ROICA™ Highlights Responsible Stretch at ISPO Munich 2025
Asahi Kasei’s premium stretch fiber brand, ROICA™, continues to focus on responsible innovation and advanced functionality for modern sportswear. At ISPO Munich 2025, ROICA™ will again be a key part of the Asahi Kasei booth. This year, the brand presents new developments in sustainable stretch fibers and introduces sample collections created with seven European textile partners — Brugnoli, Cifra, Iluna Group, Inplet Pletiva, Penn Solutions, Sitip, and Tessitura Colombo Antonio. Each partner highlights new applications for ROICA™ in activewear.
Key Sustainable Initiatives
ROICA™ V550 in EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Uniforms
CRAFTEVO® – V&A Japan chose ROICA™ V550 for the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai uniforms. The degradable stretch yarn supports a new approach to circular event apparel. After the Expo, all uniforms will be collected and composted.
NILIT × ROICA™ Collaboration
ROICA™ has also teamed up with NILIT to create a new fabric concept. It uses SENSIL® By-Nature Nylon 6.6 and ROICA™ fibers made through a mass balance approach. As a result, the fabric offers reduced environmental impact while maintaining comfort and performance.
Partner Showcases at ISPO Munich 2025
Brugnoli – Circular Knits for Yoga and Activewear
Italian knitter Brugnoli presents its YogaTime collection using TENCEL™ Modal with Micro Technology and ROICA™ V550. The fabrics offer softness, breathability, and strong shape retention. They are made in Italy and certified under Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
Cifra – Seamless Warp-Knit Solutions
Cifra, known for WKS warp-knit seamless technology, showcases garments made with Wolford. These pieces use ECONYL® and ROICA™ V550 to balance comfort, waste reduction, and style. They are designed for both light sport and casual wear.
Iluna Group – Responsible Lace with Stretch
Iluna Group displays its latest responsible lace collection. It includes stretch laces made with ROICA™ EF recycled fiber, GRS-certified Lurex™ nets, and recycled polyamides. The range focuses on comfort, aesthetics, and responsible production.
Inplet Pletiva – Technical Knits for Performance
Slovenian manufacturer Inplet Pletiva presents elastic and rigid knits, including Powernet, Tricot, and Tulle. Many fabrics now use ROICA™ V550 to improve stretch and sustainability. They also feature multi-directional stretch, breathability, and chlorine resistance.
Penn Solutions – Customizable Functional Fabrics
Penn Solutions showcases tricot and lace-based fabrics with custom designs and engineered zones. These zones improve aerodynamics, breathability, and coverage. The company also introduces a new cycling bib strap concept built from one continuous band for better comfort and compression.
Sitip – High-Performance Technical Fabrics
Sitip presents fabrics developed with ROICA™, including Blizzard Thermal Comfort and Breeze. These materials are used by the SCOTT Racing Team. Their recent victories at the 26th La Prevostura MTB race highlight the fabrics’ performance. Sitip also follows multiple eco-design certifications, such as ISO 14001, ISO 50001, GRS, and ZDHC.
Tessitura Colombo Antonio – Artisanal Jacquards with Stretch
Italian textile house Tessitura Colombo Antonio showcases stretch jacquards featuring geometric designs, mesh effects, and nature-inspired patterns. The fabrics use polyamide, viscose, and ROICA™ fibers to combine beauty, function, and responsible production.
Special Exhibits and Collaborations
Circular Uniform Project with CRAFTEVO® – V&A Japan
ROICA™ V550 is used in the CRAFTEVO® ReTE fabric for EXPO 2025 pants. After the event, each uniform will be composted, showing a strong commitment to circular solutions.
NILIT × ROICA™ Low-Impact Materials
The joint initiative with NILIT uses renewable feedstock and third-party certifications to reduce environmental impact. This helps brands adopt responsible materials without losing performance benefits.
ROICA™ at ISPO Munich 2025
On November 30, ROICA™ will host a presentation in the Brandnew Area. It will explain the adoption of ROICA™ V550 in the EXPO 2025 uniforms and feature a dedicated video by V&A Japan.
Conclusion
Through strong partnerships, new fiber technologies, and circular design initiatives, ROICA™ continues to drive responsible innovation in sportswear. The brand’s work shows how better material choices can shape a more sustainable future for the apparel industry.
