The first chemical fibers produced in Japan are rayon fibers. The rayon fibers are produced from wooden pulp as a raw material and are constituted of cellulose just as cotton and flax fibers. Rayon fibers are superior in moisture and water absorbency, and are dyeable deeply and colorfully with a variety of dyestuffs. Woven and knitted fabrics are superior in drapability and can represent the beautiful silhouette. Thus the rayon fabrics are reevaluated as fashion clothing.
There are two types of rayon fibers, i.e., filament yarns and staple fibers. Filament yarns are used for fabrics for women’s clothing and linings. In addition, flat filament yarns are used for raw materials for caps & hats and handicraft yarns.
Staple fibers are used for fabrics for women’s clothing, curtain, textile wall-covering, wet tissue, wrapping paper for cakes, etc. Furthermore, staple fibers with enhanced tenacity are also produced and are used for backing cloth for automotive leather-like decorative products.
