Translucent PTFE replaces rice paper in Japanese shoji

Published On: October 1, 2008

Serenity rules in Japanese environments using shoji (dividers or doors) of translucent rice paper that provide soft sunlight, privacy, light weight and easy movement. However, traditional shoji has practical limitations, because rice paper is not flame retardant, tears easily and gets dirty. So Chukoh Chemical Industries Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, re-invented the shoji with a composite material of glass fiber coated with PTFE, a product frequently used for architectural structures.

The material is flame-resistant, tear-proof, durable, stays white longer and reflects more than 80 percent of UV and infrared rays, giving it energy efficiency benefits. While wood frames are traditional, the new shoji product can be used with metal frames and applied to other home décor items, such as lampshades. For more information, visit www.chukoh.co.jp.