Ultrafabrics Launches First Bio-based Collection of Performance Fabrics

Photo Credit: Giles Jenkyn Photography Limited

Ultrafabrics previewed its first product with bio-based ingredients, during 100% Design. Ultraleather | Volar Bio, will be presented as part of the Material Driven exhibition, ‘Material Studio’.

Committed to reducing dependency on finite resources, Ultrafabrics has incorporated renewable plant-based materials into the multiple layers of Ultraleather | Volar Bio’s construction. Corn-based content is used to prepare polyols for polycarbonate polyurethane resin and wood pulp-based materials are incorporated into the twill backcloth.

Volar Bio was created with both functionality and sustainability in mind and has a 29 per cent BioPreferred Program Label.

Volar Bio combines subtle organic texturing with a semi-lustrous base. The matte surface adds an understated elegance to any setting, without compromising the unrivalled performance of Ultrafabrics.

The faint palette offers earth tones including grey, brown, rose, taupe, blue, green and orange. Each hue is inspired by the healing powers of minerals and radiates a sense of calm and focus to influence overall wellbeing.

“As the leader of high-performance fabrics, we have to answer the future needs of our customers,” says Toyohiko Nakagawa, Director of Ultrafabrics Holdings and President of Daiichi Kasei Co. Ltd. (DKK), the division responsible for manufacturing and engineering. “Over 4 years ago we partnered with a boutique supplier and challenged them to create custom naturally derived ingredients that would improve our sustainability profile without sacrificing the renowned aesthetics and durability of Ultrafabrics. We are pleased with the final product and look forward to upholding our commitment to a greener future while moving our product category in a new direction.”

Volar Bio marks the beginning of the Ultrafabrics’ dedicated journey towards a sustainable future. By 2025, the company’s goal is to include bio- based ingredients and/or recycled content in 50 per cent of new product introductions.

By 2030 that goal will increase to 100 with existing collections evaluated along the way. The brand is addressing sustainability from all aspects including product quality, material innovation and transparency.