Lenzing, OceanSafe launch next-gen biodegradable yarn

The Lenzing Group, a leading producer of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, has joined forces with OceanSafe, an innovator in sustainable textile materials, to create a next-generation yarn. This new development combines Lenzing’s wood-based TENCEL Lyocell A100 fibers with OceanSafe’s naNea, a high-performance, ocean-biodegradable co-polyester.

As the first milestone of this partnership, Lenzing and OceanSafe have launched a sportswear capsule collection featuring performance and athleisure wear that demonstrates the yarn’s versatility and performance capabilities. Beyond apparel, this innovative yarn can also be used in footwear, home textiles, bags, and technical fabrics.

At the core of this innovation is the synergy between TENCEL Lyocell A100 and naNea fibers. TENCEL Lyocell A100 is produced using a resource-saving closed-loop process, while naNea is both recyclable and biodegradable in marine environments. Notably, naNea holds Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold status, confirming its strong environmental credentials.

“In developing this new yarn, we wanted to ensure it was not only environmentally responsible but also offered enhanced performance and durability,” said Matthias Fuchs, CMO at OceanSafe. “Choosing responsible materials should feel like an upgrade, not a compromise. This yarn provides brands with a scalable, ready-to-use solution that supports their sustainability goals while improving garment performance.”