UNITIKA accelerated to explore the market for vegetable-origin polyamide 11. UNITIKA aims to expand the application of polyamide 11 fiber to the non-apparel field such as bags, shoes, filter and materials for cold climates by making full use of the characteristics (light-weight, high abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and good low temperature property), in addition to the sports apparels which have been developed earlier. “CASTLON” is polyamide 11 fiber made from the seeds of castor-oil plant. The fiber is light as its specific weight is 1.03 g/cm3, and the yarn characteristics are similar to polyester yarn. Polyamide 11 is dyeable, and its color fastness is high against washing, sweat and rubbing.

JCFA News Letter (No.2) July, 2012/Japan Chemical Fibers Association