The US-based chemical company, Eastman is boosting the capacity of its Barcelona plant to produce Naia cellulosic filament yarns by 30% by mid-2021 and more than 50% by the end of 2022.

Naia is ethically sourcing from forests of pine and eucalyptus that are sustainably managed. FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody certifications are held by Eastman, and all suppliers possess globally recognised forestry certifications as well. The yarns are made in a safe, closed-loop method that recycles solvents back into the system for reuse. It's OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Product Class I certified, and it's manufactured without any of the hazardous chemicals listed on the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List.

Dimensional stability, easy stain removal, odour management, and pill resistance, as well as natural breathability and quick-drying qualities, are all advantages of textiles manufactured with Naia.

Vice president and general manager of fibres at Eastman, Burt A. Capel, said as the importance of sustainability and circularity grows, so does the use of sustainable fibres. As a consequence, Naia cellulosic filament yarn is gaining popularity among its customers.

He adds their mission is to make sustainable fashion accessible to everyone, and they have a dedicated team in their Barcelona location working hard to get this expansion up and running as quickly as possible to better serve its global customers.”

Naia will be adopted by new brands in womenswear fashion as a result of the expansion.