FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ultrasuede® Expands Plant-based Components for High-Performance Upholstery Fabric
14 new colors in the upholstery weight material to be introduced at HD EXPO Las Vegas
NEW YORK - Toray Industries, Inc., manufacturer of the Ultrasuede® HP high-performance fabric, announces an increase in the percentage of plant-based components in the material’s construction, while also introducing 14 new colors to the hospitality design trade at HD EXPO Las Vegas, May 2 - 4, in booth 3569.
In 2015, Toray began incorporating partially plant-based polyester to replace non-renewable ingredients in the production of its high performance, non-woven material with a suede texture— which then accounted for approximately 14 percent of the total material composition. Today, with the subsequent addition of plant-based polyurethane to produce Ultrasuede® HP fabric, Toray has successfully expanded the plant-based components to 30 percent of its total material composition.
All Ultrasuede® HP yardage sold in 2023 will feature 30 percent plant-based components. The unique plant-based polyester fibers are created from non-edible plant by-products which do not compete with food sources, including the plant waste that results from sugarcane processing, which would otherwise be discarded in landfills. To replace petroleum in the production of polyurethane, Toray uses plant-based castor oil.
To successfully replace one-third of the material’s components with plant-based alternatives has required significant effort and innovation over the last seven-plus years. By continuing its investment in sustainability-driven R&D, Toray is committed to developing a 100-percent plant-based fabric in the future, and to becoming entirely independent of petroleum.
With today’s introduction, this next generation, eco-luxury material—the first non-woven fabric in the world to be manufactured in this way—Toray dramatically reduces the need for fossil-fuel dependent resources, while also contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
This season, fourteen new shades in the Ultrasuede® HP collection of 97 hues will launch to the hospitality trade at HD EXPO Las Vegas. The new colors are categorized into two on-trend decor themes: Modern Coastal and Vibrant Earth.
The updated coastal selection is suitable for casual and relaxed interiors, including at beachfront or lakeside hotel properties. Gray undertones convey modern sophistication with shades like Dark Navy, Blue Daisy, Silver Grey and Ice Blue—pairing well with complementary shades like Lilac, Rose Quartz, and Parchment.
For a brighter take on the popular earth tones trend, sunset and sienna shades are punched up in colors like Berry Rose, Clove and Sunflower, which are balanced with other nature-inspired hues, including Carbon Grey and Lotus Green.
The non-woven construction of Ultrasuede® fabric sets it apart in the high-performance fabric category, making it inherently stain-, moisture-, and fade-resistant, without the addition of chemical treatments. Breathable, with a similar structure to animal hides, the leather-alternative exceeds 200,000 double rubs in independent testing, which equates to double the life cycle for natural leather.
To schedule an appointment during HD EXPO Las Vegas, please contact Helen Brier, Ultrasuede Sales and Marketing Manager helen.brier.b6@mail.toray
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Media inquiries to Leslie Newby leslie@workthebrand.com
About Ultrasuede® HP
Ultrasuede® HP offers superior durability, inherent cleanability, and an extensive color selection, making it an ideal furnishings cover for commercial projects and contract interiors. With performance tests exceeding 200,000 double-rubs, Ultrasuede® HP exceeds all performance standards for contract furnishings, including additional benefits for the project specifier including color fastness, dye lot consistency, and in-stock SKUs. It’s the only non-woven material of its kind with a luxuriously soft suede texture.
Ultrasuede® HP is the ideal leather alternative made from 30 percent plant-based fibers, sustainably produced in Japan. Parent company Toray International is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products, and to building a sustainable society through responsible manufacturing.
The upholstery-weight, suede-like fabric comes in an expansive palette of 97 stunning shades ranging from refined neutrals to bold, fashion-forward hues, plus two timeless prints.