Toray Industries subsidiaries Toray Textiles Central Europe (TTCE) and Toray Advanced Materials Korea (TAK) have set up new facilities in the Czech Republic to expand the Airlite automotive interior sound acoustic Insulation business in Europe.

Airlite enhances passenger comfort by suppressing noise from driving, vibrations and from outside vehicles. The new facility at TTCE’s plant in ProstÄ›jov, Czech Republic, will go on line in October this year, with an annual production capacity of 1,200 metric tons.

Europe has spearheaded efforts to steadily tighten automotive noise regulations for internal combustion engine cars and the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to surge in the next few years. EVs are essentially free of engine sounds, so drivers and passengers are more likely to notice road and tyre noises, which will drive demand for sound absorbing materials. This will be boosted by the growth of the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry.

Airlite is a meltblown nonwoven made of lightweight polypropylene and polyester which delivers exceptional sound absorption across a broad frequency range. It is said to be lighter than competing products, reducing energy consumption.

The new Airlite plant will complement TTCE’s airbag fabric operations, helping it to expand its automotive materials business, while TAK is looking to leverage it to bolster its automotive interior sound-absorbing materials business in Europe.

www.toray.com