotton, it reduces water usage from raw material to yarn production by 92%.
- It has 'biodegradable' properties, decomposing into water and CO2 in an industrial composting environment.
- It is compatible with 'chemical recycling,' which regenerates equivalent materials from waste, supporting research and development toward achieving a closed-loop resource cycle.
- CO2 emissions are reduced when incinerated, and no harmful substances such as dioxins are generated.
- The antibacterial effect derived from lactic acid prevents the growth of Moraxella bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus on the fibers, contributing to odor control.
Goldwin Inc. is a lifestyle creative company that supports new challenges for people, primarily in the fields of sports and outdoor activities, and opens up their possibilities, based on three pillars: manufacturing, creating experiences, and nurturing the environment. While conducting daily research on materials, technologies, and the environment, we share the wisdom and ideas of brands with diverse backgrounds and expertise across the entire Goldwin organization, continuously evolving our manufacturing and communication. From sports to everyday life, we aim not only to maximize human performance but also to minimize environmental impact, enhance human well-being, and enrich nature, which is the playground for humans. We take the lead ourselves, rather than waiting for someone else, to create a better future.
Bioworks is a material creation company with the vision of "a new ecosystem where the joy of making and the richness of wearing continue." The company manufactures and sells "PlaX," a next-generation synthetic fiber derived from plants using polylactic acid as its raw material. Since its founding in 2015, Bioworks has accumulated knowledge through research and development of polylactic acid and has expanded into the textile business from 2021. As a material that contributes to moving the fashion industry away from petroleum-based raw materials, PlaX has attracted attention from textile companies and brands both domestically and internationally and has begun to be adopted.
