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Hello! I’m Kimura from the ApparelX Sustainable Team.
Have you heard of the word "casein"?
Recently, casein material buttons made from milk-derived protein have been getting renewed attention.
As the demand for environmentally conscious materials grows stronger, this is a material that helps tell a brand story and create differentiation.
This time, we’re introducing these "casein buttons"!
Casein is one of the main proteins contained in milk, and makes up about 80% of milk’s solid components. It is obtained as a byproduct separated in the process of making cheese and yogurt.
It has long been used not only in the food sector but also for 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 born and came 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 popular in prewar Europe as a standard material for high-end buttons.
Casein buttons are created through the following process.
1️⃣ Extract casein protein from milk
2️⃣ React it with a hardener and process it into a resin-like form
3️⃣ After forming it into rods or sheets, carve it into button shapes
4️⃣ Dyeing and polishing create its distinctive sheen and color tone
Although it is derived from natural materials, it can achieve a glossy shine and a wide range of colors.
Pros
Sustainability: Uses a byproduct of milk and helps reduce waste
Premium-looking shine: A deep luster unique to natural materials
Versatility: Excellent dyeability and a rich range of colors
Practicality: Has sufficient hardness and is suitable for everyday use
Cons
Poor water resistance: Care is needed with prolonged exposure to water or humidity
Sensitive 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
*For children's clothing in Japan, strict standards are set by the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act (formaldehyde regulations). For accessories, it is necessary to use only items that have passed formaldehyde testing (such as JIS L1041).
Choosing buttons made from casein material is not just about being environmentally conscious; it also becomes an element that can tell a brand story. "Circularity" that turns milk byproducts into resources "Tradition" with a long history "Luxury" that feels natural-material-like These kinds of background stories become a "sustainable value consumers can relate to," helping brands stand out.
A standard popular item from the maker. With a soft texture, it pairs well with Ladies knit fabrics.
It comes in a wide size range from 8MM to 40MM, so it can also be used for inner buttons on outerwear, and more.
A rounded half-circle button with a distinctive texture.
Taking advantage of the properties of casein material, it is the only material that develops a sheen on the narrow area under the ring, the edges, and even inside the buttonholes.
*The number of buttons that can be made from 1 liter of milk is only 3 at 20 mm, making them very precious.
S-21 Casein resin tunnel shank button with glossy motif
A flower-motif tunnel shank button made with casein resin.
It’s rare to find a three-dimensional motif button made from sustainable material.
LH1179 Casein resin tunnel shank button
A tunnel shank button made from casein resin. Since it is already dyed, it can be used as is.
It is available up to 35MM, so it is also recommended as a substitute for outerwear nut buttons.
Lastly 🖊️
What did you think? Casein buttons have a history of more than 100 years, yet they are once again being recognized today as a sustainable material. Even small hardware pieces reflect a brand’s attitude. For your next collection, please consider casein buttons that combine environmental care and beauty.
You can find the casein button product page on ApparelX here.
