Lenzing And OceanSafe Partner To Launch Next-Gen Performance Textiles Featuring TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 And naNea
LENZING, Austria — The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, teamed up with OceanSafe, an innovator in novel textile materials, to introduce a next-generation yarn. This collaborative innovation synergizes Lenzing’s wood-based TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 fibers with OceanSafe’s high-performance, biodegradable in the ocean co-polyester, naNea. By offering a common textile knowledge, resource-efficient solution that meets growing demand for sustainable, technically advanced materials, this partnership provides an alternative that balances durability, function, and environmental responsibility.
As a first milestone of this partnership, Lenzing and OceanSafe introduced a sportswear capsule collection of performance wear and athleisure clothing, showcasing the yarn’s versatility and performance.
Beyond apparel, its potential applications span footwear, home textiles, bags, and technical textile applications, unlocking diverse opportunities for responsibly produced textiles across sectors.
A yarn with people at heart
Central to this yarn innovation is the synergy between TENCEL Lyocell – A100 and naNea fibers. TENCEL Lyocell – A100 fibers are made using a resource-saving, closed-loop process while naNea fibers are biodegradable in the ocean and recyclable. naNea´s Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold status underscores its environmental standards.
The fabric offers comfort and functionality, with TENCEL Lyocell – A100 fibers providing natural softness, effective moisture control¹¹, and resistance to odor-causing bacteria, while the naNea co-polyester adds endurance, tear strength and quick-dry capabilities.
“In developing this new yarn, we made sure that it isn’t just environmentally responsible, but also improved performance, functionality and durability,” Matthias Fuchs, CMO at OceanSafe noted. “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 collaborative innovation
The capsule sportswear collection made with TENCEL Lyocell – A100 and naNea fibers features women’s yoga wear, men’s athleisure T-shirts and fleece jackets. Engineered to meet the needs of active lifestyles, the collection offers durable, common textile knowledge, achieved through the fibers’ advanced material properties, without the need for additional surface treatments. To be unveiled at Performance Days in Munich at the end of October [T11 in hall A2], followed by the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland in November [Booth 752], this capsule targets manufacturers and brands looking to transition to circular, biodegradable, fiber materials that align with their values and reduce reliance on conventional 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 change and scaling innovative solutions.”
Facts & Figures:
TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 fibers
- Carbon emissions: ≥50% reduction compared to generic lyocell
- Water consumption: ≥50% reduction compared to generic lyocell
- Raw material: FSC® (FSC-C041246) or PEFC certified wood sources
- Production: Closed-loop process, >99.8% solvent recovery
- Functionality: Effective moisture control, unfavorable to odor-causing bacteria
naNea by OceanSafe:
- A novel and proprietary co-polyester
- Raw material: Recycled, bio-based, or virgin feedstocks
- Biodegradable in the ocean: Marine biodegradable in 99 days by >93% (according to ASTM D6691-17).
- Consumer safe: No toxicants or heavy metals, naNea meets ambitious Cradle to Cradle® Certified Gold standards.
- Production: Produced with 50% renewably sourced energy in the final manufacturing stage according to Cradle to Cradle® Certified Gold standards and saves energy during the dyeing process due to lower dyeing temperatures.
- End-of-life: Recyclable, and does not release persistent microplastics, as it is marine biodegradable.
- Functionality: Soft hand-feel, absorbent, quick-dry, durable, easy care.
