Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. has introduced Solotex Eco-Hybrid, a new high-stretch side-by-side (S/S) conjugated fiber made with an eco-friendly plant-derived polymer and a chemically recycled polyester polymer, each featuring different heat-shrinkage characteristics to enable the formation of coiled crimp yarns.
Representing a new line in Teijin Frontier’s polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) fiber Solotex family, Solotex Eco-Hybrid has the same features as conventional S/S conjugated fibers made with petroleum-derived raw materials.
The PTT polymer is partly made with plant-derived raw materials, and the PET polymer is made with chemical recycled raw materials, such as used polyester fibers. The range of fineness is extensive from 33 to 330 decitex, and filament yarn processing is possible. Its high stretch and dyeability are equivalent to those of petroleum-derived materials, and the texture is soft.
Extra stretch is achieved with a new technology for conjugating PTT and PET polymers, and the filaments are processed to obtain a crimp structure. Dyeability is achieved with the optimized yarn-making conditions.
In recent years, demand has been growing for materials offering functionality and comfort, such as stretch and soft textures. Users are also seeking eco-friendly fabrics made with recycled and plant-derived materials.
Teijin Frontier’s existing S/S conjugated fiber comprises a highly stretchable Solotex PTT-fiber polymer made with about 40% plant-based raw materials and PET made of recycled raw materials. The newest version, Solotex Eco-Hybrid solves the problem of achieving a consistent crimp structure in an eco-friendly S/S conjugated fiber made with recycled PET.
Solotex Eco-Hybrid filament yarns and fabrics are being introduced as featured products for fall/winter 2020 fashion wear, sportwear, uniforms, etc. Annual sales are expected to increase from 500 million yen in 2020 to 1.5 billion yen in 2022 (filament yarn equivalent).