Toray Industries, Inc. has developed what it calls a new, more sustainable nylon that represents a major step forward in the company’s Sustainability Vision and makes it possible to create bio-based versions of proven Toray technologies including Entrant and Dermizax. Toray’s Ecodear Nylon is 60 percent bio-based, developed with sebacic acid generated from Castor beans. The resulting fiber, initially available in 10, 20 and 50 denier versions, can be spun in the same process as conventional nylon, said the company.
“Ecodear Nylon demonstrates the value of Toray’s vertically integrated structure,” said Toray executives. “Because Toray is a chemical manufacturer in addition to a textile company, it can consistently control product quality from the creation of polymers to the production of finished yarns.”
Not just environmentally friendly, Ecodear also is designed for durability and the soft hand that customers expect from Toray nylon products. Toray plans to market the textile this fall, initially targeting the active outdoor sports and skiing markets, as well as athleisure. In North America, Toray International America Inc. will provide the new textile.
