“The international multi-specialty chemical Group and the world-renowned specialist in fibers made from renewable wood sources, joined forces to create an innovative fabric made of TENCEL^™ branded lyocell and AMNI SOUL ECO^® polyamide.”

February 2019 – The new fabric together developed by Lenzing Group from Austria and the Belgian company Solvay marks a further and important step forward in the pursuit of an ever more responsible innovation, offering performance, durability and comfort all at once.

From the way fibers are made to how they affect the planet at the very end of their life cycle, this new product is as innovative as the technologies involved in its creation. The back of the new fabric is made of TENCEL™ Active lyocell fibers derived from renewable, responsibly managed wood sources. The fabric’s front is enhanced by Solvay’s award winning AMNI SOUL ECO^®, the first polyamide 6.6 fiber with improved biodegradability, as it stands out in the polyamide industry for its biodegradable properties. While other polyamide fibers take decades to decompose, AMNI SOUL ECO^® branded fibers are designed to biodegrade in around five years when disposed of in well-controlled landfills, as demonstrated by laboratory biodegradation tests in accordance with ASTM D5511 - Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradationof Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions (equivalent to ISO 15985).

The new fabric is designed to further optimize the benefits the two fibers contribute. Being in direct contact with the skin, TENCEL™ Lyocell offers microscopic fibrils of cellulosic fibers with cross-sections structured to regulate the absorption and release of moisture, contributing to fabric breathability that supports the body’s natural thermal regulation. Moreover, it provides a less favorable environment for bacterial growth, enhancing the fabric with better hygienic qualities. On the fabric face, AMNI SOUL ECO^® polyamide provides better abrasion resistance while boasting great benefits in terms of dimensional stability, color retention, and drying speed.

“The combination of TENCEL™ Active fibers, which is derived from renewable wood sources using sustainable production processes, and Solvay´s AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide fibers enhances biodegradability results into a more sustainable, comfortable, easy care fabric that advances the concept of circular economy,” says Andreas Guertler, Head of Global Business Management Activewear at Lenzing. “Future collaborations with Solvay will focus on TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology, our newest fiber innovation made from upcycled cotton scraps and wood pulp, and AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide to further reduce our environmental impact.”

“There is a major need for sustainability, these days, especially in the fashion industry. It is an on-going process that has to start from the very beginning of the production chain, from the fibers involved in the creation of fabrics and, later on, garments. Both AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers have already proved they responsible character. Combined together they will lead to great results in terms of durability, comfort and performance, while helping to preserve the planet and its resources,” explained Daniela Antunes, Solvay Business Development Manager.

This innovative product premiered at ISPO Innovation Textrends Forum, both in ISPO Beijing (January 16^th-19^th) and ISPO Munich (February 3^rd-6^th).