The Lenzing Group, a global leader in regenerated cellulosic fibres, has joined forces with Swiss textile innovator OceanSafe to unveil a next-generation yarn that merges Lenzing’s wood-based Tencel Lyocell A100 fibres with OceanSafe’s ocean-biodegradable co-polyester, naNea. The collaboration introduces a new benchmark in performance and sustainability, delivering both advanced functionality and environmental responsibility.

This innovative yarn, which debuts at Performance Days Munich on 29–30 October 2025 (Hall A2, Stand T11), represents a shared commitment to resource efficiency and circular design. By combining natural and synthetic components with complementary properties, the partnership delivers a new generation of performance textiles capable of replacing conventional synthetics in sportswear, activewear, and beyond.

As the first milestone of their collaboration, Lenzing and OceanSafe are launching a capsule sportswear collection comprising women’s yoga wear, men’s athleisure T-shirts, and fleece jackets. The range showcases a market-ready, biodegradable alternative to traditional polyester-based fabrics, offering comfort, strength, and moisture control without the need for additional surface treatments. Lenzing will also present the collection at Functional Fabric Fair Portland (11–13 November 2025, Booth 752).

At the heart of this innovation lies a powerful material synergy. Tencel Lyocell A100 fibres are produced using Lenzing’s closed-loop system, which recovers more than 99% of solvents and reduces both carbon emissions and water consumption by over 50% compared with generic lyocell.

Meanwhile, OceanSafe’s naNea co-polyester, certified to the Cradle-to-Cradle Gold standard, biodegrades in marine environments within 99 days and contains no toxicants or heavy metals. Together, the two fibres deliver exceptional softness, breathability, and durability, while enabling full recyclability and eliminating persistent microplastics.

“Creating this new yarn was about proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand,” said Matthias Fuchs, Chief Marketing Officer at OceanSafe. “Brands no longer have to compromise between technical function and environmental responsibility - this collaboration offers both, ready for market adoption.”

The partnership will also feature prominently in Lenzing’s 45-minute panel discussion at Performance Days, titled “The Power of Collaboration: Driving Sustainable Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships.” Scheduled for 30 October at 2pm in the Circularity Zone (Hall A2), the session will highlight collaborative projects with OceanSafe, Hyosung, and Südwolle, each demonstrating how Tencel Lyocell A100 can act as a sustainable foundation for fibre blending across the textile industry.

Additional innovations to be presented include Hyosung’s combination of A100 with bio-based elastane for high-performance yoga wear and Südwolle’s A100 and fine wool blend for technical base layers. Collectively, these examples underscore Lenzing’s role as an innovation ecosystem architect, enabling brands to develop next-generation materials with shared sustainability standards.

The capsule collection, developed with partners Tearfil, Impetus, Kingwhale, and G-LOFT Premium Insulation, demonstrates how technical expertise from across the value chain can create truly circular textiles. As Nicole Schram, Head of Global Technical Business Development at Lenzing, explains: “This collection shows what is possible when collaboration drives material innovation — from fibre chemistry to garment performance.”

By integrating renewable wood-based fibres and biodegradable synthetics, Lenzing and OceanSafe are paving the way for a more circular, performance-driven future for the sports and outdoor industries. The project illustrates how innovation can merge with environmental integrity to reshape the textile landscape — not as a compromise, but as a clear direction forward.

www.lenzing.com

www.oceansafe.co