Lowering the apparel industry’s carbon footprint demands stronger collaboration and faster innovation. Responding to this need, SENSIL® by NILIT and ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei have partnered to introduce a new low-impact fabric concept. The material combines SENSIL® ByNature, a Biomass Balanced Nylon 6.6 yarn, with ROICA™ Biomass Balanced premium stretch fiber. The companies are showcasing the concept at ISPO Munich in Hall B1/308 within the ISPO BrandNew Area.
Both innovations use the Biomass Balance (BMB) approach. This method replaces fossil feedstocks with renewable inputs derived from reclaimed organic waste. These sources do not compete with food production and require no additional land use. As a result, the materials support a shift toward cleaner, more circular textile systems.
SENSIL® ByNature is the first Nylon 6.6 yarn for apparel made from BMB renewable feedstock sourced from biogenic waste. Similarly, ROICA™ Biomass Balanced stretch fiber substitutes fossil hydrocarbons with renewable raw materials. The company is concentrating its BMB production efforts at its Taiwan facility, which serves as the main hub for this technology.
Because BMB products are chemically identical to conventional materials, fabrics made with SENSIL® ByNature and ROICA™ Biomass Balanced fibers retain the same comfort, performance, and visual appeal. Therefore, brands can adopt these sustainable alternatives without changing existing designs.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, both companies use third-party-verified Biomass Balance accounting. They also hold ISCC+ certification, which confirms the correct allocation of renewable feedstocks throughout the supply chain.
The collaboration is expected to deliver clear environmental benefits. For instance, SENSIL® ByNature reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1.8 kg CO₂ equivalent per ton of yarn compared to traditional nylon. Asahi Kasei also anticipates lower emissions from its new ROICA™ Biomass Balanced stretch fiber. Although detailed figures are still pending, the company projects meaningful reductions once manufacturing scales up.
Together, these fibers enable the creation of premium stretch fabrics that reduce reliance on fossil resources and support circularity goals. They also improve Life Cycle Assessment outcomes while maintaining the high level of performance consumers expect.
Visitors can explore these Biomass Balanced technologies and experience the next generation of sustainable stretch apparel at ISPO Munich, Hall B1/308 in the ISPO BrandNew Area.
