Produced in Austria, predominantly from beech wood derived from sustainably managed wood sources, this new offering has been designated BioPreferred by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Lenzing claims that as indigo is already added to the fibre, this creates a 99% water saving, uses 80% fewer chemicals and gives a 99% energy saving compared with traditional rope dyed indigo yarn. When used for denim, the colour retention is superior through dry and wet crocking and rubbing, wash-down effects be achieved using commercial laundry techniques and it remains fast for consumer washing, it said.

Among early launch collaborators is Adriano Goldschmied, founder of House of Gold. He said: “We are thrilled to collaborate and launch the ‘Seed of Joy’ concept capsule with woven, circular and sweater knit fabrics using Tencel Modal with Indigo technology, in partnership with mills such as Blue Diamond and In The Loop, as well as machinery producer Shima Seiki.”

Günther Widler, head of technology in denim at chemicals group DyStar, said: “This specially commissioned indigo pigment is based on more than a decade of our working experiences on indigo synthesis in Germany.”

Photo credit: Lenzing