Ultrafabrics: a deeper dive into our sustainability mission

As we continue to redefine luxury in the marine industry, sustainability remains at the core of Ultrafabrics’ mission. Our commitment to the environment isn’t just a promise, it is a fundamental part of how we operate, innovate, and deliver our products. For 25 years, we have offered a sophisticated alternative to animal leather and PVC / Vinyl. Here we share our sustainability journey with transparency, highlighting the significant strides we’ve made and our ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact on the planet.

Reaching our sustainable material goals ahead of time

Showcasing our dedication to sustainable innovation, Ultrafabrics reached its sustainable material goal a full year ahead of our 2025 target. Today, every Ultrafabrics branded product sold across our diverse markets—furniture, healthcare, recreational vehicles, marine, aviation, and accessories—contains at least 50 per cent rapidly renewable and/or recycled materials. This milestone demonstrates our ability to balance luxury with responsibility, offering our clients products that are both high in quality and low in environmental impact. 

Transforming our collections for a sustainable future 

At the heart of our sustainability mission is the transformation of our collections. We’ve reimagined our products to ensure they are not only luxurious but also consciously crafted. Here are some key elements of our transformed collections: 

• 100 per cent rapidly renewable backcloth – our commitment to rapidly renewable resources is evident through our use of rapidly renewable viscose used in the backcloth of 30 per cent of our ranges. The fibres of this backcloth are derived from responsibly managed beech wood forests and represent our dedication to sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship. 
• Renewable meets recycled – we’ve integrated viscose with recycled polyester into the backcloths of many of our collections. This combination reduces environmental impact without compromising quality. Every metre of fabric repurposes approximately nine plastic bottles, reducing usage of virgin fossil fuels and preventing waste from ending up in landfills or oceans.
• Biobased and beyond – our Volar Bio collection, introduced in 2019, exemplifies our commitment to sustainability. It now features a 66 per cent mix of recycled, rapidly renewable, and biobased content, including recycled polyester, viscose, and Susterra® propanediol biobased resin. These materials allow us to offer sustainable materials, while maintaining the high standards of performance our customers expect. 

While we continue to innovate and reduce our environmental footprint, we ensure that our signature performance and quality remain unchanged. Our new backcloths are designed to uphold the strength, durability, and comfort synonymous with Ultrafabrics. This commitment allows us to deliver sustainable products without compromising the luxury experience that our customers have come to expect.

Promoting safer chemistry 

In addition to sustainable materials, we are committed to safer chemistry, a cornerstone of our innovation. We carefully manage and mitigate the potential environmental and health impacts of our materials, ensuring a safer future for both producers and customers. All of our collections are free from a range of restricted substances, including Bisphenol A (BPA), conflict minerals, heavy metal stabilisers, PFOA, plasticiser phthalates, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Furthermore, by the end of 2024, our entire product portfolio will be free from PFAS. 

Removing harmful substances like these not only protects consumers and workers from potential health risks but also reduces pollution in waterways and ecosystems. These chemicals, when present in products, can leach into the environment and contribute to long-term ecological damage. 

Responsible manufacturing 

At Ultrafabrics, responsible manufacturing is at the core of our operations. Our proprietary manufacturing process is designed to maximise resource efficiency while ensuring the highest performance standards. With our Japanese mill ISO 14001 certified, we adhere to strict environmental management practices. We locally source primary materials and recover and recycle 98% of all solvents used in production. Additionally, we reduce energy consumption through heat exhaust systems and solar panels, further minimising our carbon footprint. By actively working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement, we are doing our part to limit global warming to 1.5°C and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. 

Certifications and initiatives 

Our dedication to sustainability is reflected in the certifications and initiatives that guide our work: 

• SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certification – all Ultrafabrics branded products are certified by SCS Global Services, a leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification. This certification ensures that our products meet strict indoor air quality standards, reducing the presence of harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and contributing to healthier indoor environments, which is especially important in enclosed marine environments where air circulation may be limited.  
• ISO 14001 – our Japanese mill is ISO 14001 certified, ensuring our environmental management systems meet international standards. 
• REACH Compliance – all Ultrafabrics branded products comply with REACH regulations, which aim to protect human health and the environment through better chemical substance management. 

These certifications underscore our commitment to producing environmentally responsible materials that support a healthier planet.

A sustainable future

At Ultrafabrics, we believe that the future of luxury lies in sustainability. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation continues to drive us forward, ensuring that we provide the finest materials with a conscious commitment to the planet. As we journey further into this new chapter, we invite our customers and partners to join us in embracing a sustainable, luxurious future. Together, we can redefine what it means to enjoy luxury on the water and beyond.