CO₂ Dyeing/Decolorizing Tech Event at Miraikan, Odaiba

The Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Odaiba will host a talk event and exhibition titled "The Common Sense of Fashion Changed by CO₂! Waterless Dyeing and Decolorizing Methods."

Exploring New Technologies for Environmental Load Reduction

The clothing we wear daily consumes significant water resources and impacts the environment throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal. For instance, producing a single garment requires approximately 11 bathtubfuls of water, with dyeing alone needing about one bathtubful. Furthermore, improper treatment of wastewater containing dyes can lead to environmental pollution. Concurrently, over half of discarded clothing is not reused or recycled, ending up as waste.

In response to these challenges, an innovative technology is being developed that dyes and decolors fabrics using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a solvent, eliminating the need for water. This technology is expected to promote the reuse and recycling of clothing through decolorization and re-dyeing processes.

Professor Kazumasa Hirogaki from the University of Fukui, who is developing this cutting-edge technology, will be a guest speaker. He will explain the mechanisms of this technology, which could revolutionize the fashion industry, and discuss its challenges, answering questions from visitors.

Deepening Understanding Through Exhibitions and Videos

The venue will feature exhibits showcasing fabric products processed with CO₂ dyeing and decolorizing techniques, as well as a sacoche made from remade jeans. Visitors can view AI-generated images simulating the decolorization and re-dyeing of their own clothes and touch actual decolorized and dyed samples. Additionally, the YouTube science video "Future Hero! Vol. 8," which introduces Professor Hirogaki's research, will be screened at the venue.

Event Overview

• Event Title: The Common Sense of Fashion Changed by CO₂! Waterless Dyeing and Decolorizing Methods
• Venue: Miraikan, 3F Co-Studio (2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
• Dates: Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Sunday, June 7, 2026
• Talk Event Times: 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM and 3:40 PM – 4:10 PM daily (content is largely the same for each session)
• Exhibition Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Target Audience: All ages (recommended for 4th grade and above)
• Admission Fee: Museum admission fee only
• How to Participate: For talk events, please arrive at the venue by the start time. The exhibition is free to experience.

Access Information

• Nearest Stations: Yurikamome Tokyo Big Sight Station / Rinkai Line Kokusai-Tenjijo Station

Notes for Visitors

Talk event participation is limited to approximately 25 people per session (standing room available). Subtitles will be displayed using a voice recognition app during the talk events. Photography during the event may be used on the Miraikan's official website and other materials. Please inform staff if you do not wish to be photographed. Personal photo and video recording for enjoyment is permitted, provided others are not in the frame. Please check the official website for further details and updates.