Naia has joined CLASS to support the fashion industry's shift towards the 'circular economy', the economic model characterised as a collective awareness of social and environmental values throughout the fashion ecosystem.

"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," said CLASS founder Giusy Betoni.

Made from bio-based wood pulp, Naia is a best-in-class example of responsible innovation, because it is sustainably sourced and has inherent luster and a silky hand that create comfortable, luxurious fabrics.

Naia is made with wood sourced from sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus plantations and forests and has recently been certified as biodegradable in freshwater, having received the Ok biodegradable Water conformity mark from TUV Austria. In developing Naia, Eastman has taken into account 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. Listed on the Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Naia has a smaller environmental impact than fibers such as generic modal, triacetate and viscose.

"CLASS 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."

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India