Eastman, the maker of Naia Renew sustainable fibers and yarns, announces that it has partnered with Patagonia to offer a limited run of T-shirts made with Naia Renew ES — Eastman’s latest fiber offering made with increased recycled content — for the outdoor apparel retailer’s Workwear line.
Naia Renew ES, which is named for its improved sustainability, contains 60% recycled material. This choice uses fewer virgin resources to create an eco-friendly product than other cellulose-based yarns and fibers. Molecularly recycled trash (40%) is combined with recycled cellulose (20%) and sustainable wood pulp (40%) to create Naia Renew ES.
The waste materials, textile waste, and non-cellulose obtained from forests make up 20% of recycled cellulose. This invention is the result of Eastman’s ongoing efforts to work with eco-conscious partners throughout the whole value chain. For instance, to incorporate sustainable forest fibers and non-forest fiber solutions into its feedstock, the Naia team has worked with GP Cellulose, a pulp provider with an emphasis on sustainability.
Eastman's state-of-the-art molecular recycling process, which converts hard-to-recycle wastes like plastic packaging and old carpet into basic building blocks to create the acetic acid required to create cellulose acetate yarn and fiber, accounts for the remaining 40% of recycled content.
By finding a new application for pre-and post-consumer waste that cannot be recycled conventionally, this technique not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also diverts waste materials from landfills, incinerators, and other unpleasant end-of-life locations.
“Patagonia has always been a company that chooses its fibers carefully and responsibly,” said Ruth Farrell, Eastman textiles general manager.
“The collaboration we’ve enjoyed with Patagonia has been instrumental in developing materials that appeal to its customers — environmentally conscientious people who work and play hard. Patagonia customers want garments that reflect who they are and what they care about without compromise on comfort and quality.”
Making an impact
For those who toil hard every day to make the world a better place to live, work, and produce, Patagonia’s Workwear range offers Fair Trade clothing. It has long-lasting, low-impact fibers that have a less carbon footprint.
“Now more than ever, people want to know how and where our clothes are made, paying particular attention to what they’re made from,” Farrell said.
“Naia Renew ES is our answer to the overconsumption of raw materials, a growing plastic waste problem, and rising greenhouse gases caused by deforestation. It’s a future-focused fiber made with the next generations in mind — one that doesn’t compromise on the quality of the garment or the health of our planet.”
For more information on eco-conscious Naia and Eastman's Naia sustainability goals, visit https://naia.eastman.com/sustainability
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