Gunze, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and led by president Takahiro Oka, has developed an antistatic sewing thread that uses neither carbon nor metal as its conductive material. The company said it applied resin processing technology from its plastic film business to combine antistatic performance with a wide range of colors, including white and vivid shades.
According to the company, the thread addresses a key limitation of conventional antistatic threads, which are difficult to produce in white and light colors. Gunze stated that the new thread can be made in colors ranging from pure white to vibrant hues, and that its antistatic performance is better and longer-lasting than that of conventional products.
Development background
Conventional antistatic sewing threads primarily use carbon to dissipate static electricity quickly. However, carbon makes the threads black or gray, which limits their use in white, light-colored and brightly colored clothing and materials.
To address this, Gunze applied core resin processing technology developed in its plastic film division, where it has expertise in laminating materials with different properties. The company applied this technology to textile development and used the potential of ion-conductive polymers.
Key features
Instead of carbon or metal, the thread uses ion-conductive polymers to dissipate static electricity. Because it contains neither, the thread retains its natural whiteness and can be produced in pure white or dyed in a wide range of colors, including vibrant and multi-color variations. According to the company, this extends the use of antistatic threads beyond conventional limits, from design-focused apparel to industrial materials where visibility and appearance matter.
Gunze said its resin molding and processing technologies, developed over many years, allow the ion-conductive polymer to be distributed optimally throughout the fibers. This enables the thread to dissipate static electricity quickly and efficiently, with antistatic performance said to be superior to that of conventional antistatic threads. The company added that the product is suitable for delicate work environments where static electricity must be minimized, as well as for high-performance apparel designed to reduce the discomfort caused by static electricity, particularly in winter.
The thread dissipates static electricity continuously as it is generated, helping prevent static buildup on clothing and other materials. Gunze said this long-lasting effect reduces unpleasant static shocks and helps maintain comfort over time.
Potential applications
In apparel, the company cited white knitwear, sportswear, outdoor wear and winter clothing that require antistatic properties without compromising design. It also pointed to uniforms and workwear for precision machinery manufacturing, medical and pharmaceutical facilities, and cleanrooms, where both antistatic performance and a clean appearance are required. Other potential uses include carpets, curtains, automotive interiors and various types of filters.
Cross-business technology
Gunze said it is committed to strengthening cross-business technology to provide people around the world with ‘Comfort Solutions for Life’ through its proprietary technologies. The company described the antistatic sewing thread as an example, developed by integrating technologies from its textiles and plastic films divisions. Gunze added that it intends to expand its product range based on this technology and promote it actively in B2B markets in Japan and abroad.
