Featuring a base material of Ultrasuede and a special resin treatment applied to its surface, Ultrasuede nu has a delicate texture and suppleness reminiscent of premium aniline leather, according to a press release by Toray.

Japan-based textile industry company Toray Industries, Inc, has announced that it has developed a new variety of nonwoven material, Ultrasuede nu, which partially consists of 100 per cent plant-based polyester. All Nippon Airways Co, Ltd (ANA), will use the fabric for making the headrest covers of the ANA Green Jet from November this year.

ANA decided to adopt Ultrasuede nu because it is an eco-friendly material that combines luxurious texture, design, and high functionality. Toray is developing 100 per cent plant-derived polyesters in line with efforts to make its mainline polymers biobased to help materialise a carbon-neutral, circular economy that does not depend on fossil resources.

Ever since Toray started the commercial production of Ultrasuede on a global scale in 2015, the company has remained focused on developing products using higher plant-based raw material.

The ultra-fine fibres of Ultrasuede nu are composed of 100 per cent plant-based polyester made of ethylene glycol from sugarcane molasses by-products and dimethyl terephthalate from corn starch. The elastomer, which is used for the inner parts of the nonwoven fabric, is composed of about 30 per cent plant-based polyurethane made with polyol from castor oil plant, added the release.

The scrim is composed of about 30 per cent plant-based polyester made from ethylene glycol from sugarcane molasses by-products.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)