Specialty fibers giant Lenzing Group has partnered with Recyc Leather to introduce Pélinova, an innovative material combining Tencel Lyocell fibers and recycled leather fibers for high-end fashion applications. This sustainable material will serve as an alternative to genuine leather, with Danish contemporary brand Ganni being the first to feature it in their Slouchy Boots launching early this year.
Pélinova is crafted through a unique, transparent process involving collecting pre-consumer recycled leather and hydro-jetting the leather fibers into Tencel Lyocell fibers. Tencel Lyocell, known for being environmentally friendly and resistant to odour-causing bacteria, results in a supple, flexible, and durable material. It boasts a low environmental impact, utilizing 70% less water than traditional methods and reducing CO2 emissions.
During Première Vision Paris, the trio will participate in a panel discussion, sharing their collaborative experiences and highlighting the potential of responsibly produced recycled materials in high-end fashion. Ganni, recognizing the material’s versatility, envisions its application not only in footwear but also in accessories, with further developments in the pipeline to expand its usage.
Lauren Bartley, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ganni, emphasized the importance of such collaborations in achieving ambitious carbon reduction goals, stating, “Collaborating and experimenting with partners like Tencel and Recyc Leather on new fabric innovations to develop alternatives to materials as we know them today is crucial.”
