an alternative to petroleum-derived nylon

 

japanese textile company toray has launched a nylon fiber made entirely from plant-derived polymers. the biobased ‘Ecodia ® N510’ is made by polymerizing and spinning sebacic acid and pentamethylenediamine, which derive from the castor bean plant and corn plant respectively. toray says the new material displays the same physical characteristics as conventional petroleum-derived nylon, with the equivalent strength and heat resistance, and excellent dimensional stability against humidity.

toray develops a 100% plant-based nylon called 'Ecodia ® N510'
image courtesy of toray (main image by engin akyurt on unsplash)

 

 

THE APPLICATIONS OF Ecodia ® N510

 

with this recent press release, toray also announces the new ‘ecodear’ brand, which will integrate biopolymer materials and products. as part of this brand, Ecodia ® N510 will be used principally to make sportswear and outdoor clothing. the sustainable textile will go on sale for the autumn/winter 2023 season. in the future, toray also plans to further improve the material by reducing the thickness of the fibers to reduce weight and making the cross-sectional shape of the fiber irregular to increase functionality.

 

‘we will continue to promote the development of a wide range of applications, including apparel applications, as materials that contribute to the realization of a sustainable society in a wide range of applications,’ says the company, which is headquartered in tokyo.

 

‘the 100% plant-derived nylon fiber ‘Ecodia ® N510′ developed this time is part of the group’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050, and contributes to solving environmental problems that are common issues worldwide.’

 

 

project info:

 

material name: Ecodia ® N510

company: toray