The vision for “eco shell” reaches new grounds as Toray, a Japan based company, introduces world’s first functional polyester fibre based on 100 per cent biomass. Biomass is plant matter whose virgin use was to generate electricity with steam turbines by gasifying or producing heat, usually by direct combustion. Today researchers in Toray, use castor plant to produce polyamide fibre and yarns (polyester fibre and yarns) via a process they call ‘Hybrid Engineering’.
According to Toray, the fibre provides the same technical performance as conventionally-manufactured polyester fibres, on a laboratory scale. For sports apparel in particular, it is envisaged the biomass polyamide-based fabrics will be combined with Toray’s coatings and membranes – also made from biomass – to produce effective ‘eco-shells’. This fabric will be light-weight, breathable and will have excellent air and water permeability thus making it apt for outdoor activities.
