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Corporate Update

Lenzing And Kaihara Give Denim Three New Textures To Play With

• By  Textile Excellence
• October 15, 2026

From cotton-like irregularity to linen-inspired slubs, three lyocell variants are pushing denim’s textural boundaries.

Lenzing and Japanese denim maker Kaihara Corporation are showing how three types of TENCEL™ Lyocell can change denim’s texture, drape and feel in their new REMOD Collection — without losing its familiar character.

Three fibres, three personalities

TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 brings a cotton-like appearance to the table. Its Variocut technology varies fibre length, creating subtle irregularities and a matte, more opaque surface reminiscent of cotton denim.

TENCEL™ Lyocell dtex 2.2 takes a leaf out of linen’s book. Its coarser, 51 mm fibres create a dry, firmer hand and natural slub effects, adding body and structure without extra weight. That opens possibilities for denim designed to hold its shape through wear and washing.

Standard TENCEL™ Lyocell adds another option for mills seeking distinctive hand feel, drape and comfort.

“Texture is one of the most defining elements of premium denim, shaping both its character and visual appeal,” said Akihiro Maehara, Director, Market Planning Division at Kaihara Corporation. The collection explores how different fibre properties can balance authentic denim aesthetics with softness and comfort.

HV100 gathers momentum

The collaboration coincides with the first anniversary of HV100, launched at Kingpins Amsterdam in October 2025. Its adoption has expanded from 17 mills across five countries to nearly 50 mills across 13 countries, with Indian mills joining for the first time.

The commercial attraction? HV100 can be processed using existing machinery, process steps and chemicals, according to Lenzing. Mills can explore new fabric possibilities without additional equipment investment.

“Brands want more choices in how they create denim, but they also want confidence in the materials and partners they work with,” said Tuncay Kılıçkan, Head of Global Business Development, Denim at Lenzing.

The Lenzing–Kaihara partnership dates back to the 1990s. Their latest collection makes a clear point: changing the fibre can change the denim. For mills, the opportunity is to turn that difference into a distinctive product.

“Brands want more choices in how they create denim, but they also want confidence in the materials and partners they work with,” said Tuncay Kılıçkan, Head of Global Business Development, Denim at Lenzing.