There are a lot of reasons why spinners and mills are turning to more sustainable materials. Sustainable fashions save natural resources and use less water—creating less strain on our environment. The two biggest reasons, however, might be:
- Consumers demand it.
- It’s simply the right thing to do.
Certainly, that’s the way Burak Orhan Arifioğlum, chief operating officer at Karacasu Tekstil in Turkey, feels. He says sustainability may be a trend. “But we want to do it because we are socially responsible, and we believe we have a responsibility to the environment.” Toward that goal, the company has conducted research and development studies on how to reduce water consumption and waste in the yarn production dyeing process significantly.
And that makes Naia™ cellulosic staple fiber from Eastman an ideal choice for this yarn spinner. Since debuting in February, Naia™ staple cellulosic fiber is getting a lot of attention from yarn producers and mills looking to amplify their sustainability standing. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, Naia™ staple fiber transforms yarns into soft, fast drying, and easy-to-care-for fabric with reduced pilling and no trade-offs.“
We are delighted to be working with Eastman and Naia™,” says Arifioğlum. The company’s core values are supported by Eastman collaboration and commitment. “We believe innovation and sustainability are very important. Naia™ is unique in the market, and we are certainly excited to work with [it].”
He’s not alone. Sameer Bhand, head of sales and strategic business at Pratibha Syntex Limited, says, “Naia™ is a perfect fit for us.” He explains that Pratibha, who’s website touts “More than responsible textiles,” has a goal to be more sustainable by 2025. “Naia™ offers a sustainable material which is not having any negative impact on the environment,” he says.
Mandy Qian, director of business planning at China’s Hangzhou Zinsheng Printing & Dyeing Co., Ltd., explains, “Our company also works closely with some global, cutting-edge brands, and the current trend is that more and more brands are seeking sustainable fabrics. The concept of sustainability behind Naia™ products perfectly meets brands’ demand for sustainability. … I think the concept of environmental protection and sustainability behind the Naia™ fiber from Eastman aligns very well with the notion of sustainability that the whole world is advocating for. … So I feel this product has developed potential for us. That’s why we like it.”
Ishak Aydin Öztürk, general manager of Ekoten Tekstil, adds, “We hear from fashion designers. They are demanding innovative and sustainable products. And they need options. Naia™ is helping us a lot in building our sustainable portfolio.”
Yet Naia™ cellulosic staple fiber is more than just an eco-conscious material. It’s also very versatile for a variety of women’s wear—from athleisure to business casual. Plus, it’s very amenable to blending with other eco-friendly materials, producing sustainable fabrics and garments that are ideal for comfortable casual wear.
It’s a benefit that best-in-class spinners appreciate. “Naia™ gives a lot of freedoms as far as blending,” says Pratibha’s Sameer Bhand. “We can blend Naia™ with man-made cellulosic fibers as well as recycled polyesters, so it’s a perfect combination of a sustainable product.”
To achieve their sustainable goals, mills and yarn producers need more than fiber; they need collaborative, innovative partnership—the kind they can find at Eastman. We’re working with several spinners worldwide to create Naia™ staple fiber, including Karacasu Tekstil in Turkey, Shandong Long Run Textile and Dezhou Huayuan Eco-Technology in China, Pratibha Syntex and RSWM Ltd. in India, and Linz Textil in Austria.
Friedrich Schopf from Linz Textile Holding AG says “Together, we have helped make Naia™ staple fiber a fantastic product to work with. But what is most important [is that] we are bringing novelty to the market and value to the business of our partners.”
Li Xiandong, general manager Dezhou Huayuan Eco-Technology Co. Ltd., explains, “Growing numbers of brands are becoming more and more environmentally conscious, and everyone is recognizing that protecting the environment is an increasingly serious issue in the textile and fashion industry.”
Rajeev Jain, business head of yarn business at RSWM Limited in India, says “[We] had a wonderful experience working with Eastman. Our whole team is really, really excited. … Support is key to success.”
And Chen Qisheng, CEO, Shandong Long Run Textile Co. Ltd., adds, “We’re happy to be among Eastman’s global partners, doing in-depth development to enhance and amplify the trend toward sustainable products.”
Back at Pratibha, Bhand echoes those sentiments. “We have been working with Naia™ staple fiber with Eastman, and it has been very collaborative in terms of technical and commercial support.”
The feeling is mutual. At Eastman, we appreciate working with these best-in-class global textile partners. They are innovative, collaborative, and have strong technical capabilities. Best of all, they understand the importance of bringing sustainable solutions to a waiting world.
The benefits of Naia™, one of the best sustainable fabrics
SOFTNESS: Whether for a busy day or cozy night on the couch, the incredible softness of Naia™ lasts wash after wash.
QUICK DRYING: The natural cellulosic structure of Naia™ staple dries quickly, leaving the skin cool and comfortable.
REDUCED PILLING: With Naia™ staple fiber, the style and comfort you’ve intended are preserved—even after extended wear and repeated washes.
Learn more about how the qualities of Naia™ can meet your needs and help to drive fashion industry shifts for greater sustainability.
