Back coating-free polyester sewing fastener "New Eco Magic"

Kuraray Fastening (H.O.: Osaka, President: Mr. Mitsuhiko Takaoka) announced on October 9 that it would switch all products of hook and loop woven fastener "Magic Tape" to environment-responsive "New Eco Magic" during fiscal 2009.

The company completely replaced manufacturing method for hook and loop woven fastener in 2002 from the method using conventional organic solvent type back coating agent to solventless type back coating. Furthermore, in 2004, it established a new manufacturing method for environmental-friendly fastener that can create high definition and quality without using back coating agent, and started its sales under "New Eco Magic" brand.

This manufacturing method can reduce CO₂ emissions throughout all phases from material production to disposal by about 30% (based on standard products, value calculated by the company) compared to the method using organic solvent type back coating.

Kuraray Fastening is planning to expand this new manufacturing method for production of soft type for hook side, nap type (raising type) for loop side and "Free Magic" type with both hook and loop during fiscal 2008, and will fully switch all sewing fasteners to "New Eco Magic" when it is completely permeated to all items.

Note: Hook and loop fasteners consist of two layers which are ones with tiny hooks and ones with loops. When the hooks catch in the loops, it holds the pieces together. There are many variations of fasteners according to the range and shape of hook and loop.