Apparel Online Bangladesh Magazine April Issue 2019 | Page 42

SUSTAINABLE BD TO ADVERTISE GOING TO A GOOD EVENT? Contact Rani Mahendru [phone] (512) [email protected] Send your industry gossip, photos and news to [email protected] Lenzing develops new green fabric in collaboration with Solvay Lenzing, an Austrian cellulosic fibre producer, has collaborated with international chemical and fibre group Solvay in order to develop a new fabric that boosts the benefits of the firm’s respective Tencel branded lyocell and Amni Soul Eco biodegradable polyamide yarn. The back of the innovative fabric is made of Tencel Active lyocell fibres derived from renewable, responsibly managed wood sources while the front is enhanced by Solvay’s Amni Soul Eco Yarn which is the world’s first biodegradable polyamide 6.6 fibre. Where other polyamide fibres take decades to decompose, Amni Soul Eco branded fibres are designed in such a way that they biodegrade in around five years when disposed off in well-controlled landfills. It is worth noting that the new fabric is designed to optimise the benefits of the two fibres. Since it is in direct contact with the skin, Tencel lyocell offers microscopic fibrils of cellulosic fibres with cross sections structured to regulate the absorption and release of moisture providing breathability that supports the body’s natural thermal regulation. Also, it provides a less favourable environment for bacterial growth enhancing the fabric that possesses better hygiene qualities. Whereas on the fabric front, Amni Soul Eco Polyamide provides better abrasion resistance with great benefits in terms of dimensional stability, colour retention and drying speed. “The combination of Tencel Active fibres and Solvay’s Amni Soul Eco polyamide fibres enhances biodegradability which in turn results in a more sustainable, comfortable, easy-care fabric that advances the concept of circular economy. Future collaborations with Solvay will focus on Tencel lyocell with Refibra technology, our newest fibre innovation made from upcycled cotton scraps and wood pulp, and Amni Soul Eco polyamide to further reduce our environmental impact,” said Andreas Guertler, Head of Global Business Management Activewear, Lenzing. Also according to Solvay Business Development Manager Daniela Antunes, there is a major need for sustainability in the fashion industry. She adds that, “It is an ongoing process that has to start from the very beginning of the production chain, from the fibres involved in the creation of fabrics and, later on, garments. Both Amni Soul Eco polyamide and Tencel lyocell fibres have already proved their 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.” G-Star RAW, Selfridges, Everlane join Global Fashion Agenda's new sustainability group G-Star RAW, Selfridges Group and Everlane are associating with Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) to fight and eradicate the fashion industry’s sustainability concerns. Crystal International and Erdos Group, along with the three retailers, will form the recently established Associate Partners group of GFA in order to create and launch industry’s new sustainability initiatives. These companies were chosen by GFA on the basis of their sustainability quotient and environmentally conscious business practices and ethos. “The fashion industry must collaborate to achieve urgent and significant change, so I am thrilled to expand our network further by introducing our Associate Partner group. The insights we can draw from this new group will be extremely valuable,” stated Eva 42 Apparel Online Bangladesh | APRIL 2019 | www.apparelresources.com Kruse, Chief Executive Officer and President, Global Fashion Agenda. The retailers will join forces to combine their expertise for the development of GFA’s annual CEO Agenda and Pulse of the Fashion Industry report, which will be an assessment of the industry’s environmental and social performance. Copenhagen Fashion Summit, an annual sustainability summit for the fashion industry, will also see participation of The Associate Partners group. “We believe it is our responsibility to lead the sustainability agenda and we are delighted to join forces with GFA to shape its future. Partnership and sharing ideas is key to addressing these challenges as well as driving innovation and action that will help us transition to a more sustainable future,” observed Anne Pitcher, Managing Director, Selfridges Group.