Lenzing presents novel blends, coarser lyocell and circular solutions
Austrian fibre producer Lenzing has unveiled a range of denim-focused developments, including a new variation of its lyocell and a collection encompassing novel fabrics with its mill partners.
Working with Adriano Goldschmied and Art Mill, a division of Pakistan-based Artistic Milliners, Lenzing produced a coarser fibre which could be used to imitate linen, and which results in dryer feel, according to Tuncay Kiliçkan, Lenzing's head of global business development for denim.
While regular lyocell is 1.3 dtex and 30mm length; the new variation is 2.2 dtex and is available in two lengths. “The integration of Tencel Lyocell 2.2 dtex showcases how fibre innovation can deliver both refined aesthetics and measurable sustainability benefits, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in premium wovens,” he said.
Building on last season’s Fancy Denim Collection, for autumn-winter 26, Lenzing presented Application Innovation Collection 2025, which challenged mills to produce novel fabrics.
Dennis Hui, business development manager for denim at Lenzing, told us: “It takes years to develop new fibres, so instead we try to find new concepts and ideas, working with mills to create new aesthetics or hand feels and applications, making use of every Lenzing fibre: Modal Indigo, lyocell, EcoVero (viscose), Refibra [made with 20% recycled cotton] and Modal Black.
“One highlight is the blend with Ecovero. The denim industry can use viscose/rayon with polyester on the weft for stretch fabrics, but this time we have used Ecovero and cotton.” This means designers can achieve the soft looks but at more competitive prices, he explained. “Brands are asking mills to lower prices, so one of my suggestions would be to try the Ecovero.”
The recent Kingpins Amsterdam show debuted a Made in Japan hall to spotlight collections from leading Japanese mills and manufacturers. Lenzing partnered Asahi Kasei and Kaihara on the Saisei collection, which included a super stretch, comfort stretch and low stretch (selvedge) and incorporated Ecovero with Refibra [recycled content] as well as Roica EF recycled stretch fibres. Hirofumi Inagaki, sales manager at Kaihara, said: “The collection has received positive reactions, with people impressed by its softness, stretch and aesthetics.”
Lenzing is also now benefitting from the push towards softer fabrics, which can be achieved by blending its fibres, according to Tuncay. “Authentic and soft is now a mainstream trend,” he added. “It looks like vintage but has a buttery hand feel. Wherever you go – high street or top brands – everybody is doing fluid, drapey fabrics.”
