Invista, the owner of the Coolmax brand, and Lenzing, the owner of the Tencel brand, have announced a second innovative collaboration in functional denim fabrics – Coolmax fabric blended with Tencel fibre. The two companies gave a joint presentation on this new development yesterday at the Denim by Première Vision show in Barcelona.

In recognition of the growing trend towards, what the companies refer to as athleisure wear, Invista and Lenzing have been working on the development and promotion of this innovative new denim concept that would provide wearers with cool dry comfort, softness, and sustainability – all in one fabric.

Unique denim offering

The two fibre companies began working together in 2013 when they announced the results of a study on the benefits of combining Lenzing’s Tencel fibre with Invista’s dualFX technology by Lycra brand.

Now, by extending that collaboration to new fibre 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.

Sustainable qualities

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 fibre 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 fibre.

Michael Kininmonth, Lenzing’s denim developer, said: “Tencel is recognised throughout the industry for its sustainable qualities as well as its softness and strength. By combining Tencel fibre with Coolmax fabric we can provide added performance benefits that appeal to the contemporary consumer.”

Companies

Invista is a leading producer of polymers and fibres, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications. With a business presence in over 20 countries, Invista has a vast portfolio of leading brands and trademarks, including: Coolmax, Cordura, Lycra, Polarguard, Solarmax, Supplex, Tactel, and Thermolite.

The Lenzing Group is a market leader with headquarters in Austria, production sites in all major markets as well as a worldwide network of sales and marketing offices. The company supplies the textile and nonwovens industry with high-quality man-made cellulose fibres. The portfolio ranges from dissolving pulp, standard and specialty cellulose fibres to engineering services.

www.invista.com

www.lycra.com/denim