Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that subsidiaries Toray Textiles Central Europe s.r.o. (TTCE) and Toray Advanced Materials Korea Inc. (TAK) have set up new facilities in the Czech Republic to expand the the scope of its Airlite automotive interior sound acoustic Insulation business in Europe. This material enhances passenger comfort by suppressing noise from driving, vibrations and from outside vehicles. This new facility at TTCE’s facility in the Czech Republic will go on line in October this year with an annual production capacity of 1,200 metric tons.

Europe has spearheaded efforts in the developed world to steadily tighten automotive noise regulations, including for internal combustion engine models. Demand should surge for electric vehicles in the next few years. These automobiles are essentially free of engine sounds so drivers and passengers are more likely to notice road and tire noises. Quieter cabins feel more comfortable and luxurious. Markets for top performance sound absorbing materials should thus continue to grow. Moreover, as the growth of the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry using propellers is expected in the future, the lightweight sound-absorbing application field will be further expanded.

Airlite is a meltblown nonwoven sound-absorbing material made of lightweight polypropylene and polyester. Melt blowing extrudes melted polymers through nozzles and sprays them to form a nonwoven fleece. Airlite™ delivers exceptional sound absorption across a broad frequency range. It is lighter than conventional counterparts, thereby reducing energy consumption from driving.

The new Airlite facilities will complement TTCE’s airbag fabric operations, helping it to expand its automotive materials business. TAK looks to leverage the new facilities to bolster its automotive interior sound-absorbing materials business in Europe and step up efforts to serve automakers and leading parts manufacturers as Europe’s electric vehicle market grows.

Toray will develop products incorporating recycled materials and other eco-friendly offerings to add value and match customer needs. It will collaborate with customers in its drive to reduce environmental impact and materialize a sustainable economy, transforming societies in keeping with its commitment to innovating ideas, technologies, and products that deliver new value.

Under the Toray Group Sustainability Vision, the company aims to leverage its innovative technologies and advanced materials in creating solutions that are essential for the international community to overcome the challenges of pursuing sustainable development.