TOKYO — Toray Industries Inc. has developed a polyester-nylon composite fiber containing at least 93% recycled material by mass, introducing a new textile innovation designed to combine sustainability-focused material development with premium apparel aesthetics and performance.
The recycled-content percentage applies to the total weight of the newly developed raw yarn, rather than the finished fabric or garment. Both the polyester and nylon components incorporate recycled raw materials.
Announced Oct. 14, the development builds on technologies cultivated through Toray’s &+ recycled fiber brand and the company’s expertise in polymer design and composite spinning.
The company also introduced ARTIROSA CX, a new textile collection incorporating the composite fiber and targeting applications ranging from men’s and women’s outerwear to urban outdoor clothing and premium casual apparel.
Recycled Polyester-Nylon Fiber Combines Sustainability and Performance
Developing composite fibers with high recycled-material content presents technical challenges because combining different polymers can make it difficult to maintain consistent quality.
Toray applied its polymer design and composite spinning technologies to incorporate recycled materials into both fiber components while maintaining the characteristics needed for premium textile applications.
The company says the development responds to growing interest in recycled materials within the fashion industry, particularly in categories where fabric appearance, drape, texture and durability are essential.
Toray plans to continue researching ways to increase recycled content in composite fibers while evaluating the technology’s suitability for mass production.
A dark technical-style jacket and matching bucket hat are displayed at a Toray textile exhibition, showcasing contemporary outerwear styling. Photo courtesy of Toray Industries
ARTIROSA CX Targets Premium Outerwear and Casual Apparel
The newly developed fiber is being incorporated into ARTIROSA CX, a textile collection combining Toray’s composite spinning expertise with weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing techniques developed in Japan’s textile-producing regions.
ARTIROSA CX features a dense, finely textured surface and a crisp feel intended to deliver a sophisticated appearance.
Depending on material selection, fabric design and finishing, the textiles can also incorporate functional properties such as waterproofing, durable water repellency and wind resistance.
Toray says the collection is designed to offer a cleaner, more contemporary appearance than conventional performance materials, making it suitable for apparel that blends technical functionality with everyday styling.
The company also states that ARTIROSA CX does not intentionally use substances classified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its water-repellent agents.
Potential applications include men’s and women’s outerwear, urban outdoor apparel and premium casual clothing. Toray also plans to explore nylon blends, combinations with natural fibers and additional finishing techniques to expand the collection’s design possibilities.
Commercial Launch Planned for Fall/Winter 2027
Toray is targeting a fall/winter 2027 launch for ARTIROSA CX, with initial-year sales projected at 200,000 meters.
The company will continue refining the technology and evaluating production scalability ahead of commercialization.
For apparel manufacturers and decorators, the development reflects broader industry interest in recycled-content textiles that offer both functional performance and elevated styling.
Although Toray has not announced specific garment-decoration applications for ARTIROSA CX, the collection’s emphasis on premium outerwear and casual apparel could make it relevant to future branded-apparel product development.
For more information, visit Toray Industries.
