Manufacturing Process

Japanese Traditional Techniques × Advanced Technologies × Nature = ECOMACO®

World-class manufacturing technologies and affection for nature combine to create clothing for the future

Textile manufacture at weaving plant
Textile manufactureTextile manufacture

Until ten years ago, polylactic acid fiber (PLA) was used as an agricultural material. The thread was reborn as a clothing fiber though when it was brought to Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture, a city famous as an important weaving center in the east of the country, as is Nishijin (Kyoto) in the west. Even now, the fiber is so delicate that weaving a 60-meter length results in about 10 thread breaks, but the world-class technologies and affection of these craftspeople alone are enabling the creation of a clothing fabric for the future.

Polylactic acid fiber from corn

▲Polylactic acid fiber from corn

Dyeing
DyeingDyeing

Most fabric dyeing occurs in large quantities in various factories. ECOMACO® on the other hand uses traditional dyers to check items individually and ensure the desired natural colors are achieved. The real difference between normally dyed fabrics and fabrics dyed by traditional dyeing specialists of Nishijin and other textiles is brought about by hand dyeing. Unlike mechanical dyeing, hand dyeing enables intentional irregular dyeing, partial dyeing and other techniques. In this way, ECOMACO®’s craftspeople use their well-honed sense of color to ensure all garments produced are dyed in delicate natural colors.

Natural drying
Natural dryingNatural drying

After dyeing, the warm summer breezes of Nagano fill the clothes with nature’s breath. Buttons, embroidery and other trim are then added to complete the garments before they are sent to each outlet.

finish