By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 14: Sarawak is venturing into cutting-edge textile production for the space industry, with plans to create low-carbon fabrics used by astronauts.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that Sarawak is collaborating with Tokyo-based HighChem Company Limited (HighChem) to produce sustainable textiles derived from fabric gases used in space missions.
“We are employing low-carbon processes to develop textiles from fabric gases utilised by astronauts.
“Currently, we are working with HighChem in Tokyo to produce these low-carbon materials, leveraging chemical innovations in order to make textiles designed for astronauts,” he said during a townhall session marking his 8th anniversary as Premier held at Hikmah Exchange and Event Centre (HEEC) here last night (Jan 13).
Abang Johari expressed optimism that Sarawak could soon see “Made in Sarawak” fabrics used by astronauts, reflecting the State’s commitment to low-carbon advancements and its foray into the space economy.
Based on previous report, HighChem has proposed Sarawak as the testing ground for the large-scale pilot testing of innovative Paraxylene (PX) technology.
Developed with Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), this cutting-edge process converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into Paraxylene, a valuable material used in polyester production.
The PX technology was successfully used to create uniforms for Japan’s national team during the 2024 Summer Games. – DayakDaily
