Cellulose producer Lenzing Group has joined forces with textile innovator OceanSafe to launch a next-generation yarn designed to meet the rising global demand for sustainable and high-performance materials.
The collaboration merges Lenzing’s wood-based TENCEL™ Lyocell A100 fibres with OceanSafe’s naNea®, a high-performance co-polyester that is biodegradable in marine environments. Together, the materials are said to deliver a breakthrough in balancing durability, functionality, and environmental responsibility.
According to the companies, the fabric offers both comfort and technical performance, with TENCEL™ Lyocell A100 providing natural softness, moisture control, and odour resistance, while naNea® contributes strength, tear resistance, and quick-drying properties.
To demonstrate the yarn’s versatility, Lenzing and OceanSafe have introduced a sportswear capsule collection, featuring women’s yoga wear, men’s athleisure T-shirts, and fleece jackets. The collection aims to attract manufacturers and brands seeking circular, biodegradable alternatives to conventional polyester. Beyond apparel, potential applications include footwear, home textiles, bags, and technical fabrics.
OceanSafe’s Chief Marketing Officer Matthias Fuchs stated that the development of the yarn focused on combining environmental responsibility with superior performance, functionality, and durability. He noted that responsible choices should “feel like an upgrade, not a compromise,” adding that the yarn offers a scalable, plug-and-play solution for brands looking to enhance performance while advancing sustainability goals.
Lenzing Group’s Head of Global Technical Business Development Nicole Schram highlighted the collaboration as a joint effort across the textile industry. She credited Tearfil for yarn development, Impetus for knit and seamless fabrics, Kingwhale for fleece innovations, and G-LOFT Premium Insulation for jacket filling technology. Schram said the collection exemplifies how industry collaboration can drive meaningful change and scale innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
