Lenzing: The world-renowned Japanese denim manufacturer Kaihara Denim, a pioneer in premium stretch fiber, and the Lenzing Group, a major supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, collaborate for the first time to co-create the “SAISEI Collection,” a premium stretch denim collection. The strategic collaboration is in a good position to provide a bigger percentage of recycled materials in denim to the global market.
Using ROICA™ EF recycled stretch yarn and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers with REFIBRA™ technology1, together with Kaihara Denim’s well-known denim workmanship, the premium denim line is shown. It will debut from October 23–24, 2024, at Kingpins Amsterdam.
“We are taking bold steps to drive denim circularity[4] through this partnership with Kaihara Denim and ROICATM by Asahi Kasei, powered by joint expertise and dedication,” stated Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager, Denim at Lenzing.The combination of ROICATM EF yarn, LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM fibers with REFIBRATM technology, and Kaihara Denim’s outstanding workmanship has resulted in high-end, resource-efficient1 denim fabrics that prioritize performance, sustainability, and style.1, 4, [5]This collaboration not only demonstrates Lenzing’s and our partners’ shared dedication to producing high-quality goods while improving the environment4, but it also acts as a spur for the shift to low impact practices4 throughout the denim value chain and beyond.
Weaving the future of denim with collective innovation
Because of its resource-efficient1,4,5 qualities, the new denim line has a unique fabric composition that maximizes ROICATM EF yarn and LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM fibers with REFIBRATM technology. ROICATM EF is essential to the fabric’s comfort and flexibility since it is composed of pre-consumer recycled material and has exceptional stretchability2. Conversely, up to 20% of post-consumer textile waste is made up of LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM fibers with REFIBRATM technology, which come from cellulose-rich materials or polyester-cotton mixes and give denim fabric its inherent softness.
“Achieving zero emissions and attempting to recycle all of our industrial waste is our vision for sustainability at Asahi Kasei,” stated Hiroaki Shinohe, Chief Marketing Officer of ROICA Europe at Asahi Kasei. “This commitment is demonstrated by our innovative ROICATM EF yarns, which emit 30% less CO2 than conventional yarns5. We are able to take advantage of our combined knowledge of sustainable stretch textiles by collaborating with Lenzing and Kaihara Denim on a recycling idea that revitalizes worn materials. We are excited that the combination of Kaihara Denim’s superior denim workmanship and LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM with REFIBRATM technology may result in an outstanding fabric that satisfies the rising consumer demand for comfortable, eco-friendly denimwear.
Redefining denim applications for high-performing, eco-conscious1,4,5 fashion
The collection features three different denim fabrications: low stretch (selvedge denim), comfort stretch, and super stretch (Monster Stretch by Kaihara Denim). Each is expertly crafted by Kaihara Denim using a careful blending of ROICA™ EF and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology. This cutting-edge denim fabric has a distinctive tactile feel thanks to its modest bulkiness and decreased drape. Fashion designers and manufacturers have a plethora of options thanks to the new denim fabric’s adaptability, which enables them to produce fashionable, resource-efficient 1,4,5 clothing that vary from workplace to everyday elegant and casual wear.
Hirofumi Inagaki, Executive Officer, General Manager of Sales Department at Kaihara Denim, stated, “As Lenzing’s longstanding partner, we are thrilled to be part of this transformative journey with ROICATM by Asahi Kasei that embodies our concerted efforts towards driving positive change across the global denim landscape.” “This creative, resource-efficient 1,4,5 denim line is the product of our extensive experience and proven skills in premium denim manufacturing, which enable us to fully realize the promise of LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM with REFIBRATM technology and ROICATM EF. By working together, we are altering the future of formal and casual sustainable denim applications and opening the door to a more circular fashion value chain.
