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Ridge Mountain Gear Merino PlaX Hooded Sweater
Spec
Material : 70% Wool (Rino Wool), 30% Polylactic Acid (PlaX™)
Size: (Men)S、M、L、XL(Women)S、M、L
Colors: Glacier Blue, Sage Fog, Misty Greige, Cinder Brown
Weight : Men S approx.303g , Men M approx.323g, Men L approx.349 , Men XL approx.359g, Women S approx.256g, Women M approx.275g, Women L approx.294g
Country of Origin: Japan
Manufacturer : Marusho Knit Factory, Mitsuke City, Niigata Prefecture
Introduction
This sweater was born from a heartfelt desire, not just as a combination of elements: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were a fine-knit sweater with a hood?”
When the weather turns chilly, we naturally reach for fine-knit crewneck sweaters. Their carefully woven, high-quality fabric is thin yet warm, with a smooth, subtle sheen—elegant enough to layer over shirts without adding bulk under outerwear.
Yet as temperatures drop, something more is needed: a hood that warmly envelops the neck, offering extra comfort. Traditional hooded options are mostly casual sweatshirts or chunky knits, lacking the refined delicacy of a fine-knit sweater.
This idea led to the creation of the Merino PlaX Hooded Sweater. Its charm lies in the unique knit: tightly woven for a delicate, smooth texture with a subtle sheen. It balances sophistication with relaxed wearability, perfect for chilly mornings, hiking breaks, or cool-season travel.
The sweater uses a special yarn combining Merino wool and PlaX™. Merino provides natural warmth and softness, while PlaX™—a next-generation material derived from sugarcane-based bioplastics enhanced with plant-based additives—adds lightness, durability, and sustainability. The result is an eco-conscious, long-lasting garment.
Unlike typical “hoodies,” this piece is a Hooded Sweater. The concept originates from adding a hood to a fine-knit crewneck, preserving the sweater’s refined sheen and relaxed hooded feel.
The design is simple yet carefully crafted, especially the hood. It is three-dimensional, fitting the head comfortably while protecting against wind and cold, whether worn alone or over a cap. This practical yet elegant construction ensures warmth and comfort for daily wear or outdoor adventures.
Material: Merino Wool × PlaX™
This product uses a blend of 70% Australian Merino wool and 30% PlaX™, knitted by Kobayashi Meriyasu in Minami-Alps, Yamanashi. Combining Merino wool’s natural qualities with PlaX™’s plant-based bioplastic properties results in a sustainable, high-performance material.
Environmental Benefits
The blend dramatically reduces environmental impact across the product lifecycle.
Both materials are derived from renewable resources, making this a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based synthetic fibers.
Functional Advantages
High durability & comfort: PlaX™ adds strength, while Merino wool provides temperature regulation.
Moisture absorption & antibacterial: Merino’s humidity control and PlaX™’s antibacterial properties keep the fabric clean and comfortable for extended wear.
Ideal for outdoor and sports apparel.
About PlaX™
PlaX™ is an upgraded form of PLA (polylactic acid) developed by Bioworks.
It is a carbon-neutral material made from plant sources such as sugarcane, enhanced through molecular engineering and plant-derived additives.
Key Characteristics
Plant-based: Derived from sugars extracted from crops like sugarcane; reduces reliance on petroleum resources.
Improved durability & heat resistance: Overcomes traditional PLA weaknesses, enabling broader use including as a substitute for synthetic fibers and plastics.
Antibacterial by fermentation: Lactic acid fermentation contributes to natural antibacterial properties.
Carbon-neutral: Burning the material releases significantly less CO₂, and the plants used as raw material absorb CO₂ during growth.
Lower environmental impact:
~41% less CO₂ emissions during production compared to polyester
~90% less water consumption compared to cotton
Biodegradability
In controlled industrial compost environments, PlaX™ undergoes hydrolysis and is ultimately decomposed by microorganisms into water and CO₂. General soil conditions do not provide sufficient temperature and humidity, so industrial composting is recommended.About PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is made by fermenting starches or sugars derived from plants like sugarcane, corn, or cassava into lactic acid, then polymerizing it. Since the 2000s, it has been developed as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics, with PlaX™ being a next-generation enhancement.
