NAT's CRAiLAR flax to partner Lenzing's cellulosic fiber

CRAiLAR Flax Fiber has been developed by Naturally Advanced Technologies (NAT) in collaboration with the Canadian National Research Council.  The proprietary CRAiLAR technology uses an enzymatic process to remove stiffening lignins from flax to reveal an ultimate fiber with cotton’s softness and durability.

Revealing details about the potential applications of CRAiLAR Flax Fiber to fibre2fashion, Mr Jay Nalbach, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at NAT says, “CRAiLAR Flax has applications in a broad range of industries including textile, industrial, energy, medical and composite materials.

“The product can be knit, woven, or used in non-woven applications and, to-date and does not require any investment in new equipment to be integrated into existing production practices. It is used in undergarments, denim, work wear, uniforms, dress shirts, etc.”

The CRAiLAR Flax Fiber is meant to be a renewable and preventative solution to the global fiber gap in demand and consumption and the cycle of environmental harm. It is a hearty, fast-growing rotational crop that requires minimal pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, and irrigation.  

According to a study published by the World Wildlife Federation, a single kilo of finished cotton fiber requires between 7,000 and 29,000 liters of water. Based on its ongoing research, a kilo of CRAiLAR Flax requires 17 liters to produce the same quantity of finished fiber — 99.4 percent less water than cotton.

Informing about the collaboration with Lenzing, the CMO reveals, “The Company anticipates that, through its relationship with Lenzing, it will create a range of yarns suitable for the fashion and sport performance industries that will prominently feature TENCEL, Lenzing Modal and CRAiLAR’s industry-leading sustainability platforms.

“Also create a blended yarn by blending CRAiLAR along with Lenzing’s cellulosic fibers, which can be introduced to the women’s fashion market, where Lenzing has long been a leader with a strong presence and also to create an alternative existing fiber material which can be used in athletic and sport apparels.”

The company is in the final stages of completion of its first and primary manufacturing facility in South Carolina – USA that will produce more than 450 tons of fiber per week. It also works with Tintoria Piana (Global) and Barnhardt Manufacturing (US) for a portion of its production processes.

CRAiLAR flax fibre has found a place in apparel offerings of reputable global clothing brands like Hanes, PVH Corp which has brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, and Bass in its fold, Target, Georgia Pacific among many others. 

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India