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Hello! I’m Kimura from the ApparelX Sustainable Team.
Have you heard of the term "casein"?
In recent years, buttons made from casein material, a milk-derived protein, have been drawing renewed attention.
As the demand for environmentally conscious materials grows, this is a material that helps tell a brand story and create differentiation.
This time, we’re introducing these "casein buttons"!
Casein (Casein) is one of the main proteins found in milk and makes up about 80% of milk’s solid content. It is obtained as a byproduct separated during the process of making cheese and yogurt.
It has long been used not only in food applications but also in industrial applications. The fact that byproducts can be used as resources instead of being discarded is highly valued from a sustainability perspective.
Casein resin was developed in the early 20th century. In Germany, a resin called Galalith was created and began to be used for buttons, decorative items, fountain pens, and more.
At the time, it was prized as an "artificially made natural material" and was widely loved in prewar Europe as a standard material for high-end buttons.
Casein buttons are made through the following process.
1️⃣Extract casein protein from milk
2️⃣React it with a hardening agent to process it into a resin-like form
3️⃣After forming it into rods or sheets, cut it into button shapes
4️⃣Dyeing and polishing create its unique sheen and color tone
Although it is derived from a natural source, it can achieve a glossy shine and a wide range of colors.
Advantages
Sustainability: Uses milk byproducts and helps reduce waste
Luxury-like luster: A deep shine unique to natural materials
Versatility: Excellent dyeability and a rich range of colors
Practicality: Has sufficient hardness for everyday use
Disadvantages
Weak water resistance: Care is needed for prolonged exposure to water and humidity
Weak to heat: May deform in high-temperature environments
Not ideal for mass production: Less efficient and more costly than plastic
Caution for children's clothing: When adopting it, check compliance with formaldehyde regulations
*In Japan, strict standards are set for children's clothing under the Household Goods Quality Labeling Law (formaldehyde regulations). Accessories must always be selected from items that have passed formaldehyde testing (such as JIS L1041).
Choosing "casein material buttons" is not just about environmental consideration; it also becomes an element that can tell a brand story. Turning milk byproducts into resources: "circularity" A long history: "tradition" A natural-material feel: "luxury" These backgrounds become a "sustainable value people can relate to" for consumers and help differentiate the brand.
A standard popular item from the maker. It has a soft texture and pairs well with ladies' knit materials.
With sizes ranging from 8MM to 40MM, it can also be used for inner buttons on outerwear.
A rounded semi-spherical button with a unique texture.
It is the only material that produces a sheen in every part, including the thin ring underside, the edge area, and inside the buttonhole, taking advantage of the properties of casein material.
*The number of buttons that can be made from 1 liter of milk is only 3 at 20 mm, making it a very precious material.
S-21 Casein Resin Tunnel Shank Glossy Motif Button
A flower-motif tunnel shank button made with casein resin.
It is rare to see a three-dimensional motif button made from sustainable material.
LH1179 Casein Resin Tunnel Shank Button
A tunnel shank button made of casein resin. It is pre-dyed, so it can be used as is.
It is available up to 35MM, so it is also recommended as an alternative to nut buttons for outerwear.
Finally 🖊️
What did you think? Casein material buttons have a history of more than 100 years, yet they are once again being recognized as sustainable materials today. Even in a small component, a brand’s stance can live on. For your next collection, please consider casein buttons that combine environmental consideration and beauty.
You can find ApparelX's casein button product pages here.
