Key Highlights:
⬤ The collaboration introduces a next-generation yarn combining wood-based¹ TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 fibers with biodegradable² naNea co-polyester.
⬤ A debut capsule sportswear collection showcases a market-ready alternative to conventional synthetics, offering enhanced comfort³ ⁴, advanced performance⁵, and circular end-of-life solutions² ⁶ ⁷.
⬤ Lenzing will display the collection at Performance Days Munich (October 29–30, Booth T11, Hall A2) and at the Functional Fabric Fair Portland (November 11–13, Booth 752).
A Sustainable Collaboration for the Future of Textiles
Lenzing Group, a global leader in regenerated cellulosic fibers, has joined forces with OceanSafe, a pioneer in sustainable textile materials, to launch a next-generation performance yarn. This innovation merges Lenzing’s wood-based¹ TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 fibers with OceanSafe’s biodegradable² co-polyester naNea, creating a resource-efficient² ⁴ ⁸ solution for eco-conscious performance textiles.
By leveraging shared expertise, this partnership provides a durable⁵, functional, and environmentally responsible² ⁶ ⁹ alternative to traditional synthetics, responding to the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance materials.
Next-Gen Sportswear Collection
As the first milestone of their partnership, Lenzing and OceanSafe introduced a capsule sportswear collection showcasing the yarn’s versatility. Designed for performance wear and athleisure, the line demonstrates how sustainability and performance can coexist. Beyond apparel, potential applications include footwear, home textiles, bags, and technical fabrics, paving the way for responsibly produced² ⁴ ⁶ ⁸ textiles across industries.
A Yarn with People at Heart
At the core of this innovation is the synergy between TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 and naNea fibers.
- TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 fibers are made using a closed-loop process⁶ ⁸, minimizing environmental impact.
- naNea fibers are biodegradable² in marine environments and recyclable¹⁰, holding Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold status for their environmental integrity² ⁹.
The resulting fabric combines natural softness, moisture management¹¹, and odor resistance¹² from TENCEL™ fibers with endurance, tear strength, and quick-dry performance² from naNea.
“In developing this new yarn, we made sure that it isn’t just environmentally responsible² ⁶ ⁸ ⁹, but also improved performance, functionality and durability²,” said Matthias Fuchs, CMO at OceanSafe. “We believe making responsible choices should feel like an upgrade, not a compromise. This yarn provides brands with a scalable, plug-and-play solution that supports their environmental commitments while enhancing garment performance.”
From Concept to Closet: Redefining Sportswear Through Collaboration
The capsule collection features women’s yoga wear, men’s athleisure T-shirts, and fleece jackets, engineered for durability², comfort, and technical performance — all without the need for extra surface treatments. The collection will premiere at Performance Days Munich (October 29–30) and later at Functional Fabric Fair Portland (November 11–13), targeting brands seeking circular² ⁴ ⁵ ⁷, biodegradable² ¹³ materials to replace traditional polyester.
“Creating this collection was truly a joint effort that brought together experts from across the entire industry,” said Nicole Schram, Head of Global Technical Business Development at Lenzing Group. “We had Tearfil working their magic with yarn development, Impetus bringing their know-how for amazing knits and seamless fabrics, Kingwhale perfecting the fleece that feels so good against your skin and G-LOFT® Premium Insulation contributing with their filling technology for jackets. This collection is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change¹ and scaling innovative solutions⁵.”
Key Material Facts & Sustainability Metrics
TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 Fibers:
- Carbon emissions: ≥50% reduction vs. generic lyocell⁸
- Water use: ≥50% reduction vs. generic lyocell⁸
- Raw materials: FSC® or PEFC-certified wood¹
- Process: Closed-loop, >99.8% solvent recovery⁶
- Functionality: Moisture control¹¹, odor resistance¹²
naNea by OceanSafe:
- Biodegradable in 99 days (>93%, ASTM D6691-17)²
- Made from recycled, bio-based, or virgin feedstocks
- Produced with 50% renewable energy⁹
- Cradle to Cradle® Certified Gold⁹
- Recyclable and free from persistent microplastics
- Functionality: Soft hand-feel⁴, absorbent, quick-dry, durable, easy-care⁵