NILIT, Asahi Kasei to create lower-impact performance fabrics

SENSIL by NILIT and ROICA by Asahi Kasei have partnered to create a new generation of lower-impact performance fabrics, combining SENSIL ByNature, a Biomass Balanced Nylon 6.6 yarn, with Biomass Balanced ROICA premium stretch fiber. Both rely on the Biomass Balance (BMB) approach, which uses renewable feedstocks derived from reclaimed biogenic waste.

SENSIL ByNature is the first Nylon 6.6 yarn for apparel made using BMB-certified renewable feedstock from organic waste. Similarly, Biomass Balanced ROICA replaces conventional fossil-based inputs with renewable raw materials and is expanding its BMB production efforts at its Taiwan facility, the company’s primary hub for this technology.

BMB-based materials are chemically identical to conventional fibers and fabrics blending SENSIL ByNature and ROICA BMB stretch fiber provide the same comfort, performance, aesthetics, and durability as traditional nylon-stretch fabrics, allowing brands to adopt them without altering existing designs or collection structures.

To ensure trust and transparency, both companies follow Biomass Balance accounting and hold ISCC+ (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus) certification, verifying responsible allocation of renewable feedstocks across the supply chain.

When combined, the two fibers enable designers to create high-quality stretch fabrics that significantly reduce environmental impact by lowering dependence on fossil resources, supporting circularity initiatives, and improving Life Cycle Assessment results.