Toray Industries has developed a line of recycled fibers and fabrics called Recyclon. In addition to recycled polyester products, Toray is introducing recycled nylon 6 fibers for the first time, and a collection of new textiles based on these fibers.
In this new process, Toray uses the off-spec yarn generated during its virgin nylon production to create post-industrial recycled content yarn.
“Through this recycled process, we utilize only 15% of the energy (BTUs) required during the production of virgin nylon fibers made from petroleum,” states Kenny Gotcher of Toray. Gotcher also explains that carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 80%.
Nylon 6 is used in approximately 70% of all outerwear within the outdoor and snow sports markets. Torays newest development in nylon fiber manufacturing is anticipated to have a significant impact on the overall environmental footprint of apparel manufacturers around the world. Garments containing this fiber will hit the consumer market as early as Fall 2007 and Spring 2008.
In addition to material recycling, Toray is making great strides in its development of a closed-loop chemical recycling process of nylon 6. Toray expects to complete developments in chemical recycling in the near future. In the meantime, forward thinking clothing companies are beginning to work with Toray to design garments with future chemical recycling in mind.
