ULTRAFABRICS AT NEOCON The brand announces its Volar Bio line has doubled its sustainable content.

Launching at the Sustainability Lab at NeoCon

Ultrafabrics, a leading global provider of high-performance fabrics, proudly commemorates its 25th anniversary of excellence in the industry at NeoCon 2024. 

Since its inception, Ultrafabrics has been at the forefront of innovation, delivering superior performance fabrics that redefine luxury, durability, and sustainability and has set its sights on North America’s premiere design show to share its latest offering. 

To celebrate this momentous quarter-century milestone, Ultrafabrics is pleased to announce its participation in the Metropolis Magazine Sustainability Lab at NeoCon for the third year in a row. This future-forward platform brings together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to explore the latest trends and advancements in sustainable design.

Barry Silverman, Vice President of Marketing and Brand at Ultrafabrics, says, “We are the only coated fabric brand that is offering up sustainable innovation like this, there is no competition. We wanted to talk about the results of many years of research and innovation, including Volar Bio which now has a 66% mix of recycled, rapidly renewable, and bio-based content. When we launched it in 2019 it was 29% bio-based. We are six years ahead of our sustainability goals and 19 of our fabric lines now have content that is recycled, rapidly renewable, or both in the backcloth. The Sustainability Lab is the perfect place to launch this.”

Volar Bio’s evolution in backcloth construction not only includes certified REPREVE® recycled polyester and ECOVERO™ viscose in the backcloth, but introduces Susterra® propanediol bio-based resin. Susterra® 1,3 propanediol is a pure, petroleum-free, raw material made from regeneratively farmed U.S. dent corn. It is a key ingredient for producing bio-based resins for leather alternatives.

Silverman goes on to say, “To advance our goals of sharing our market ready innovations with the design community we are giving a glimpse into the Ultrafabrics laboratory.” 

For the first time ever, Ultrabrics will pull back the curtain to its research and development lab to introduce renowned Japanese textile designer Kanako Kajihara. For four years Kajihara has been engaged in early-stage experimentation utilizing unconventional materials, such as scallop shells which are showing promise as a bio-based component. 

Kanako Kajihara is a highly esteemed textile designer whose notable career began at fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE in Tokyo. After graduating the Royal College of Art in 2005 she launched her interdisciplinary design studio which has collaborated with prestigious fashion houses. Her expertise and vision are a sought-after commodity in the future of textile production. 

Kajihara discusses her four-year collaboration with Ultrafabrics. “As a Japanese designer I’m deeply influenced by the philosophy of wabi sabi and finding usefulness in what some might consider waste. Experimenting with organic waste is imperative for a sustainable future. I’m grateful for this collaboration with Ultrafabrics and to contribute to the research and development for the future.”

Silverman goes on to say, “For the Metropolis Sustainability Lab we want to show components of Ultrafabrics’ initial experimentation that are not market-ready, but that are showing promising signs that will help drive our innovation strategy. The ideation and extracted data that come from these types of initiatives lead to market ready products like Volar Bio and beyond.”

At the Sustainability Lab Ultrafabrics will show Kajihara’s trial-and-error textile samples using various bio-based experiments. 

The Metropolis Magazine Sustainability Lab at NeoCon provides an ideal platform for Ultrafabrics to showcase its pioneering solutions and engage with like-minded professionals who share its vision for a more sustainable future.

Ultrafabrics x Pantone presents Hues & Harmony Japanese paper marbling workshop.

For the first time, Ultrafabrics and Pantone will be part of NeoCon’s hands-on workshop program and will present Hues & Harmony: The Japanese art of Suminagashi paper marbling. Participants will learn from the experts how to harness the power of color logic using traditional Japanese techniques.

Silverman says of the partnership, “For our 25th anniversary, NeoCon is the perfect place to share inspiration from our ongoing partnership with the Pantone Color of the Year and show our collections through the lens of imagination and innovation. This workshop allows our audience to really play and get immersed in color and design.”

Where to find Ultrafabrics at NeoCon

Join Ultrafabrics at NeoCon in booth 7-8098 to explore its latest collections, experience the Ultrafabrics Pantone Color of the Year, and learn more about its commitment to sustainability. 

Visit Ultrafabrics at the Metropolis Magazine Sustainability Lab on the 11th floor in suite 1120.

Ends

Editors notes

Ultrafabrics is a range of premium materials that are reshaping the world of high-tech performance fabrics. Crafted in its Japanese mill using the proprietary production process, Takumi (meaning artisan) Technology, the company’s passion is the creation of unrivalled sensorial experiences.

Ultrafabrics’ continuous investment in innovation, research and development has resulted in a range of polyurethanes suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The brand’s growing client list of luxury brands spans many industries, from residential and contract furniture, to upholstery for cars, yachts, airlines and private jets.