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-based¹ TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 fibers with OceanSafe’s high-performance, biodegradable² in the ocean co-polyester, naNea. By offering a common textile knowledge, resource-efficient² ⁴ ⁸ solution that meets growing demand for sustainable, technically advanced materials, this partnership provides an alternative that balances durability⁵, function, and environmental responsibility ² ⁶ ⁹.
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 produced² ⁴ ⁶ ⁸ 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 process⁶ ⁸ while naNea fibers are biodegradable² in the ocean and recyclable¹⁰. naNea´s Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold status underscores its environmental standards² ⁹.
The fabric offers comfort and functionality, with TENCEL Lyocell – A100 fibers providing natural softness, effective moisture control¹¹, and resistance to odor-causing bacteria¹², 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 responsible² ⁶ ⁸ ⁹, but also improved performance, functionality and durability²,” 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 durable², 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 circular² ⁴ ⁵ ⁷, biodegradable² ¹³, 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 change¹ and scaling innovative solutions⁵.”
Facts & Figures:
TENCEL™ Lyocell – A100 fibers
• Carbon emissions: ≥50% reduction compared to generic lyocell⁸
• Water consumption: ≥50% reduction compared to generic lyocell⁸
• Raw material: FSC® (FSC-C041246) or PEFC certified wood sources¹
• Production: Closed-loop process, >99.8% solvent recovery⁶
• Functionality: Effective moisture control¹¹, unfavorable to odor-causing bacteria¹²
naNea by OceanSafe²:
• 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)²
• Consumer safe: No toxicants or heavy metals, naNea meets ambitious Cradle to Cradle® Certified Gold standards⁹
• Production: Produced with 50% renewably sourced energy in the final manufacturing stage according to Cradle to Cradle® Certified Gold standards⁹ 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 biodegradable²
• Functionality: Soft hand-feel⁴, absorbent, quick-dry, durable, easy care⁵
References:
¹ Adhering to the company’s commitment to environmental protection and resource preservation, Lenzing procures wood and pulp only from certified or controlled sustainable sources. In its Wood and Pulp Policy, Lenzing is committed to procuring wood and pulp exclusively from non-controversial sources.
² Biodegradable in the ocean: Marine biodegradable in 99 days by >93% (according to ASTM D6691-17, Lab: Archa Srl, Pisa, Italy, Test No. 22302453, https://www.archa.it/) https://www.oceansafe.co/textile-materials/nanea
³ TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibers are naturally soft and smooth to the touch. Published studies using the Tactile Sensation Analyzer (TSA) and Fabric Touch Tester (FTT) as measuring devices have confirmed the softness of fabrics made of TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibers.
⁴ Fabrics based on naNea are softer and smoother than fabrics based on conventional polyester. An academic comparative study using the Tactile Sensation Analyzer (TSA) as measuring device has confirmed the softness and smoothness of fabrics made from naNea by OceanSafe.
⁵ naNea’s novel polymer structure provides built-in moisture management with higher hydrophilicity, absorbency, and fast drying. It matches PET in abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, and outperforms in UV fastness, confirmed by a comparative study at the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (August 2025). In addition, DTNW Krefeld tests (November 2022) verified naNea’s inherently flame-retardant nature with a significantly higher LOI than PET.
⁶ TENCEL Lyocell fibers are produced in a closed loop process which recovers 99.8% of the solvent – resulting in close-to-zero wastage. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.10 (April 2025).
⁷ To foster a sustainable global textile and nonwovens industry, Lenzing follows three strategic principles within the context of its “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy, which focuses on greening the value chain, driving systemic change and advancing the circular economy through partnerships with key industry stakeholders, such as Textile Exchange, Cascale, Canopy, Together for Sustainability, Renewable Carbon Initiative, and UN Global Compact.
⁸ TENCEL Lyocell fibers are made with at least 50 percent less carbon emissions and water consumption, compared to generic (unbranded) lyocell. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.10 (April 2025).
⁹ naNea contains no heavy metals such as antimony (certified under Cradle to Cradle Material Health 4.1 and verified by Archa Srl, Pisa, Italy), has passed the OECD 202 environmental safety and toxicity test (Archa Srl, Pisa, Italy), and has also passed the DIN EN ISO 20079:2006-12 duckweed growth inhibition test (Hohenstein, GU-912337).
¹⁰ naNea has been successfully tested by commercial chemical and thermo-mechanical textile recycling providers to be used in their chemical textile recycling processes. naNea can be recycled along with conventional PET in the same process.
¹¹ The structure of TENCEL Lyocell fibers allows the absorption and release of moisture. In the final textile product, these effective moisture controlling properties support a drier microclimate on the skin, increasing the wearer’s thermal comfort.
¹² TENCEL Lyocell fibers absorb sweat efficiently, resulting in reduced moisture on the fiber surface. This creates a less favorable environment for the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
¹³ TENCEL Lyocell standard fibers are certified by TÜV AUSTRIA as biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine environments, and compostable under home and industrial conditions.
