[pageLogInLogOut]

#Yarn & Fiber

Toray develops ”Ultrasuede™ nu” using 100% plant-based polyester for headrest covers of ANA Green Jet

Toray Industries, Inc., announced it has developed a new variety of Ultrasuede™ nu which partially consists of 100% plant-based polyester (see note 1). All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA), will adopt this developed material to the headrest covers in ANA Green Jet, the special aircraft from November this year. These aircrafts will selectively use products and services using sustainable materials to embody the ANA Future Promise (note 2), a slogan for that carrier’s commitment to realizing a sustainable society and enhancing corporate value.

Ultrasuede™ nu is a non-woven material for a genuine leather appearance with a base material of Ultrasuede™ and a special resin treatment applied to its surface. The latest Ultrasuede™ nu developed by Toray is the first Ultrasuede™ product which partially consists of 100% plant-based polyester for the ultra-fine fibers on the surface of the base material. In addition, about 30% plant-based polyurethane is used inside of the non-woven structure, and about 30% plant-based polyester is used in the reinforcement fabric called scrim, making this developed product the world’s highest level of plant-based raw material content for the non-woven material for a genuine leather appearance. ANA decided to adopt Ultrasuede™ nu because it is the environmentally conscious material that combines luxurious texture, design, and high functionality.

Toray is developing 100% plant-derived polyesters in line with efforts to make its mainline polymers biobased to help materialize a carbon-neutral, circular economy that does not depend on fossil resources.

Since the world's first commercial production of Ultrasuede™, using plant-based recycled resources as part of its raw materials in 2015, we have been focusing on the development of eco-conscious products and will continue to develop products using higher plant-based raw material. Under the Ultrasuede™ vision of “to enrich society through empowered creativity and materials evolution”, we will continue to take on the challenge of realizing Toray Group's corporate philosophy, " Contributing to society through the creation of new value with innovative ideas, technologies, and products”.



Details of “Ultrasuede™ nu” for ANA’s headrest covers

© 2022 Toray
© 2022 Toray


1. Structure

(a) Ultra-fine fibers

The ultra-fine fibers are composed of 100% plant-based polyester made of ethylene glycol from sugarcane molasses byproducts and dimethyl terephthalate from corn starch.

(b) Elastomer (Used inside of non-woven fabric structure)

The elastomer is composed of about 30% plant-based polyurethane made with polyol from castor oil plant.

(c) Scrim

The scrim is composed of about 30% plant-based polyester made from ethylene glycol from sugarcane molasses byproducts.

*The plant-based raw material content in this developed Ultrasuede™ nu is about 64%.

(Based on the results of our internal investigation)


2. Characteristics

• Delicate texture and suppleness reminiscent of premium aniline leather (note 3)

• A unique, calming luster

• Light, comfortable breathability

• Environmentally conscious non-animal (vegan)material (note 4)


Notes

1. 100% plant-based polyester in keeping with ISO 16620-1 3.1.5 biobased synthetic polymer content standard

2. See press release issued on June 3, 2022, titled, ANA to Introduce Special ANA Future Promise Aircraft to Highlight Commitment to ESG

https://www.anahd.co.jp/group/en/pr/202206/20220603.html

3. Aniline leather, which is made by bright dyeing using synthetic dyes (aniline dyeing) and finishing

with transparent resin (aniline finishing) to take advantage of the leather's original delicate grain

surface, is considered one of the most luxurious finishes for leather products.

4. The main components of Ultrasuede™ nu are polyester and polyurethane.


References


Related ANA news release

ANA Green Jet Takes to the Skies This October (October 3, 2022)

https://www.anahd.co.jp/group/en/pr/202210/20221003.html


Ultrasuede™’s sustainability

https://www.ultrasuede.us/sustainability/


Ultrasuede™ nu website

https://www.ultrasuede.us/about/design_technologies/


Ultrasuede™ website

https://www.ultrasuede.us/



More News from Toray Industries, Inc.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Toray Industries and MAS Holdings announce Joint Venture in Odisha, India

Toray Industries (H.K.) Ltd., has officially entered a joint venture with South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer MAS Holdings, marking a unique opportunity to enhance the two companies’ supply chain capabilities and pursue product manufacturing within and for the fast-growing Indian market. The joint venture, operating under the name Toray MAS Apparel India, will see the establishment of a new manufacturing facility at the MAS Apparel Park Bhuinpur in Odisha, India, which is currently under development.

More News on Yarn & Fiber

#Man-Made Fibers

Lenzing advances its transformation: Higher EBITDA, stronger free cash flow and more than EUR 200 million in cost savings

The business performance of the Lenzing Group in 2025 was affected particularly in the second half of the year by external factors such as international tariff measures, subdued demand and declining market prices. As a result, revenue decreased slightly by 2.3 percent to EUR 2.6 billion, primarily due to lower fiber sales volumes and lower prices for fibers and pulp, which were further negatively impacted by currency developments. Nevertheless, thanks to the comprehensive Performance Program, Lenzing was able to improve its operating performance and key financial indicators compared with the previous year.

#Man-Made Fibers

“Lead Transformation – Generate Impact”: Lenzing presents its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report

The Lenzing Group has published its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report, entitled LEAD TRANSFORMATION – GENERATE IMPACT. The report shows how Lenzing is actively shaping change in the industry and making a lasting impact: economically, ecologically, and socially. Lenzing is consistently focused on the future: with targeted investments in premiumization, excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the company is strengthening its position as a leading provider of sustainable, cellulose-based premium fibers. The combined report is available in digital format.

#Raw Materials

Lenzing Group positions bio‑based materials as a strategic asset for Europe’s economic security

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, hosted a high‑level roundtable in Brussels to discuss how bio‑based materials can strengthen Europe’s economic security and support the shift toward a fossil‑free future. Organized in cooperation with Euractiv, the event brought together representatives of the European Commission, the UK Mission to the EU, academia, civil society, and industry.

#Yarn & Fiber

Teijin Carbon strengthens high‑end sports offering with advanced prepreg and resin technologies for next‑generation bicycle performance

High‑end bicycle manufacturers are entering a new era in which modern frames and components must be lighter, stiffer, tougher and more sustainable – all while enabling fast, repeatable and cost‑efficient production. To support this shift, Teijin Carbon is expanding its portfolio of advanced prepreg systems developed specifically for premium road, gravel and mountain bike applications.

Latest News

#Textile processing

Major expansion for ACG Kinna follows record year

In response to growing demand for its full textile and finished product line automation services, ACG Kinna – a member of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association – has inaugurated a 1,000-square-metre expansion at its headquarters in Skene, Sweden.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

#Techtextil 2026

Shima Seiki showcases WHOLEGARMENT® and 3D knitting solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026

Leading textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.

#Raw Materials

The 83rd Plenary Meeting: Reports from the ICAC Secretariat

Every year, one of the most anticipated sessions at the International Cotton Advisory Committee's (ICAC) Plenary Meeting is the Reports from the Secretariat — and the 83rd edition in Bremen, Germany, did not disappoint.

TOP