Toray Industries, Inc. announced today that starting this April, it will implement the mass balance approach (see note 1) in the production of its TORAYLON® acrylic staple fiber. This method assigns attributes derived from both biomass and plastic waste. The company has already secured ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) PLUS certification for this product.

As part of its fibers and textiles business strategy, Toray aims to expand in growth sectors by developing high-value-added, high-performance products that incorporate environmentally conscious materials. The company actively works with both recycled and bio-based materials, particularly for nylon and polyester fibers. However, incorporating such materials in acrylic fibers has been challenging due to the limited availability of waste resources for this specific material. By adopting the mass balance approach, Toray can now offer high-value-added TORAYLON® products that are also environmentally conscious.

To support these efforts, the company will advance life cycle assessment (see note 3) verification with supply chain partners and apply for a review for inclusion in the Higg Index (see note 4).

In alignment with the Toray Group Sustainability Vision, the company has set a 2050 goal to achieve sustainable resource management. Toray is actively addressing issues such as resource depletion, marine pollution from plastic waste, and carbon dioxide emissions by developing diverse technologies. These initiatives include recycling discarded plastic products, processing waste, utilizing bio-based materials, and harnessing renewable energy. By adopting the mass balance approach, Toray furthers its commitment to promoting resource recycling and the use of bio-based materials.

Toray will continue to drive research and development to contribute to a sustainable, circular society, aligning with its corporate philosophy of "contributing to society through the creation of new value with innovative ideas, technologies, and products."

Note

1. A mass balance approach involves combining raw materials with specific characteristics, such as biomass-derived materials, with other raw materials like those derived from petroleum during processing and distribution. Throughout the production process, from raw materials to finished products, these characteristics are assigned to a portion of the product based on the proportional input of the raw materials carrying those traits.

2. The ISCC PLUS Certification, provided by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification organization, applies to non-energy sectors like food, feed, chemicals, and bioplastics. This certification allows companies to showcase their use of sustainable raw materials while ensuring transparency and traceability throughout their supply chains.

3. A life cycle assessment is a method used to evaluate the environmental impacts linked to every stage of a product's or service's life cycle.

4. The Higg Index is a self-assessment tool introduced by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, now known as Cascale, in 2012. It is designed to assess sustainable product development and supply chain management with a focus on environmental and social responsibility. This benchmark highlights environmental impacts and labor rights concerns, motivating companies to improve the sustainability of their products and supply chains. Widely used in the global apparel and fashion industries, the Higg Index supports efforts toward more responsible practices.