Eastman Chemical Co, which manufactures Naia cellulosic yarn, has partnered with CLASS (Creativity Lifestyle And Sustainable Synergy) to support the fashion industry’s shift toward the circular economy.

The global chemical company launched its sustainable cellulosic yarn Naia into the womenswear market in September of last year. 

Made from fully traceable and sustainably sourced wood pulp; Eastman holds FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody certification. The versatile cellulosic yarn is produced in a safe, closed-loop process where solvents are recycled back into the system for reuse, the firm says.

It is also listed on the Higg Materials Sustainability Index, and described by Eastman as having a smaller environmental impact than fibres such as generic modal, triacetate and viscose.

Now, Naia has become the latest to join CLASS, a multi-platform network that showcases exclusive fashion, textiles, and materials created using smarter sustainable technology.

The organisation is based in Milan, Italy, and was founded by Giusy Bettoni in 2007.

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“Responsible innovation means embracing new business models and encouraging businesses to take a broader approach at all phases of fashion creation to ensure that environmental responsibility is embedded throughout fashion development and production,” she says.

Priya Kalsi, Eastman segment market manager of textiles, adds: “CLASS empowers global partners to take steps toward a circular economy. For Eastman, that means providing access to sustainable fabrics featuring Naia for designers and fashion students to foster their creativity.”

The move comes in the wake of Première Vision Paris, the international apparel textile exposition, where Naia showcased more than 100 new fabrics from over 20 partner mills.

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