How Panther Denim Leverages TENCEL™’s ‘Unlimited Possibilities’
There are some standard qualities of denim that don’t change, but the material is always ripe for reinvention. By using different inputs and blends, denim mills can bring new attributes to the traditional textile.
Hong Kong-based mill Panther Textiles and its subsidiary Tat Fung Textile have been working with TENCEL™ branded fibers for a long time, and the fibers have helped the manufacturer innovate its fabric collections. Tim Huesemann, sales director at Tat Fung Textile and Panther Textiles, chatted with Carved in Blue about the mill’s use of the latest TENCEL™ technologies.
Carved in Blue: What first drew you to TENCEL™ fibers, and how has this partnership progressed and grown over the years?
Tim: We were amazed by the unique softness and elegance of TENCEL™ blend fabrics, then we found that these fibres are truly versatile, which means we could play around in unlimited possibilities to create beautiful new fabrics in denim and piece dye.
With our in-house spinning facilities, we even try to create new yarn blends. We finally managed now to have 100 percent TENCEL™ denim that is cotton free. Amazing! We keep growing with very close brand collaboration and push carbon zero TENCEL™ as a sustainable and innovative offering. It all fits perfectly to us.
Carved in Blue: How are you using matte TENCEL™ in your collections? What has been the benefit of these fibers from a product development perspective?
Tim: We keep blending matte TENCEL™ with various fibers and ratios in order to serve different customer needs. We launched our newest denim x matte TENCEL™ development at Kingpins FW23 in Amsterdam. It was so well loved that over 20 different brands tagged on to this item. We used our concept EzyMAX, which stands for very easy to stretch denim and still giving a high comfort and shape. And we already expanded it to a full fabric family of this new matte TENCEL™ concept. The major benefits are the instant softness and that it performs well and stable in dyeing and weaving. The rinse washed shades look identical to a cotton base without the previously created shine. It’s matte, as it should be!
Carved in Blue: Panther has also adopted TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology. How have you incorporated these spun-dyed fibers into your fabrics?
Tim: We developed indigo modal in various weights to serve different customer needs. The saturated blue and softness is impeccable! Concept Airy includes twills and dobbies; these fabrics are engineered for shirtdresses and wide silhouettes. Designer can use them for shirts or culottes for the Spring season. Then we are designing a heavier version for FW, which could be use for shirt jackets and cargo pants.
Carved in Blue: What has been your experience working with TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology? What is your impression of the fibers?
Tim: We love the color and the extremely high colorfastness. It is something that we have been looking for in our indigo collection.
Carved in Blue: Denim has been around for centuries, but there is always room for new developments. What is Panther’s approach to innovation?
Tim: Indigo was there for more than a thousand years, and nobody would expect the birth of denim a hundred years ago. We believe in new technology in dyeing and finishing. The indigo dyeing history is missing critical innovation since its shift from natural to synthetic, and we believe it is our mission to make synthetic indigo eco-friendly like natural dye. Check out our latest Indigo Dehydro x Recycled Denim. See you in NYC at Kingpins.