INVISTA, owner of the COOLMAX® brand, and Lenzing, owner of the TENCEL® brand, are pleased to announce a second innovative collaboration in denim - COOLMAX® fabric blended with TENCEL® fiber. In recognition of the growing trend toward athleisure wear, INVISTA and Lenzing AG have been working on the development and promotion of this innovative new denim concept that will provide wearers with cool, dry comfort, softness, and sustainability – all in one fabric.
The two fiber companies began working together in 2013 when they announced the results of a study on the benefits of combining Lenzing’s TENCEL® fiber with INVISTA’s dualFX® technology by LYCRA® brand. Now, by extending that collaboration to new fiber blends, the companies are aiming to leverage their strengths in performance, fashion, and sustainability to bring a unique offering to the women’s denim market.
According to Jean Hegedus, INVISTA’s marketing director for denim, today’s consumers expect more from their denim, and these fabrics can deliver on the benefits female consumers are seeking, “Recent studies* by INVISTA confirm that women are looking for more performance attributes in their clothing as well as aesthetic features such as soft hand. COOLMAX® fabrics blended with TENCEL® meet both of these needs as well as providing consumers with a sustainable option.”
One of INVISTA’s offerings that can be used is COOLMAX® ECOMADE fiber that is made from 97% recycled polyester. Lenzing’s TENCEL® is made from wood pulp, a renewable raw material, which is then processed through a closed loop system to create an ecologically responsible fiber. Tricia Carey, Lenzing’s business development manager for Denim, said “TENCEL® is recognized throughout the industry for its sustainable qualities as well as its softness and strength. By combining TENCEL® fiber with COOLMAX® fabric we can provide added performance and comfort benefits that appeal to the contemporary consumer.”
Mills from Europe to the Americas, Asia, and South Asia have begun developing performance fabrics made with this new blend. To see the latest developments, Kingpins guests can visit the INVISTA and Lenzing booths at the show on January 20-21 at the Skylight Clarkson Square in Manhattan.
About INVISTA
INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications. With a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA delivers exceptional value for its customers through market insights and technology innovations, along with a powerful portfolio of some of the most recognized global brands and trademarks in their respective industries including: COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, LYCRA®, POLARGUARD®, SOLARMAX®, SUPPLEX®, TACTEL®, and THERMOLITE®. More information on INVISTA can be found at www.INVISTA.com and on denim offerings at www.LYCRA.com/denim.
About The Lenzing Group
The Lenzing Group is a world market leader with headquarters in Austria, production sites in all major markets as well as a worldwide network of sales and marketing offices. Lenzing supplies the global textile and nonwovens industry with high-quality man-made cellulose fibers. The portfolio ranges from dissolving pulp, standard and specialty cellulose fibers to engineering services. Lenzing quality and innovative strength set global standards for man-made cellulose fibers. With 75 years of experience in fiber production, the Lenzing Group is the only company worldwide combining the manufacturing of all three man-made cellulose fiber generations on a large industrial scale under one roof – from the classic viscose to modal and lyocell (TENCEL®) fibers. The success of the Lenzing Group results from a unique combination of consistent customer orientation together with its leadership in innovation, technology and quality. Lenzing is committed to the principle of sustainable management and very high environmental standards. Lenzing’s core business fibers is complemented by our activities in the business field engineering. Key Figures Lenzing Group 2013: Sales: EUR 1.91 bn; Export share: 90.8%; Fiber sales volumes: 890,000 tons; and Staff: 6,675
*Study references:
INVISTA Performance Denim Study, ICM Research, 2014
INVISTA Brand Tracking Study, Pro Relevant, 2014
COOLMAX® is a trademark of INVISTA. TENCEL® is a registered trade mark of Lenzing Group.
