Roica by Asahi Kasei is making a striking return to ISPO Munich this week (3-5 December), reaffirming its reputation as a pioneer in premium stretch fibres. At the Future Lab in Hall B2, Booth No. 111, the brand is presenting an immersive experience, guiding visitors through its innovative journey from raw materials to finished garments crafted in collaboration with exceptional fabric producers.

Legacy of performance and innovation

Rooted in a legacy of over five decades, Roica has consistently raised the bar for performance, sustainability, and style. Since its inception in 1971, the brand has focused on crafting solutions that meet the evolving demands of contemporary wardrobes. ISPO 2024 will highlight the ROICA Eco-Smart family, designed for responsible stretch fibres, with a focus on two flagship products:

- Roica V550: A degradable stretch fibre utilising advanced polymer technology, verified under ISO 14855-1 conditions. This innovation provides a sustainable end-of-life solution, decomposing into CO₂ and water. It is also the first stretch yarn to earn a Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Gold Level Certificate in Material Health, the company says.

- Roica EF: A recycled stretch fibre made from pre-consumer materials, certified under Oeko-Tex Standard 100, offering an eco-conscious alternative without compromising performance.

These fibres embody the brand’s commitment to delivering comfort, style, and environmental responsibility.

Highlighting collaboration at the Roica Innovation Gallery

At the Roica Innovation Gallery, visitors can explore cutting-edge fabric solutions developed with Roica’s global partners. Each exhibit showcases innovative blends of sustainability and performance:

- Brugnoli Fabrics: Known for silky-soft BDG2 fabrics and Explosive Amni V550, ideal for loungewear and high-performance wear, combining Roica V550 and biodegradable Amni Soul Eco Polyamide.

- Cifra WKS: Showcasing seamless garments like the Seamless Jumpsuit and Fashion T-shirt, which blend advanced body mapping and breathability with Roica EF for exceptional comfort and style.

- Dresdner Spitzen: Introducing lightweight, stretchable lace and warp-knit designs crafted with Roica V550, perfect for athleisure wear.

- Iluna Group: Merging bold aesthetics with functionality in elastic lace and printable jacquards, utilizing Roica EF and GRS-certified recycled polyamides.

These collaborations underscore Roica’s ability to meet the diverse needs of sportswear and athleisure markets.

Sustainable performance in activewear

Roica’s focus on high-performance sportswear aligns with its mission to enhance athletic experiences through fabric innovation. Performance fabrics exhibited at ISPO include:

- Penn Textile Solutions - Penn Italia: Offering No See Through fabrics with enhanced opacity, Fast Dry ranges for moisture control, and aerodynamic designs, all incorporating Roica V550.

- Reda Active: Pairing ZQ-certified Merino wool with Roica V550 for breathable, odour-resistant jerseys tailored for active lifestyles.

- Sitip: Highlighting Force PLX and Native-Blizzard fabrics for thermal comfort, breathability, and exceptional stretch using Roica EF.

Bridging fashion and functionality

Beyond textiles, the Roica Contemporary Wardrobe section illustrates how partner fabrics transform into high-performance garments, seamlessly blending fashion and functionality:

- Bioracer: Cyclists’ bib shorts crafted from Roica V550 deliver durability and a second skin fit for optimal performance.

- Edelvissa: Sustainable activewear, such as crop tops and leggings, made with GRS-certified polyamides and Roica EF.

- Socklab by Interloop Europe: Presenting the world’s first Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold sock, showcasing a harmonious blend of sustainability and innovation.

Pioneering circularity

A key highlight of ISPO 2024 is the unveiling of a transformative partnership between Roica by Asahi Kasei and Tencel by Lenzing, focusing on circularity in sportswear textiles. This collaboration integrates advanced stretch fibres with wood-based cellulosic fibres, setting new standards in eco-conscious design. The partnership will be spotlighted in a dedicated talk on 3 December at 11:45 AM in Future Lab, Hall B2, Pink Stage.

A new era for sustainable textiles

Roica by Asahi Kasei’s presence at ISPO 2024 not only celebrates its storied heritage but also underscores its commitment to shaping the future of textiles. By delivering innovative solutions that combine performance, sustainability, and style, Roica continues to inspire the industry and redefine modern sportswear. Visitors are invited to join this journey at ISPO 2024 and explore the limitless possibilities of responsible stretch fibres.

Roica by Asahi Kasei website