Sericin is an animal protein component of silk that accounts for about one fourth of its volume. Sericin has been attracting attention in Japan as an ingredient of skin care products and cosmetics. In the processes of manufacturing cloth and other products from silk fiber, seracin must be removed by dissolving it in water. Because seracin pollutes rivers and increases the biological oxygen demand value (BOD value), water containing sericin must be specially treated before it is discharged. This treatment entails enormous costs, and so a use for sericin has long been sought.

SEIREN Co.,Ltd. whose core business used to be refining silk fabric in Fukui Prefecture, launched a study of possible sericin applications in 1988. In response to rising environmental and nature-oriented awareness among the general public, Kyoto Prefectural Institute for Northern Industry also began research in earnest in 1996, as northern Kyoto is famous for production of "Tango chirimen" silk crepe.

Since 1997, Seiren, the Kyoto Institute and other companies have commercialized sericin as an ingredient in skin cosmetics under the brand names of "Comoace Cosmetics," "Kinu-Moyofu" (Silk Pattern) skin care products and the "Eau de Leman Silk 100 Series." Because sericin has similarities to the cells of the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum), it flows smoothly into skin and is an excellent moisturizer and anti-oxidant, and also inhibits the formation of excess melanin and thus has a whitening effect.

These cosmetics and other products have been well received by consumers with sensitive skin, and product lines have been expanded to include bath salts, soaps and health supplements. These efforts have drawn attention as an innovative way to add value while reducing waste.


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Posted: 2005/01/19 11:28:55 AM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Food/Water , Manufacturing industry , Material reduction , University/Research institute