SENSIL and ROICA Unveil Low-Impact Biomass Balanced Stretch Fabrics

A new sustainable fabric concept blends Biomass Balanced Nylon and stretch fiber for low-carbon performance apparel.

SENSIL® by NILIT and ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei have partnered to introduce a new fabric concept using Biomass Balanced Nylon 6.6 and stretch fiber, offering high performance with a significantly reduced environmental footprint. The collaboration debuts at ISPO Munich 2026.

Transforming the apparel sector into a low-carbon industry demands collective action, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions. Reflecting this commitment, SENSIL® by NILIT and ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei have partnered to introduce a concept fabric with a significantly reduced environmental footprint. The collaboration brings together SENSIL® ByNature, a Biomass Balanced Nylon 6.6 yarn by NILIT, and Biomass Balanced ROICA™ premium stretch fiber, both engineered for modern high-performance apparel. The new fabric concept is being unveiled at ISPO Munich, Hall B1/308, ISPO BrandNew Area.

Both companies apply the Biomass Balance (BMB) method, which uses renewable feedstocks derived from reclaimed organic waste that does not require farmland or compete with food production.

• SENSIL® ByNature is the first Nylon 6.6 textile yarn made with a Biomass Balanced renewable feedstock sourced from biogenic waste.
• Biomass Balanced ROICA™ premium stretch fiber integrates renewable raw materials instead of fossil-based inputs. Asahi Kasei will focus its BMB production at its Taiwan facility, the company’s central hub for BMB-enabled stretch fiber.

Because BMB-based materials are chemically identical to conventional fibers, fabrics made with SENSIL® ByNature and ROICA™’s Biomass Balanced stretch fiber deliver the same comfort, durability, aesthetics, and performance. This allows brands to shift to more sustainable options without redesigning existing product lines.

To ensure transparency and credibility, the percentage of renewable feedstock is allocated through recognized Biomass Balance accounting and verified by third-party certification. Both NILIT and Asahi Kasei hold ISCC+ (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus) certification, confirming strict oversight of renewable content throughout the supply chain.

Environmental Impact Reductions

• NILIT’s SENSIL® ByNature reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1.8 kg CO₂ eq per ton of yarn compared to traditional nylon production.
• Asahi Kasei expects the ROICA™ Biomass Balanced stretch fiber to deliver meaningful CO₂ reductions through renewable content and manufacturing optimizations. Precise values will be confirmed as production scales.

By blending these two next-generation fibers, brands can create advanced stretch fabrics that significantly cut a garment’s environmental footprint. The partnership supports reduced dependence on fossil resources, advances circularity through renewable raw materials, and enhances Life Cycle Assessment outcomes—all while maintaining the premium feel, appearance, and stretch performance consumers expect.

Attendees can explore BMB technology and experience the future of sustainable stretchwear at ISPO Munich, Hall B1/308, ISPO BrandNew Area.