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Liberta Co. Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan, has recently launched HYO-GEKI α, an upgraded version of HYO-GEKI FREEZE TECH cooling wear, combining fabric made with the polymer-based temperature control material Comformer®️ by Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. and Cool Touch Printing technology by Utax Co. Ltd.
In 2023, Japan experienced a record-breaking heat wave, and heat waves caused considerable damage worldwide, as well. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that the global average temperature in 2023 will be the highest in recorded history, and counter measures against the ongoing global extreme heat will be essential moving forward. As of the announcement in May, this cooling technology is the only commercially available olefin resin, according to research by Sumitomo Chemical. This innovative cooling technology offers a fabric with self-acting temperature control functions.
HYO-GEKI α (Ice Blast) focuses on the comfort threshold inside clothing. Thermal sensations, such as hot or cold, and moist sensations, such as stuffy or dry, are closely related to the temperature, humidity and air currents inside the garment. The stimuli that human sensory receptors perceive are temperature and humidity. The comfort threshold inside clothing is considered to be 32±1°C or 89.6±1.8℉, and a humidity level of 50±10%RH, and airflow of 25±10cm /sec.
The combination of Sumitomo Chemical’s Comformer®️ fiber, a temperature-regulating material, and Utax’s Cool Touch Printing technology has made it possible to create garments that approach this comfort threshold.