Invista, owner of the Lycra brand, and Garmon S.p.A., a leading denim finishing house, are debuting a collection of knit denim concept garments at the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam this week. The collection integrates fabrics made with Invista’s Lycra Hybrid technology together with Garmon’s latest finishing techniques including chemical formulations assessed using GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals.

Introduced at the last Kingpins Show in October, Lycra Hybrid technology enables mills to create denim fabrics that combine the comfort and flexibility of a knit with the authentic aesthetics and performance typically found in woven denim. Through its collaboration with Garmon S.p.A. Invista aims to show the variety of aesthetic possibilities that can be achieved with knit denim fabrics using Lycra Hybrid technology.

Jean Hegedus, Global Segment Director for Denim at Invista said: “We are very excited to demonstrate the finishing options available with Lycra Hybrid technology. Knit denim, while growing, is still at the early stages of development, and it’s important to understand best practices for wet and dry processing. Given Garmon’s unique chemical processes and Italian inspired design, we felt they would be the perfect company to help us with this initiative.”

Alberto De Conti, Chief Marketing Officer at Garmon Chemicals said: “We are seeing a growing consumer desire for casual apparel that incorporates both performance attributes and environmentally sound manufacturing practices. The combination of knit denim containing Lycra Hybrid technology and garment finishes using GreenScreen assessed chemical auxiliaries sparks unique product attributes, as well as design and quality excellence.”

Developed by the NGO Clean Production Action, GreenScreen is said to allow companies to transparently assess, compare and communicate information on chemical toxicity. By employing this process, Garmon was able to select chemical finishes with relatively low environmental impacts. For example, in lieu of using potassium permanganate, Garmon selected Avol Oxy White and the latest enzymatic solutions to maximize eco efficiency.

In addition to displaying the Lycra Hybrid concept collection at Kingpins, Invista is also debuting two new warming technologies under the Thermolite Pro brand, and feature the latest commercial fabrics with the Lycra Beauty brand and LYCRAdualFX technology. The Kingpins show has been taking place yesterday and today at the Gashouder, Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam.

With leading brands including Lycra, Coolmax, Cordura, Stainmaster and Antron, Invista is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers. The company’s advantaged technologies for nylon, spandex and polyester are used to produce clothing, carpet, car parts and countless other everyday products. Headquartered in the United States, Invista operates in more than 20 countries and has about 10,000 employees.

Further reading

Interview with Jean Hegedus: Lycra Hybrid technology – Knitted denim jeans that move with you

Learn more about Lycra Hybrid Technology

www.invista.com