Japan-based Teijin Fibers Ltd. has launched Eco-A-Wear™, the first environmentally friendly
polyester and wool blend fabric. According to the company, the fabric, which contains Teijin’s
Ecopet® fiber – a recycled polyester made from used plastic bottles – has a soft hand and is
wrinkle-resistant. Eco-A-Wear fabric is being used to make suits and trousers, and also can be
blended with viscose or cotton. Select apparel products made with Eco-A-Wear can be machine-washed,
eliminating the need for dry-cleaning.
“Interest in sustainability has grown with the consumer more aware about waste output,” said
Moses Cohen, business development and project manager at New York City-based N.I. Teijin Shoji Co.
Inc. “At Teijin, we’re dedicated to create products that are as economically advantageous as they
are ecologically sound. We are very committed to solving the problem of waste and through our
research and development have invented a process that utilizes disposed plastic bottles to create
fashionable fabric. It has taken Teijin two years to perfect Eco-A-Wear and now we are bringing it
to market.”
April 15, 2009