Lenzing, Kaihara and Roica Launch a Circular Stretch Denim Collection
Stretch has become a key attribute for certain denim shoppers, but achieving that flexibility typically requires non-renewable resources.
One path toward making stretch more sustainably is circular systems. At Kingpins Show Amsterdam next week, Lenzing Group, Kaihara Denim and Roica by Asahi Kasei will debut their joint Saisei Collection of high-end stretch denim. The line features circular LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology and Roica EF yarn, allowing for less resource consumption.
“Through this partnership with Kaihara Denim and Roica by Asahi Kasei, we are taking bold steps to drive denim circularity empowered by joint expertise and devotion,” said Dennis Hui, global business development manager, denim at Lenzing. “The synergy between Roica EF yarn, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology, and Kaihara Denim’s exceptional craftsmanship has given life to premium, resource-efficient denim fabrics that have sustainability, performance and style at heart. This partnership not only underscores the shared commitment between Lenzing and our partners to create excellent products while doing better for the environment, but also serves as a catalyst for driving the transformation towards low-impact practices across the denim value chain and beyond.”
Although Lenzing and Kaihara are longtime partners, this marks the first collaboration with all three entities. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibers with REFIBRA™ technology incorporate up to 20 percent post-consumer textile waste, while Roica EF is a stretch yarn made of pre-consumer recycled inputs. In addition to their circular benefits, both materials offer performance benefits. Made from natural materials, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are sustainable as well as soft and absorbent. And Roica offers great stretchability and durability.
The denim was produced by Japanese manufacturer Kaihara, and the mill’s craftsmanship comes through in the three fabrications: super stretch, comfort stretch and low-stretch selvedge denim. The textiles have more bulk and less drape than is usually associated with viscose fabrics, and the hand feel is extremely soft.
“As Lenzing’s long-standing partner, we are thrilled to be part of this transformative journey with Roica by Asahi Kasei that embodies our concerted efforts towards driving positive change across the global denim landscape,” said Hirofumi Inagaki, executive officer, general manager of the sales department at Kaihara Denim. “Our long history and established expertise in premium denim manufacturing allow us to unlock the full potential of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and Roica EF, resulting in this innovative, resource-efficientdenim collection. Together, we are reshaping the future of sustainable denim applications, both casual and formal, paving the way for a more circular fashion value chain.”
The resulting fabrics can be used for everything from workwear to casual wear.
“Our vision for sustainability at Asahi Kasei is to achieve zero emissions and seek to recycle all of our industrial waste,” said Hiroaki Shinohe, chief marketing officer of Roica Europe at Asahi Kasei. “Our innovative Roica EF yarns—which is 30 percent lower in CO2 emissions compared to regular yarns—exemplify this dedication. By partnering with Lenzing and Kaihara Denim on a recycling concept that gives new life to pre-used materials, we are able to leverage our collective expertise in sustainable stretch fabrics. We are thrilled that the incorporation of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and Kaihara Denim’s premium denim craftsmanship can provide an exceptional fabric that meets the growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious, comfortable denimwear.”
Both Lenzing and Roica will be showcasing the denim collection at their booths during Kingpins next week.