Calvin Klein’s Sustainable Knit Trainer consists of a blend of Tencel Lyocell fibers and pineapple leaf fiber, heralding a new era in eco-friendly Tencel fabrics.
In the quest for eco-friendly and sustainable footwear materials, a surprising contender has emerged – pineapple leaves. This innovative textile ingredient takes center stage in the groundbreaking collaboration between Ananas Anam, Tencel, and Calvin Klein, resulting in the launch of Calvin Klein’s inaugural Sustainable Knit Trainer. The shoes feature a knitted upper made from Piñayarn and a blend of Tencel Lyocell and Anam PALF pineapple leaf fiber.
The textile industry is referring to the “The Sustainable Knit Trainers” as what are sure to become timeless classics. They are available in classic hues like black and off-white, and they feature the iconic Calvin Klein logo. The Piñayarn knit upper consists of 70% Tencel Lyocell and 30% Anam PALF pineapple leaf fiber and originates from botanical sources.
Piñayarn and Tencel Fabrics Paving the Way to Sustainability
The fashion industry is confronting the detrimental environmental consequences of synthetic materials. Piñayarn production involves a low-impact manufacturing process that derives from discarded pineapple leaf waste and employs a water-free spinning process. Responsible forest management sources Tencel Lyocell, and a solvent spinning process, which recycles over 99% of solvent and water, ensures complete traceability of the Tencel fiber in the blended yarn.
Melissa Braithwaite, the Piñayarn Product Development Manager at Ananas Anam, explained that Piñayarn’s inspiration arose from the textile industry’s necessity for a sustainable alternative to commonly overused and polluting conventional fibers. They have ample raw materials at our disposal, and diversifying our product range enables us to valorize more waste. As a result, they amplify the positive impact on the environment and society.
Growing consumer demand for eco-responsible textile products and sustainable footwear, wood-based fibers have gained popularity as a viable alternative.
The Power of Piñayarn and Footwear Innovation
The collaboration between Ananas Anam and Tencel, has been a resounding success. It combines the physical characteristics and eco-friendly benefits of Piñayarn and Tencel fibers. As a result, the blended material is soft, sustainable, and suitable for a wide range of knitted and woven applications.
Ananas Anam values Tencel Lyocell fibers for their versatility and compatibility with various textiles, including pineapple leaf fiber. Tencel Lyocell fibers serve multiple purposes in shoe production. These include being used in the upper fabric, lining, insoles, padding, laces, zippers, and sewing threads.
Moreover, the brand employs Tencel Lyocell in powder form for outsole applications. Nicole Schram, Lenzing’s Global Business Development Manager, praised the collaboration with Ananas Anam. She refers to it as an eco-friendly choice for conscious consumers. The partnership demonstrates their commitment to enhancing the environmental and social credentials of their products by adopting more responsible materials.
