Lenzing – For the first time, the world-famous Japanese denim manufacturer Kaihara Denim, the Lenzing Group—a top provider of regenerated cellulosic fibers to the textile and nonwovens industries—and ROICATM by Asahi Kasei, a pioneer in premium stretch fiber—join forces to co-create the “SAISEI Collection,” a premium stretch denim line. With this strategic cooperation, jeans with a higher recycled content can be offered to the global market. Kaihara Denim, renowned for its denim expertise, unveils the premium denim collection by combining ROICATM EF recycled stretch yarn with LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM branded viscose fibers using REFIBRATM technology1. On October 23–24, 2024, at Kingpins Amsterdam, it will make its debut.
Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager, Denim at Lenzing, said, “Through this partnership with Kaihara Denim and ROICATM by Asahi Kasei, we are taking bold steps to drive denim circularity empowered by joint expertise and devotion. The combination of ROICATM EF yarn, LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM fibers with REFIBRATM technology, and Kaihara Denim’s superb craftsmanship has created premium denim fabrics that are resource-efficient and prioritize performance, sustainability, and style. This collaboration not only highlights Lenzing and our partners’ shared goal of producing high-quality goods while improving environmental performance4, but it also acts as a catalyst for the shift to low impact practices4 throughout the denim value chain and beyond.
Weaving the future of denim with collective innovation
The new denim collection boasts a special fabric composition, making the most of ROICA™ EF yarn and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology thanks to their resource-efficient attributes. ROICA™ EF, made of pre-consumer recycled content as well as featuring excellent stretchability, is integral to the flexibility, and comfort of the fabric. On the other hand, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology, comprises up to 20% of post-consumer textile waste, which is sourced from cellulose-rich materials or polyester-cotton blends, supporting natural softness to the denim fabric.
“Our vision for sustainability at Asahi Kasei is to achieve zero emissions and seek to recycle all of our industrial waste,” said Hiroaki Shinohe, Chief Marketing Officer of ROICA Europe at Asahi Kasei. “Our innovative ROICA™ EF yarns, which is 30% lower in CO2 emissions compared to regular yarns, exemplify this dedication. By partnering with Lenzing and Kaihara Denim on a recycling concept that gives new life to pre-used materials, we are able to leverage our collective expertise in sustainable stretch fabrics. We are thrilled that the incorporation of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and Kaihara Denim’s premium denim craftsmanship can provide an exceptional fabric that meets the growing consumer demand for environmentally consicous, comfortable denimwear.”
Redefining denim applications for high-performing, eco-conscious fashion
The collection offers three distinct denim fabrications – super stretch (Monster Stretch by Kaihara Denim), comfort stretch, and low stretch (selvedge denim) – each crafted with Kaihara Denim’s artisanal expertise using the meticulous blend of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and ROICA™ EF. This innovative denim fabric features a subtle bulkiness and reduced drape, delivering a unique hand feel. The versatility of the new denim fabric opens a world of possibilities for fashion designers and brands, empowering them to create stylish, resource-efficient garments that range from everyday chic, casual wear to workwear.
“As Lenzing’s long-standing partner, we are thrilled to be part of this transformative journey with ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei that embodies our concerted efforts towards driving positive change across the global denim landscape,” said Hirofumi Inagaki, Executive Officer, General Manager of Sales Department at Kaihara Denim. “Our long history and established expertise in premium denim manufacturing allow us to unlock the full potential of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and ROICA™ EF, resulting in this innovative, resource-efficient denim collection. Together, we are reshaping the future of sustainable denim applications, both casual and formal, paving the way for a more circular fashion value chain.”
The new denim collection will be showcased at the Lenzing booth (no. 12 in blue zone) and ROICA booth (no. 10 in yellow zone) during Kingpins Amsterdam, October 23–24, 2024.
