Toray Develops Polyester-Nylon Composite Fibre with at Least 93% Recycled Content
The Japanese materials company has developed a high-recycled-content fibre for advanced textile applications and plans to launch its ARTIROSA® CX fabric concept in Autumn/Winter 2027.
Toray Industries, Inc. has developed a polyester-nylon composite fibre containing at least 93% recycled material by mass. The development uses the company's polymer design and composite spinning technologies, with plans to assess mass-production feasibility and expand the use of recycled materials in premium textile applications.
Composite Fibre Technology Incorporates Recycled Materials
The 93% recycled-content figure applies to the newly developed raw yarn, calculated against its total weight. It does not represent the recycled content of the finished fabric or garment, which will depend on the material composition.
Composite fibres can provide functional properties, varied textures and distinctive visual effects. However, incorporating different polymers into a single fibre while maintaining consistent quality and increasing recycled content presents technical challenges.
Toray said it has addressed these challenges through its proprietary polymer design and composite spinning technologies, incorporating recycled raw materials into both the polyester and nylon components.
The company plans to verify the technology's feasibility for mass production while continuing research to increase recycled-material content in composite fibres.
ARTIROSA® CX Combines Fibre Engineering with Textile Design
Toray has developed ARTIROSA® CX, a fabric concept intended to translate the composite fibre technology into premium textile applications. The development combines the company's composite-spinning expertise with the weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing capabilities of Japan's textile-producing regions.
The fabric features a dense, finely textured surface and a crisp feel. Its design is intended to offer a refined aesthetic for contemporary urban fashion, moving beyond the conventional appearance often associated with functional textiles.
Depending on material composition, fabric construction and processing methods, the material can be developed with functional properties such as waterproofing, durable water repellency and wind resistance.
Toray has also indicated that the water-repellent agents used for ARTIROSA® CX are not intentionally formulated with substances classified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Applications in Premium Apparel
Toray plans to target ARTIROSA® CX at several apparel segments, including men's and women's outerwear, urban outdoor clothing and premium casual wear.
Further development work will explore nylon blends, combinations with natural fibres and additional post-processing techniques to expand the range of available textures and functional properties.
The company intends to draw on Japan's textile craftsmanship and processing expertise to develop materials for the requirements of fashion brands and consumers.
Planned Launch in Autumn/Winter 2027
ARTIROSA® CX is scheduled for launch in the Autumn/Winter 2027 season, with Toray targeting initial-year sales of 200,000 metres.
The company will continue evaluating mass-production feasibility and researching ways to increase recycled-material content in composite fibres.
The development represents an effort to extend recycled-material use into higher-value textile applications, where fabric quality, appearance, durability and functional performance remain important alongside recycled content.