Unlocking Sustainable Fashion: Naia Renew & Certified Materials Lead the Way


04/10/2024


Eastman has achieved a significant milestone with the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification awarded to its Naia™ Renew cellulosic fiber. This certification acknowledges Naia™ Renew's recycled content, supply chain transparency, adherence to social and environmental standards, and chemical limitations. The Naia™ team is thrilled to announce the production of the first batch of GRS-certified yarn, slated for delivery to a sustainable brand aligned with Naia™'s mission of democratizing sustainable textiles.
 
Jason Keller, Naia™'s product manager, expressed pride in the team's years of effort culminating in GRS certification. Meeting customer demand for GRS certification required dedicated work, and now, offering a certified sustainable product instills confidence and trust in collaborating brands.
 
The GRS certification, administered by Textile Exchange, holds immense significance in advancing sustainability within the fashion and textiles sector. Through thorough audits by independent assessors like SCS Global Services, GRS certification ensures transparency, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and chemical safety across the supply chain. Eastman's attainment of GRS certification underscores its unwavering commitment to sustainability, fostering credibility with stakeholders.
 
Textile Exchange's decision to expand the scope of GRS certification with its Alternative Volume Reconciliation (VR2) policy update in June 2023 is noteworthy. This update accommodates a broader array of chemical recycling methods, including gasification utilized in Eastman's carbon renewal technology. By integrating gasification into GRS certification, the textile industry gains a more comprehensive approach to sustainable textile production.
 
Lacey Johnson, Eastman manufacturing technologist, highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration in driving innovation. Eastman's partnership with Textile Exchange and other industry stakeholders proved instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of molecular recycling technologies like gasification in GRS certification. This collaborative effort represents a significant stride toward advancing Naia™ and the broader textile sustainability landscape.
 
However, collaboration extends beyond this point. The real strength lies in brands and retailers adopting certified materials. When sustainable brands integrate certified fibers such as Naia™ Renew into their products, they convey a compelling message to consumers: sustainability is essential. By including these materials in their product offerings, brands not only contribute to a greener future but also motivate others to do the same.
 
Addressing the issue of textile waste
The textile industry increasingly emphasizes circular materials as a solution to tackle waste pollution, particularly textile waste. Eastman's molecular recycling complements mechanical recycling by offering a solution for challenging-to-recycle waste materials, including textiles affected by factors such as fiber blends, chemicals, and additives. Naia™ Renew, made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% GRS-certified waste materials, exemplifies Eastman's dedication to repurposing waste materials destined for landfills into valuable resources.
 
With Naia™ Renew, we pave the way toward a more sustainable future for fashion and textiles.