Why Arvind is Using Indigo TENCEL™ Modal for Knits
TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology is a gamechanger for the denim industry. The fibers, which launched in February, offer an opportunity to bring the blue shade typically reserved for denim to other categories.
Instead of the conventional dyeing process, these fibers are spun dyed. To make modal, wood pulp is dissolved to form a viscous solution that is then extruded into fibers. For spin or dope dyeing, the pigment is added to the liquid modal before it is spun, embedding the color into the fiber. This creates superior colorfastness, so that the indigo pigment doesn’t rub off onto other surfaces.
Yarns dyed indigo with conventional methods typically cannot be used on knitting machines, since they will leave behind indigo color on the equipment. Comparatively, TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology is more versatile for knitwear like sweaters.
India’s Arvind Limited is among the manufacturers using TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology. Aamir Akhtar, CEO at Arvind Limited, spoke to Carved in Blue about the qualities the dope-dyed indigo modal brings to garments, and how it is using the fibers in its own production.
Carved in Blue: Why did you decide to work with TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology?
Aamir: TENCEL™ Modal complements Arvind’s core beliefs of innovation and sustainability, elevating the product with feather-like hand feel, improved suppleness and fall. Infused with Indigo Color technology, it contributes to savings in chemicals, energy and water while ensuring a barre-free product.
The need of the market is a denim that provides maximum comfort, breathability and movement. With these in mind, TENCEL™ Modal is the right fiber to adopt.
Carved in Blue: What was your first impression of these fibers?
Aamir: As a naturally regenerated fiber, TENCEL™ Modal adds an elevated sustainable value to the denim. Further research is required to explore the myriad of possibilities offered by this innovative fiber, as well as the indigo brilliance achieved through innovative laundry processes and washdowns.
Carved in Blue: What types of textiles and garments are you currently creating with TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology? Do you plan to expand this?
Aamir: Currently, the exploration of TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology is concentrated on our Infiknity (indigo knits) denims, specifically on single jersey fabrics and circular knitted denims. We hope to further research and grow the fiber into an all-encompassing enhanced product line.
Carved in Blue: How did you finish the modal indigo garments? What types of treatments did you use, and could you describe the results?
Aamir: The garments were treated with minimal finishing with a view to leverage the inherent value and properties of modal. The washing process ensured the colorfastness level with compactness to achieve the desired shrinkage and overall fabric stability.
Carved in Blue: What have you learned for future product development from your work with these fibers? What have been your key takeaways?
Aamir: TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology can be used to augment a denim by introducing it as an indigo-dyed weft, particularly in our Azurite range of products. Furthermore, superior hand feel will add to the value proposition while giving a clean solid look in woven denims. The end result is a fashion-forward denim with a drape to complement the overall look and fall.