Toray Industries (Tokyo, Japan) recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with Yoshida (Tokyo, Japan) to jointly manufacture tanker bag material using Ecodear N510, a 100 % vegetable-based nylon fiber. Yoshida's Porter brand produces and sells bags under its flagship tanker line, which was founded 40 years ago. The fiber contains a 100 % bio-based synthetic polymer composition, as defined in ISO 16620-1: 2015, section 3.1.5, which is the international standard for bio-based compositions in plastics.
The outer fabric of the bag will incorporate Ecodear 510, which is manufactured by polymerizing and spinning sebacic acid from castor oil and pentamethylene diamine from corn.
Unlike other all vegetable-based nylons, Ecodear N510 has a high melting point and excellent dimensional stability. It is as strong and heat-resistant as nylon 6. Since its commercialization in 2022, Toray has been exploring new applications for this material as it advances its vision of sustainability.
For tanker line modifications, Yoshida and Toray began developing new materials and products that take advantage of Ecodear N510's plant origin and utility.
This collaboration ultimately led to the mass production of Ecodear 510 by Toray using advanced spinning technology accumulated over many years.Yoshida adopted this material as the outer fabric for the Porter Tanker because it met the company's strength and quality requirements for luggage.
For the lining, Porter uses chemical nylon fibers recycled by Toray from fishing nets and other sources. The two companies will work together to develop a variety of environmentally friendly materials and products.
Starting next spring, stores throughout Japan will sell the new Tanker Series handbags with Ecodear N510 outer fabric and chemically recycled nylon lining.
Demand for environmentally friendly materials has surged in recent years as society demands more from businesses and people become increasingly aware of the need to realize a sustainable economy. Beginning with their partnership, Toray and Yoshida will help realize this goal by using fewer fossil resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Toray also said it will continue to contribute to a better life and a sustainable economy by providing innovative technologies and advanced materials that meet diverse lifestyles.
