[pageLogInLogOut]

#Yarn & Fiber

Killer Brand uses Sorona® in launch of sustainable yarn dyed shirting fabrics made with bio-based materials in a new format

© 2023 Killer Brand
CovationBio, a leading global company offering bio-based solutions, announces the latest innovation from its bio-based polymer brand Sorona®, in collaboration with Killer (KKCL in National Stock Exchange, India), a young, trendy, vibrant fashion brand with an attitude. The release of this collection brings an innovation to the shirting world with Sorona® polymer treated in a hank dyeing process for the first time. The new application for shirting offers a two-way stretch with Sorona® polymer removing the need for spandex.

The collaboration between CovationBio and Killer combines cotton and Sorona® polymer to create a garment with exceptional comfort, moisture management, luxurious drape, and a superior hand feel in addition to vibrant color, and outstanding stretch and recovery. The new global collection expands the future of sustainable textiles in casual fashion, streamlining the method for dyeing Sorona® polymer and reducing the processing time for colored stretch fabrics made with Sorona® polymer.

Sorona® polymer, made from 37% annually renewable plant-based ingredients, offers a high-performing, responsibly sourced material option. Fibers made with Sorona® polymer are currently used in various apparel applications, including athleisure and athletic wear, insulation, swimwear, outerwear, suiting, faux fur, and more. Sorona® polymer is a USDA Certified Biobased Product, has earned Class 1 certification as an OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 product, and is bluesign® approved. 

© 2023 Killer Brand
© 2023 Killer Brand


“The traditional yarn dyed checked fabrics lack stretch and Sorona® polymer fills the void. While the yarn dyed concept is not new, Mr. Rakesh Basa, Technical Manager from the Killer team, challenged us to develop a process that would still work with Sorona® polymer. The excellent stretch and recovery displayed by the yarns must be maintained through the yarn dyeing and fabric development process. Working closely with our strategic value chain partners, we delivered this innovative solution to the Killer brand team who realized the potential to add an entirely new category to their shirting portfolio,” said Neelmani Verma, South Asia Mill Manager & Technology Specialist for CovationBio.

“At KKCL, we are driven by a strong desire to constantly keep pace with the newest trends that are attractive to Gen Z, our core customer segment, that values performance and style in equal measure. Shirting is a growing segment within our menswear portfolio. We chose Sorona® polymer as a key innovation to bring the elements of comfort, stretch, recovery, and moisture management. We believe in close customer engagement and have enabled that through these new garments that deliver both performance and sustainability. Our collaboration with the CovationBio team is an important step towards innovation that balances three key elements for our offerings – style, comfort, and fashion,” added Hemant Jain, Joint Managing Director, KKCL and Killer Brand Leader.


“Sorona® polymer in yarn dyed format is an innovation that simplifies the overall fabric processing and maintains and delivers superior performance and an additional degree of design freedom. The Killer brand team was looking at new ways to innovate in the arena of yarn dyed shirting. They realized fibers made with Sorona® polymer present a unique way to bring comfort and youthful vibrancy to their garments and express the spirit of what their brand stands for - freedom in movement that displays both style and substance. We were fortunate to work with the Killer brand who have a strong pulse of the needs of their customer and are pioneers in this space,” said Dr. Michael Saltzberg, CEO, CovationBio.

© 2023 Killer Brand
© 2023 Killer Brand



More News from CovationBio

#Man-Made Fibers

Sorona® and WGSN announce top bio-based material trends of 2027

Sorona®, the partially bio-based polymer from Covation Biomaterials (CovationBio™), and global trend forecasting authority WGSN today release the material trends shaping the textile industry through 2027 and beyond following a comprehensive examination of bio-based functional fiber applications and global data.

#Functional Fabrics

CovationBio introduces two new bio-based innovations at Functional Fabric Fair New York

Covation Biomaterials LLC (“CovationBio®”) is showcasing its two new bio-based innovations, Xatryx® and Sorona® elasterell-p fiber, at this year’s Functional Fabric Fair in New York City, July 7–9, 2026. Attendees can visit CovationBio at Booth #404 to explore this next generation of bio-based performance materials.

#Yarn & Fiber

Sorona® Polymer marks 25 years of sustainable innovation with release of new life cycle assessment results at Intertextile Shanghai

Sorona® polymer, the trailblazing partially bio-based polymer brand from Covation Biomaterials (“CovationBio”), marks its 25th anniversary in September 2025 with two landmark announcements: the appointment of Steven Ackerman as CovationBio’s Chief Executive Officer and the release of updated, third-party reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (“LCA”) results that reaffirm the leadership of Sorona® materials.

More News on Yarn & Fiber

#Man-Made Fibers

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

#Man-Made Fibers

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

#Spinning

BICO BCF yarn delivers impressive performance in field testing

In a joint development project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.

#Man-Made Fibers

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.

Latest News

#Weaving

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

#Nonwovens

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

#Recycled Fibers

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

#Research & Development

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

TOP