Credit: photos and description from Ridge Mountain Gear official website (https://www.ridge-mountaingear.com/)
*Product information translated and written by morimori
Spec
Material : 70% Wool (Rino Wool), 30% Polylactic Acid (PlaX™)
Size: (Men)S、M、L、XL(Women)S、M、L
Colors: Glacier Blue, Sage Fog, Misty Greige, Cinder Brown
Weight : Men S approx.303g , Men M approx.323g, Men L approx.349 , Men XL approx.359g, Women S approx.256g, Women M approx.275g, Women L approx.294g
Country of Origin: Japan
Manufacturer : Marusho Knit Factory, Mitsuke City, Niigata Prefecture
Introduction
This sweater was born from a heartfelt desire, not just as a combination of elements: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were a fine-knit sweater with a hood?”
When the weather turns chilly, we naturally reach for fine-knit crewneck sweaters. Their carefully woven, high-quality fabric is thin yet warm, with a smooth, subtle sheen—elegant enough to layer over shirts without adding bulk under outerwear.
Yet as temperatures drop, something more is needed: a hood that warmly envelops the neck, offering extra comfort. Traditional hooded options are mostly casual sweatshirts or chunky knits, lacking the refined delicacy of a fine-knit sweater.
This idea led to the creation of the Merino PlaX Hooded Sweater. Its charm lies in the unique knit: tightly woven for a delicate, smooth texture with a subtle sheen. It balances sophistication with relaxed wearability, perfect for chilly mornings, hiking breaks, or cool-season travel.
The sweater uses a special yarn combining Merino wool and PlaX™. Merino provides natural warmth and softness, while PlaX™—a next-generation material derived from sugarcane-based bioplastics enhanced with plant-based additives—adds lightness, durability, and sustainability. The result is an eco-conscious, long-lasting garment.
Unlike typical “hoodies,” this piece is a Hooded Sweater. The concept originates from adding a hood to a fine-knit crewneck, preserving the sweater’s refined sheen and relaxed hooded feel.
The design is simple yet carefully crafted, especially the hood. It is three-dimensional, fitting the head comfortably while protecting against wind and cold, whether worn alone or over a cap. This practical yet elegant construction ensures warmth and comfort for daily wear or outdoor adventures.
Material: Merino Wool × PlaX™
This product uses a blend of 70% Australian Merino wool and 30% PlaX™, knitted by Kobayashi Meriyasu in Minami-Alps, Yamanashi. Combining Merino wool’s natural qualities with PlaX™’s plant-based bioplastic properties results in a sustainable, high-performance material.
Environmental Benefits
The blend dramatically reduces environmental impact across the product lifecycle.
Both materials are derived from renewable resources, making this a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based synthetic fibers.
Functional Advantages
High durability & comfort: PlaX™ adds strength, while Merino wool provides temperature regulation.
Moisture absorption & antibacterial: Merino’s humidity control and PlaX™’s antibacterial properties keep the fabric clean and comfortable for extended wear.
Ideal for outdoor and sports apparel.
About PlaX™
PlaX™ is an upgraded form of PLA (polylactic acid) developed by Bioworks.
It is a carbon-neutral material made from plant sources such as sugarcane, enhanced through molecular engineering and plant-derived additives.
Key Characteristics
Plant-based: Derived from sugars extracted from crops like sugarcane; reduces reliance on petroleum resources.
Improved durability & heat resistance: Overcomes traditional PLA weaknesses, enabling broader use including as a substitute for synthetic fibers and plastics.
Antibacterial by fermentation: Lactic acid fermentation contributes to natural antibacterial properties.
Carbon-neutral: Burning the material releases significantly less CO₂, and the plants used as raw material absorb CO₂ during growth.
Lower environmental impact:
~41% less CO₂ emissions during production compared to polyester
~90% less water consumption compared to cotton
Biodegradability
In controlled industrial compost environments, PlaX™ undergoes hydrolysis and is ultimately decomposed by microorganisms into water and CO₂. General soil conditions do not provide sufficient temperature and humidity, so industrial composting is recommended.About PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is made by fermenting starches or sugars derived from plants like sugarcane, corn, or cassava into lactic acid, then polymerizing it. Since the 2000s, it has been developed as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics, with PlaX™ being a next-generation enhancement.
Credit: photos and description from Ridge Mountain Gear official website (https://www.ridge-mountaingear.com/)
*Product information translated and written by morimori