Toray Industries, Inc. announced on the 15th that it has established "ecodear" as an integrated brand for biomass-derived polymer materials and products, and will roll it out globally starting in fiscal 2013. While the company previously used "Ecodear," a capital letter, as a brand for its polylactic acid (PLA) products, the company has expanded the definition of the brand in line with its integrated brand strategy. From now on, the "ecodear" brand will be applied to all biomass-derived polymer materials and products developed by Toray. The aim of promoting this environmentally conscious integrated brand globally is to widely establish, both domestically and internationally, that Toray can provide solutions to environmental issues in a wide range of fields, including fibers, resins, and films. In recent years, the company has focused on research into biomass-derived materials, including the development of a "bio-nylon" prototype in 2009 and a "fully biomass-derived PET fiber" prototype in 2011. The depletion of fossil fuels and rising global energy consumption are important issues that must be addressed on a global scale. Toray will actively promote the importance of manufacturing various polymer products from renewable biomass raw materials.

"ecodear" covers the business areas of Toray's core businesses of fibers (raw yarn, raw cotton, textiles), resins, and films. Materials covered include bio-based PET, bio-based nylon, and 3GT (fiber) polylactic acid. The "ecodear" brand is scheduled to be deployed at various exhibitions, in promotions and advertisements, and on textile material labels from fiscal 2013. With this integrated brand deployment, Toray plans to further promote the expansion of its biomass-derived polymer business.