Developing technology for recycling plastic
bottles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has become a global
quest for manufacturers in diverse industries. Mitsubishi
Motors, for example, has begun using engine covers molded
from recycled PET bottles (Mitsubishi Monitor, August/September
2000). And Mitsubishi Rayon has been making polyester textiles
from PET bottles since 1999 under the Ecorna name. Now, the
textile maker has broadened its portfolio of PET fabrics with
a new line of higher-quality products.
Mitsubishi
Rayon's newest PET-based product, Ecorna Y, absorbs perspiration
better and dries faster than its predecessor. It makes recycling
an even more practical source of raw materials for comfortable,
fun-to-wear apparel. The Ecorna line of recycled polyester
fabrics, including Ecorna Y, consists entirely of material
recovered from PET bottles. Those products have qualified
for the prominent "Ecomark" from Japan's leading
certification body for product recycling. Like Ecorna fabric,
the newly introduced Ecorna Y fabric consists of long-filament
polyester fiber. Its fiber has the additional distinction,
however, of a unique, Y-shaped cross section. That shape maximizes
the surface area of the fiber and increases the amount of
air space between the fibers. The fabric thus manifests a
strong capillary action, which is responsible for its perspiration
absorbency and its quick drying. Mitsubishi Rayon is promoting
Ecorna Y especially to makers of sports wear. Leading apparel
makers already have begun adopting the new material in their
lines of athletic fashions for 2002 spring-and-summer season.
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