#Recycling / Circular Economy

2024-10-17

Lenzing, Kaihara Denim and ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei launch SAISEI Collection, premium stretch denim line made of recycled materials

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei, a pioneer in premium stretch fiber, and Kaihara Denim, the world-renowned Japanese denim manufacturer, join forces for the first time to co-create a premium stretch denim collection, “SAISEI Collection.”

Made of recycled materials with exceptional softness, the stretch denim collection unleashes endless denim design possibilities from everyday chic to workwear with three distinct stretch denim styles

The new collection will debut globally at Kingpins Amsterdam, October 23–24, 2024

The unprecedented collaboration combines Kaihara Denim’s premium Japanese denim craftsmanship, resource-efficient LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology and sustainable yet durable ROICA™ EF yarn by Asahi Kasei

SAISEI Collection by Lenzing, Kaihara Denim and ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei © 2024 kakel Tetsuya Mukume

The strategic partnership is well-placed to offer the international market a higher composition of recycled materials in denim. Blending LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers with REFIBRA™ technology(1) with ROICA™ EF recycled stretch yarn and entrusting them with Kaihara Denim’s renowned denim craftsmanship, the high-quality denim collection is brought to light. It will make its first appearance at Kingpins Amsterdam, October 23–24, 2024.

“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 environment4, but also serves as a catalyst for driving the transformation towards low impact practices4 across the denim value chain and beyond.”

Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager, Denim at Lenzing © 2024 Lenzing

Weaving the future of denim with collective innovation

The new denim collection boasts a special fabric composition, making the most of ROICA™ EF yarn and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology thanks to their resource-efficient attributes. ROICA™ EF, made of pre-consumer recycled content as well as featuring excellent stretchability, is integral to the flexibility, and comfort of the fabric. On the other hand, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology, comprises up to 20% of post-consumer textile waste, which is sourced from cellulose-rich materials or polyester-cotton blends, supporting natural softness to the denim fabric.

“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% 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 consicous, comfortable denimwear.”

Redefining denim applications for high-performing, eco-conscious fashion

The collection offers three distinct denim fabrications – super stretch (Monster Stretch by Kaihara Denim), comfort stretch, and low stretch (selvedge denim) – each crafted with Kaihara Denim’s artisanal expertise using the meticulous blend of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and ROICA™ EF. This innovative denim fabric features a subtle bulkiness and reduced drape, delivering a unique hand feel. The versatility of the new denim fabric opens a world of possibilities for fashion designers and brands, empowering them to create stylish, resource-efficient garments that range from everyday chic, casual wear to workwear.

“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 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-efficient denim 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.”

Hiroaki Shinohe, Chief Marketing Officer of ROICA Europe at Asahi Kasei © 2024 Lenzing

The new denim collection will be showcased at the Lenzing booth (no. 12 in blue zone) and ROICA booth (no. 10 in yellow zone) during Kingpins Amsterdam, October 23–24, 2024.

TENCEL™ Lyocell - HV100 achieves global denim availability in six months; Vol. 2 debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam

When TENCEL™ Lyocell - HV100 debuted at last year’s Kingpins Amsterdam in October, 17 mill partners across five countries presented fabrics featuring the new fiber. Just six months on, participation has more than doubled, evolving into a global network that spans nine countries and four continents, signaling both strong industry momentum and growing demand.

Lenzing unveils three-tier cellulosic fiber portfolio for next generation protective wear

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, today introduces Lenzing Solutions for Protective Wear. This integrated three-tier portfolio is anchored by LENZING™ FR fibers at the highest protection tier for inherent flame resistance and brings together complementary solutions including TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, both EU Ecolabel-certified² and derived from certified or controlled wood sources³, within a unified protective wear architecture for the first time. The launch marks the most significant expansion of Lenzing’s protective wear business since the company pioneered inherently flame-resistant cellulosic fiber in 1977, and comes as the global personal protective equipment (PPE) market accelerates toward an estimated USD 130 billion by 2033⁴.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

New skills for a circular textile economy

Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is developing three practical training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. The content of the first module, Recycling Technologies, has now been developed and validated together with industry representatives. The module provides participants with knowledge of regulatory requirements, material sorting and the preparation of textile waste for recycling.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.