Ultrafabrics, the world’s leading animal-free fabric manufacturer, introduces a bold new range of colours in its Volar Bio range. A go-to performance fabric for global brands such as Herman Miller, Jaguar Land Rover, Airstream, Gulfstream and United Airlines , Ultrafabrics continues to show its commitment to building a more sustainable future. These six new colours include rich neutrals inspired by the earth’s surface, and complex shades that signify organic dye sources. The new colours are: Indigotin, Matcha, Spinach, Porcini, Pitch Black and Café Noir.

Sustainability credentials
Committed to reducing dependency on finite resources, Ultrafabrics has incorporated renewable plant-based materials into the multiple layers of unique product construction. A first of its kind, the collection includes corn by-product and wood pulp materials to create a 29% biobased leather alternative that is suitable for upholstery, vertical surfaces and fashion. The biobased construction is certified by the BioPreferred® program which is managed by the US U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA and is designed to provide useful information to consumers about the bio-based content of a product).

“Volar Bio was introduced in September 2019 as a symbol of Ultrafabrics’ commitment to having an expanded sustainable offering by 2030. Its resounding success with architects, designers and specifiers in all of our markets was so positive we needed to expand the color offering so we now have 15 on offer,” says CEO Clay Rosenberg. “Internally, we are deeply committed to making a meaningful move towards sustainability, and we are listening to the consumer, who is asking for these products.”

The natural-feeling surface, crafted in Japan, means it can be used to upholster anything from residential furniture to commercial-bases surfaces in offices, hospitality, retail or healthcare. All Ultrafabrics products can withstand serious, frequent cleaning to C.D.C standards and are soughtafter solutions where post-Covid hygiene is a priority. This fabric can also withstand bleach without losing its color or altering its appearance. The fabrics are also suitable for use for vegan interiors.

Color is key
“Our brand partners and specifiers come to Ultrafabrics not only for our quality and innovation, but also our vast color selection. The six new tones were added in response to customer feedback,” says Nicole Meier, Director of Branding. “There was a need for neutrals to round out the palette and adding these six new tones brings a full spectrum of 15 beautiful options. The new hues come from biophilic inspiration – elements from the earth such as soil, sand, dirt – and it completes the colours that are inspired by plant and other organic dye sources. The new range complements the existing palette of mineral-inspired shades.”

Pioneering innovation
Ultrafabrics aims to pioneer innovative materials that conserve resources and protect the wellbeing of people, animals and the planet. Volar Bio marks the beginning of the company’s dedicated journey towards a sustainable future. By 2025, the Ultrafabrics goal is to include bio-based ingredients and/or recycled content in 50% of new product introductions. By 2030, that goal will increase to 100%, with existing collections evaluated along the way. The brand is addressing sustainability from all aspects including product quality, material innovation and transparency. Volar Bio received the Innovation award in the 2020 PETA UK Vegan Homeware awards. PETA's annual Vegan Homeware Awards recognizes the top designs and innovations for a stylish, crueltyfree home.

“Volar Bio is the first fabric of its kind. And as market leaders, we feel sustainability is a journey and our goal is to contribute to the future of design while maintaining the quality, performance and comfort that has defined Ultrafabrics products for over two decades,” says Toyohiko Nakagawa, Director of Ultrafabrics Holdings and President of Daiichi Kasei Co. Ltd. (DKK), the division responsible for manufacturing and engineering. “We look forward to continuing down the path of responsible innovation.”

About Ultrafabrics
All of the Ultrafabrics collections are crafted in its Japanese mill using the proprietary production process, Takumi™ Technology. Ultrafabrics is passionate about creating unrivalled sensorial experiences and its investment in innovation, research and development has resulted in a range of polyurethanes suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With an extensive client list of luxury brands spanning many industries, from residential and contract furniture, to upholstery for cars, yachts, airlines and private jets.

www.ultrafabricsinc.com

Photography: Oli Douglas. Styling: Despina Curtis