Sensil by Nilit and Roica by Asahi Kasei have joined forces to unveil a new concept fabric engineered to help reduce the environmental impact of high-performance apparel. Presented at ISPO Munich, the development combines Sensil ByNature, a biomass balanced Nylon 6.6 yarn, with Biomass Balanced Roica premium stretch fibre, offering brands a more sustainable option without compromising comfort or performance.

Both companies use the Biomass Balance approach, which replaces part of the traditional fossil-based raw material with renewable feedstocks derived from reclaimed organic waste that does not compete with food production. Sensil ByNature is the first Nylon 6.6 yarn for apparel made with biomass balanced renewable input sourced from biogenic waste, while Roica’s biomass balanced stretch fibre integrates renewable raw materials in place of petroleum-based hydrocarbons. Roica will focus its BMB programme at its Taiwan facility, its main production hub for these fibres.

Because BMB-based fibres are chemically identical to their conventional equivalents, fabrics created with Sensil ByNature and Biomass Balanced Roica retain the same aesthetics, elasticity and tactile qualities as traditional materials. This compatibility allows brands to adopt lower-impact fabrics without redesigning existing garment lines.

Both Nilit and Asahi Kasei use biomass accounting and third-party certification to allocate renewable feedstocks and verify sustainability claims. Their production systems are certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus scheme, ensuring full transparency and strict control of renewable content throughout the supply chain.

By combining these materials, the partners aim to support brands in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil resources. Nilit estimates that Sensil ByNature lowers emissions by around 1.8 kg CO₂-equivalent per tonne of yarn compared to standard nylon. Asahi Kasei anticipates further reductions through Roica Biomass Balanced fibre production, although confirmed figures will follow as production scales. Together, the fibres can help improve life cycle assessments while maintaining premium stretch performance.

The collaboration showcases how renewable feedstocks and advanced fibre engineering can shape the next generation of sustainable stretch fabrics. Visitors to ISPO Munich can explore the technology and its applications at the ISPO BrandNew area in Hall B1/308.

www.nilit.com

www.sensil.com

www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/fibers/en/roica