I’m Dong from the ApparelX division. 

This time I visited the Bemberg® Lining Museum+ held in Yurakucho, soI’d like to share my impressions of the Bemberg® Lining Museum+ and introduce what kind of features Bemberg has as a lining.

What is Bemberg®?

First of all, have you heard the word Bemberg? 

I think many people involved in apparel would naturally know it, but even I used to have trouble understanding what was different about Bemberg, Cupro, and other lining materials.

In short, it is the brand name of the regenerated cellulose fiber “Cupro” made from cotton. 

So Cupro 100% = Bemberg 100%. 

And today, Asahi KASEI is the only company in the world that manufactures it.

What is the Bemberg® Lining Museum+?

The Bemberg® Lining Museum+ opened in Jinbocho in 2014 as a facility for people in the apparel industry. With Asahi KASEI’s office relocation, it was renewed and reopened at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya in November 2018.

At the museum, they introduce the material and production background using the spinning and winding machines actually used at the Nobeoka Bemberg® factory, and display items from designer brands that use Bemberg lining.

Unfortunately, the Bemberg® Lining Museum+ will close on August 31, 2022, but I was able to visit just in time before it closed. I’m so lucky~~~

The VR version of the Bemberg Lining Museum+ will continue operating.

About Bemberg®

1. The raw material is naturally derived and environmentally friendly

The raw material for Bemberg® is cotton linter, a byproduct of cottonseed oil production.

Cotton linter is a fibrous raw material left on the surface of cotton seeds after the cotton has been harvested; it is a fuzz-like fiber 2 to 6 millimeters long. It is used as a raw material for paper and as a substitute for Cupro and wood pulp.

Because the raw material is naturally derived, when Bemberg® is buried in soil, it biodegrades through the action of nature and returns to the earth without harming the soil, where it is composted.

2. High moisture absorption and release properties that polyester linings do not have

Bemberg® lining quickly absorbs and releases moisture through extremely small moisture pathways invisible to the eye, so it is said to be a lining that breathes with the skin.

Compared with polyester fiber, what is different is its crystalline structure. Please refer to the photo below.

3. Excellent anti-static properties, ideal lining for wool outer fabric

The official moisture regain of Bemberg® is about 11%. Because of this, it releases static electricity caused by friction into the air.

4. Supports a light and comfortable wearing experience

Because Bemberg® has a nearly round fiber cross-section and a smooth surface, friction is less likely to occur, allowing body movement to flow smoothly.

5. Less environmental burden even when burned

(Quoted from Asahi KASEI’s website https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/fibers/bemberg/sustainability/resource/)

6. Also

Asahi KASEI imports part of the cotton linter raw material it uses from India. Using technology from Asahi KASEI, the byproducts of India’s cotton business are sold as thread for uses such as the Indian national costume “sari.” In this way, even in India, comfortably transforming traditional clothing helps increase opportunities to wear it and contributes to preserving tradition in a new form. I find this very impressive.

About the sale of Bemberg® lining

ApparelX sells Bemberg® lining. Please take a look.

Bemberg® lining at ApparelX from here

AK1560 Standard New Bemberg® Light Twill

Products from Bemberg®

Summary

Through this opportunity, I learned a lot not only about Bemberg® but also about linings, fibers, and more.

I’m glad I was able to visit before it closed.

It’s very sad that it is closing, but the VR version of the Bemberg Lining Museum+ will continue, so please be sure to use it.

BTW, before I went home, I was able to shake hands with the man.