Ultrafabrics, a leading global provider of high-performance fabrics, is commemorating its 25th anniversary at NeoCon 2024 and participating in the Metropolis Magazine Sustainability Lab at NeoCon for the third year in a row.
This future-forward platform brings together industry leaders, innovators and visionaries to explore the latest trends and advancements in sustainable design.
Barry Silverman, vice president of marketing and brand at Ultrafabrics, says, “We are the only coated fabric brand that is offering up sustainable innovation like this; there is no competition. We wanted to talk about the results of many years of research and innovation, including Volar Bio which now has a 66% mix of recycled, rapidly renewable and bio-based content. When we launched it in 2019 it was 29% bio-based. We are six years ahead of our sustainability goals, and 19 of our fabric lines now have content that is recycled, rapidly renewable or both in the backcloth. The Sustainability Lab is the perfect place to launch this.”
Volar Bio’s evolution in backcloth construction not only includes certified Repreve recycled polyester and Ecovero viscose in the backcloth, but introduces Susterra propanediol bio-based resin. Susterra 1,3 propanediol is a pure, petroleum-free, raw material made from regeneratively farmed U.S. dent corn. It is a key ingredient for producing bio-based resins for leather alternatives.
Silverman goes on to say, “To advance our goals of sharing our market-ready innovations with the design community we are giving a glimpse into the Ultrafabrics laboratory.”
For the first time ever, Ultrafabrics will pull back the curtain to its research and development lab to introduce renowned Japanese textile designer Kanako Kajihara. For four years Kajihara has been engaged in early-stage experimentation utilizing unconventional materials, such as scallop shells which are showing promise as a bio-based component.
Kajihara is a highly esteemed textile designer whose notable career began at fashion house Issey Miyake in Tokyo. After graduating the Royal College of Art in 2005, she launched her interdisciplinary design studio which has collaborated with prestigious fashion houses. Her expertise and vision are a sought-after commodity in the future of textile production. Kajihara discusses her four-year collaboration with Ultrafabrics: “As a Japanese designer, I’m deeply influenced by the philosophy of wabi sabi and finding usefulness in what some might consider waste. Experimenting with organic waste is imperative for a sustainable future. I’m grateful for this collaboration with Ultrafabrics and to contribute to the research and development for the future.”
Silverman goes on to say, “For the Metropolis Sustainability Lab we want to show components of Ultrafabrics’ initial experimentation that are not market-ready, but that are showing promising signs that will help drive our innovation strategy. The ideation and extracted data that come from these types of initiatives lead to market-ready products like Volar Bio and beyond.”
At the Sustainability Lab, Ultrafabrics will show Kajihara’s trial-and-error textile samples using various bio-based experiments.
The Metropolis Magazine Sustainability Lab at NeoCon provides an ideal platform for Ultrafabrics to showcase its pioneering solutions and engage with like-minded professionals who share its vision for a more sustainable future.
For the first time, Ultrafabrics and Pantone will be part of NeoCon’s hands-on workshop program and will present Hues & Harmony: The Japanese art of Suminagashi paper marbling. Participants will learn from the experts how to harness the power of color logic using traditional Japanese techniques.
Silverman says of the partnership, “For our 25th anniversary, NeoCon is the perfect place to share inspiration from our ongoing partnership with the Pantone Color of the Year and show our collections through the lens of imagination and innovation. This workshop allows our audience to really play and get immersed in color and design.”
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Join Ultrafabrics at NeoCon June 10-14 in Booth 7-8098 to explore its latest collections, experience the Ultrafabrics Pantone Color of the Year, and learn more about its commitment to sustainability.
Visit Ultrafabrics at the Metropolis Magazine Sustainability Lab on the 11th floor in Suite 1120.
