In Milan, Eastman Chemical, a producer of wood-based yarn, has joined C.L.A.S.S., a “hub” for smart material development for the fashion industry.
Eastman’s yarn, dubbed Naia, is sourced from pine and eucalyptus forests and is biodegradable. Production involves safe solvents, and water is recycled.
Priya Kalsi, Eastman segment marketing manager for textiles, tells Canadian Biomass Magazine that C.L.A.S.S. “empowers global partners to take steps toward a circular economy.” Products included in the organization’s “Material Hub” are “at the forefront” of technological advancements and design responsibility, according to C.L.A.S.S.
“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 Giusy Betoni, founder of C.L.A.S.S., which stands for Creativity Lifestyle and Sustainable Synergy.