Lenzing Group, renowned for its regenerated cellulosic fibers, has teamed up with ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei, a leader in premium stretch fibers, and Kaihara Denim, a prestigious Japanese denim manufacturer, to launch the innovative “SAISEI Collection.” This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing denim sustainability, aiming to incorporate a higher percentage of recycled materials into the fabric.
The collection will feature a unique blend of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers, enhanced with REFIBRA™ technology, and ROICA™ EF recycled stretch yarn, all crafted using Kaihara Denim’s celebrated expertise. It will debut at Kingpins Amsterdam on October 23–24, 2024.
Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager for Denim at Lenzing, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “By collaborating with Kaihara Denim and ROICA™, we are making bold strides toward denim circularity. This synergy combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative materials, resulting in premium denim fabrics that prioritize sustainability, performance, and style. Together, we’re setting a benchmark for low-impact practices across the denim value chain.”
The SAISEI Collection showcases advanced fabric compositions that maximize the benefits of ROICA™ EF yarn and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers. ROICA™ EF yarn, made from pre-consumer recycled content, offers excellent stretchability, enhancing the comfort and flexibility of the fabric. Meanwhile, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers contain up to 20% post-consumer textile waste, providing natural softness and reinforcing the collection’s eco-friendly credentials.
Hiroaki Shinohe, Chief Marketing Officer of ROICA Europe at Asahi Kasei, highlighted their commitment to sustainability: “Our goal is zero emissions and full recycling of industrial waste. Our ROICA™ EF yarn, which has 30% lower CO2 emissions than conventional yarns, exemplifies this mission. Partnering with Lenzing and Kaihara Denim allows us to breathe new life into pre-used materials, meeting the growing demand for environmentally conscious denim.”
The collection features three distinct denim fabrications—super stretch (Monster Stretch), comfort stretch, and low stretch (selvedge denim)—each showcasing Kaihara Denim’s artisanal craftsmanship. These innovative fabrics offer a unique hand feel and versatility, enabling designers to create stylish and resource-efficient garments for various occasions, from casual to formal wear.
Hirofumi Inagaki, Executive Officer and General Manager of Sales at Kaihara Denim, remarked, “We are excited to join this transformative journey with Lenzing and ROICA. Our long history in premium denim manufacturing enables us to unlock the full potential of these innovative materials, reshaping the future of sustainable denim applications.”
The SAISEI Collection will be featured at the Lenzing booth (no. 12 in blue zone) and the ROICA booth (no. 10 in yellow zone) during the Kingpins Amsterdam event. This collaboration not only represents a significant advancement in sustainable denim but also paves the way for a more circular fashion industry.
