Ultrasuede® Unveils New EcoDesign™ Recycled Products

Toray Ultrasuede (America), Inc. (TUA) is announcing the debut of EcoDesign™, an environmentally responsible line of products based on innovative recycling technology from Toray. This new technology has resulted in reduced energy consumption and a more ecologically sound manufacturing process. The technology that led to EcoDesign™ was created by Toray Industries, the parent company of TUA and a global manufacturer and developer of fibers, textiles, plastics, and other advanced materials. EcoDesign™ captures industrial materials, such as scrap polyester films, from the Toray manufacturing processes and recycles them for use in building high-quality fibers and textiles.

“The objective of our recycling initiative is always to reduce energy consumption and CO² emissions and, as a result, to continually minimize our impact on the environment,” said Des McLaughlin, executive director of TUA. “For EcoDesign™, we employ a method called PET chemical recycling, which reduces both energy consumption and CO² emissions by a minimum average of 80%*. Many other recycling efforts in the market today consume large amounts of energy—Toray believes this to be a conflicting endeavor. Our strategy is to employ only those technologies that reduce energy consumption.” EcoDesign™ technology has been used to redesign Ultrasuede® Ambiance for use in interiors and in upholstery applications, as well as Ultrasuede® Marathon, for use in a myriad of footwear applications. Further introductions of EcoDesign™ to the Ultrasuede® line will follow.

“Toray Ultrasuede is very pleased to be introducing our new EcoDesign™ line of environmentally responsible products,” added McLaughlin. “This is just another step in the evolution of the dedication of Toray Industries to social responsibility, which began over 50 years ago. We were leaders then, and we continue to lead today in one of the most important aspects of protecting the environment in which we live and work.”

Because it utilizes 100% recycled ultra-microfiber, the new Ultrasuede® represents a significant advancement in the Toray group’s already strong commitment to the environment. Virtually reinvented as a greener recycled product, the new Ultrasuede® continues to deliver all the beauty and performance designers, manufacturers and consumers expect from Ultrasuede®. That is evident in the richness of its hand, the unparalleled color palette, its superior durability, and easy cleaning and maintenance. The rich, supple texture of Ultrasuede® and its availability in a wide color range allow it to be adapted for use in high-fashion apparel and accessories, furniture, and other designer goods. Moreover, its lightweight construction, easy cleaning and maintenance, and superior durability are the perfect fit for applications as varied as footwear to boat and airplane interiors.

After Ultrasuede® Ambiance and Ultrasuede® Marathon, other TUA products will begin using EcoDesign™ technology, including Ultrasuede® Dimensions. Ultrasuede® Dimensions is an embossed textile that perfectly complements the solid colors found in the wide-ranging Ultrasuede® line, providing the opportunity to use patterns to deliver more depth and richness to any design.

Ultrasuede® is used across a broad range of platforms and in multiple industries, meeting consumers’ demand for the use of more ecologically friendly products. Ultrasuede®, together with Toray technology, continues to innovate and develop environmentally sensitive products, with the ongoing goal of improving ecological and social conditions around the world. EcoDesign™ products deliver on the promise of the TUA commitment to excellence through environmental responsibility.

For more information, please contact:
Toray International America Inc.
Ultrasuede Department
461 Fifth Avenue, 9th Fl.
New York NY 10017
212-922-3761 (tel)
212-972-4279 (fax)
marketing@ultrasuede.com