#Yarn & Fiber

2023-09-14

Coats & Lenzing join forces to create footwear industry’s first synthetic-free engineered uppers and fabrics made of ProWeave™ technology and TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament

Coats Footwear today announced an exciting collaboration with the Lenzing Group – a leading global producer of cellulose-based specialty fibers for the textiles industry. Combining Coats Footwear’s innovative ProWeave™ technology with Lenzing’s innovative TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament, the two companies have created dynamic re-imagined footwear uppers and fabrics, which combine sustainability and performance characteristics, and will be unveiled at Lineapelle.

Result of new collaboration will be unveiled at Lineapelle

In an industry first, the two companies have partnered in weaving TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament using ProWeave™ – a unique patented jacquard weaving technology which can be used with a range of different fibers and yarns. The reimagined footwear uppers and fabrics will be used in the prototype of Circle Sportswear’s “SuperNatural Runner” - the first synthetic-free performance footwear to use TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament blended with wool using ProWeave™ technology and other bio-based materials.

This innovative method and combination of technologies enables the production of stylish, sustainable, super comfortable uppers and fabrics, which have an adaptive fit that functions like a second skin. This ground-breaking collaboration will be of interest to all footwear brands that want to improve supply chain traceability, bio-sustainability, and lower the carbon footprint associated with producing high-quality uppers and fabrics for a variety of applications.

Paul Jackson, ProWeave™ Business Unit Leader at Coats Footwear, said: “This is an incredibly exciting alliance for Coats Footwear, the Lenzing Group, and the wider industry. From day one, it was clear this was a natural partnership. Both companies have combined objectives when it comes to sustainability. Independently we are committed to helping companies lower the environmental impact of textile and footwear production processes by providing best-in-class materials and manufacturing technologies. Together, we’re revolutionizing the way uppers and materials can be made – giving footwear brands and manufacturers the chance to build high-level sustainable products in the most innovative way possible, with zero constraints on creativity.”

Nicole Schram, Global Business Development Manager, Apparel (Footwear) at Lenzing Group, said: “The footwear segment has always been innovative and offers endless possibilities for the development of technical applications of the TENCEL™ brand. We are truly excited to partner with Coats Footwear to create exciting footwear uppers and fabrics that have botanic origins at heart. By combining the unique features of TENCEL™ Lyocell staple fibers and filament and ProWeave™ technology, we believe the sky is the limit for the innovation of next-generation, planet-friendly footwear. We will continue to work closely with Coats Footwear and other industry partners to innovate materials for a dynamic footwear industry environment.”

Lenzing is the first of many raw material suppliers to collaborate with Coats on ProWeave™. Derived from renewable raw material wood sourced from controlled and certified forests, TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament is manufactured using resource-efficient production processes that recycle process water and reuse the solvent at a recovery rate of more than 99%. Certified by The Vegan Society, TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament is known for its silky softness, color vibrancy, and strength.

ProWeave™ is a unique jacquard weaving technology that seamlessly integrates multi-functionality and design freedom weaving in an exclusive engineered upper or fabric. Effortlessly blending diverse yarn thicknesses, weights, and fabric references together, ProWeave™ is used to create intricately designed fabrics with distinctive gradient, rib, waffle, colour, stretch, transparency, and 3D effects.

In addition to TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament, Coats Footwear is also working closely with Lenzing to explore the adoption of TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers in footwear uppers and fabrics.

Discover more about the ProWeave™ and TENCEL™ collaboration at Lineapelle at Booth (H02 in Hall 9). Lineapelle takes place in Milan from 19th to 21st September 2023.

Alternatively, email: communications.footwear@coats.com.

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.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

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.

YKK subsidiary Golden Hill Tower Limited marks 25 years of operations in Myanmar

Golden Hill Tower Limited, a subsidiary of YKK Corporation, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a ceremony in Myanmar on September 21, 2026. The event brought together approximately 230 guests, including senior executives from the YKK Group, to commemorate the company's development since the launch of its serviced apartment business in November 2000.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase digital product creation at Apparel Sourcing Week

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Apparel Sourcing Week 2026 in Bengaluru, India next month. The exhibition provides a platform for the entire apparel value chain, bringing together manufacturers, brands, suppliers and solution providers in one location.

SNA GZ accelerates its on-demand production strategy with Kornit Digital

SNA GZ is leveraging the Kornit Atlas MAX PLUS to expand its music merchandise production, streamline e-commerce order fulfillment, and grow its print-on-demand business across Europe. This investment increases SNA GZ's textile production capacity by 150% (2.5×), enabling the company to meet growing demand and support its continued expansion.

NEUMÜHLE launches mono-material hoodie designed for textile recycling

With the Circular Mono Hoodie, Zurich-based label NEUMÜHLE introduces a new essential designed around a single-material principle. The textile construction is cotton throughout, right down to the sewing thread. Entirely free from elastane, the hoodie launches as a Limited Drop for CHF 139. Take-back, collection and existing recycling partnerships complement its circular design.