Tropical Rider offers an environmentally responsible option with our new Ultrasuede® Full seats, Extended seats,and Leg patches. The soft, natural feel and breathability of Ultrasuede® make it the perfect choice for riding on those hot summer days. Now the choice for comfort also helps the earth's climate. Read on for more information from the manufacturers of Ultrasuede®
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Ultrasuede® Unveils New EcoDesign™ Recycled Products!
New York, April 2009— Toray Ultrasuede (America), Inc. (TUA) is announcing the debut of EcoDesign™, an environmentally responsible line of products based on innovative recycling technology from Toray. This new technology has resulted in reduced energy consumption and a more ecologically sound manufacturing process. The technology that led to EcoDesign™ was created by Toray Industries, the parent company of TUA and a global manufacturer and developer of fibers, textiles, plastics, and other advanced materials. EcoDesign™ captures industrial materials, such as scrap polyester films, from the Toray manufacturing processes and recycles them for use in building high-quality fibers and textiles.
“The objective of our recycling initiative is always to reduce energy consumption and CO˛ emissions and, as a result, to continually minimize our impact on the environment,” said Des McLaughlin, executive director of TUA. “For EcoDesign™, we employ a method called PET chemical recycling, which reduces both energy consumption and CO˛ emissions by a minimum average of 80%*. Many other recycling efforts in the market today consume large amounts of energy—Toray believes this to be a conflicting endeavor. Our strategy is to employ only those technologies that reduce energy consumption.”
“Toray Ultrasuede is very pleased to be introducing our new EcoDesign™ line of environmentally responsible products,” added McLaughlin. “This is just another step in the evolution of the dedication of Toray Industries to social responsibility, which began over 50 years ago. We were leaders then, and we continue to lead today in one of the most important aspects of protecting the environment in which we live and work.”
Because it utilizes 100% recycled ultra-microfiber, the new Ultrasuede® represents a significant advancement in the Toray group’s already strong commitment to the environment. Virtually reinvented as a greener recycled product, the new Ultrasuede® continues to deliver all the beauty and performance designers, manufacturers and consumers expect from Ultrasuede®. That is evident in the richness of its hand, the unparalleled color palette, its superior durability, and easy cleaning and maintenance. The rich, supple texture of Ultrasuede® and its availability in a wide color range allow it to be adapted for use in high-fashion apparel and accessories, furniture, and other designer goods.
Ultrasuede® is used across a broad range of platforms and in multiple industries, meeting consumers’ demand for the use of more ecologically friendly products. Ultrasuede®, together with Toray technology, continues to innovate and develop environmentally sensitive products, with the ongoing goal of improving ecological and social conditions around the world. EcoDesign™ products deliver on the promise of the TUA commitment to excellence through environmental responsibility.
For more information on EcoDesign™, Ultrasuede®, and other TUA products, please contact: Toray Ultrasuede (America), Inc.
Corporate Communication
205 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1600
New York, NY 10016
(212) 576-3384
* Percentage comparison is made using a baseline assumption of 100% for energy consumption and CO˛ emissions involved in virgin polyester production from crude oil. (Comparison by Toray)
