Invista says that the fabrics – called Cordura re/cor RN66 and available in 36 colours – deliver similar levels of mechanical performance to conventional Cordura fabrics. The company adds that, compared with fabrics made from virgin PA 66, the production of Cordura re/cor RN66 generates 83% less greenhouse gas emissions, consumes 82% less energy and uses 57% less water. The pre-consumer recycled material from which the fabrics are produced is certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS)(1) from Control Union Certifications.
Cordura re/cor RN66 fabrics are suitable for the production of such as apparel and outerwear, bags and packs, luggage and footwear. Cordura Business Development Director, Cindy McNaull, says: “We are partnering with authorised Cordura fabric mills, such as Dong Jin International [of Daegu, South Korea], as well as leading brands, to bring this exciting new technology to the market."
Invista already sells fabrics made from GRS-certified post-consumer recycled polyester (PES) and pre-consumer recycled PA 6, both of which are being incorporated into the Cordura re/cor range. Further, the company sells solution-dyed PA 66 fabrics, called Cordura Truelock. The polymer melts used to produce the multi-filament PA 66 fibres from which Cordura Truelock fabrics are made are coloured before they are extruded—reducing water and energy consumption, as well as carbon dioxide emissions, compared with piece dyeing.