Eastman, which manufactures Naia cellulosic yarn, has joined the Milan-based C.L.A.S.S. (Creativity Lifestyle And Sustainable Synergy) to support the fashion industry’s shift toward a circular economy.
The partnership followed Naia showcasing some 100 on-trend fabrics from more than 20 partner mills at Première Vision Paris.
“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,” C.L.A.S.S founder Giusy Betoni said.
With Naia, Eastman integrates sustainability and fashion in a way that supports the circular economy by providing designers with an eco-conscious choice of material. Made from bio-based wood pulp, Naia is sustainably sourced and has inherent luster and a silky hand that create comfortable, luxurious fabrics.
Eastman noted that Naia is made with wood sourced from sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus plantations and forests, and has recently been certified by TÜV Austria as biodegradable in freshwater. In developing Naia, Eastman says it considers the entire lifecycle, from responsible sourcing to end-of-life disposal. The yarn is produced in a closed-loop production process where safe solvents and water are recycled and reused, ensuring a low tree-to-yarn carbon and water footprint.
“C.L.A.S.S. empowers global partners to take steps toward a circular economy,” said Priya Kalsi, Eastman segment market manager of textiles. “For Eastman, that means providing access to sustainable fabrics featuring Naia for designers and fashion students to foster their creativity.”
At Première Vision, Eastman used Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood in the construction of its booth and upcycled Naia fabric swatches into small bags as giveaways.
Headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2017 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. C.L.A.S.S specializes in integrating a new generation of eco-conscious values into fashion and home products.