Ultrafabrics, a global provider of high-performance fabrics, is commemorating its 25th anniversary with the reintroduction of its Volar Bio collection, which now has a 66% mix of recycled, rapidly renewable and bio-based content.
Initially launched in 2019 with 29% bio-based components, it is now a 66% mix of recycled, rapidly renewable and bio-based content, and surpasses the company’s sustainability goals by six years. Ultrafabrics says it is the only coated fabric brand offering such innovation.
“We are six years ahead of our initial sustainability goals, and 19 of our fabric lines now have content that is recycled, rapidly renewable or both in the backcloth,” says Nicole Meier, director of branding.
Volar Bio’s evolution in backcloth construction not only includes certified Repreve recycled polyester and Ecovero viscose in the backcloth, but also 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.
The natural-feeling surface of Volar Bio, crafted in Japan, means it can be used to upholster anything from residential furniture to commercial-based surfaces in offices, hospitality, retail or health care. All Ultrafabrics products can withstand serious, frequent cleaning to CDC standards and are sought-after solutions where hygiene is a priority. This fabric can also withstand bleach without losing its color or altering its appearance and is suitable for use in vegan interiors.
Meier adds, “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we want to use this report to empower our partners to design for the future. The specifiers that work with us understand the power and massive environmental impact their choices have on the world. With the relaunch of Volar Bio, our multiple sustainability ingredient partners, and our move towards bio-based products in the transportation sector, it’s clear you can achieve sustainability without sacrificing quality and performance. And we can scale to meet the needs of a global audience. We’ve turned the lights on to expose our end-to-end production process. Let us walk you through it and help you achieve your goals.”
One hundred percent of the Ultrafabrics branded portfolio contains at least 50% recycled and/or renewable materials. Backcloths are made of either a 65% recycled polyester/ 35% Ecovero viscose blend or 100% Tencen Modal. This evolution has been years in the making, with this technology being implemented in performance fabrics for the aviation, automotive and marine markets.
Meier says, “Whether brands are ready or not, there are multiple global trends that will likely mandate transparency, traceability and bold sustainability targets. We want to ensure our partners in all of our markets know we have a critical eye on these mandates. Like with every partnership, we want our specifiers to do what they do best: design cars, planes, shoes, handbags, spaceships, yachts or furniture for the future. We will worry about not only the quality and scalability but sustainability compliance issues as well.”
The New York Fashion Act, although not yet resolved, could require incredible impact, due diligence and reporting for fashion brands and textile production.
Ultrafabrics has already made significant progress that will lead to compliance with the New York Fashion Act and other national and international legislation in the pipeline. Ultrafabrics has critical sustainability goals including a near-term, science-based emissions reduction target in line with the Paris Agreement and chemical and wastewater management and is publicly reporting on its progress. As an ingredient supplier, it is investing in traceable and certified raw materials to ensure supply chain transparency.
These actions serve Ultrafabrics’ customers with strict regulations in all markets from transportation, marine and aviation, to commercial furniture and fashion.
