Eastman Naia participated as an official Innovation Partner at Challenge the Fabric (CTF) 2025, held on May 13-14 in Milan. The event brought together global leaders from fashion, textiles, and forestry to advance circular solutions and promote the future of man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCFs).

A key feature of the event was the CTF Award, a global design competition pairing emerging talents with material innovators. As part of the program, Eastman Naia partnered with designer Oscar Ouyang and Italy’s Lady V mill to develop a visionary garment made from NAIA/WO a unique blend of 50 per cent RWS-certified virgin wool, 50 per cent GRS-certified recycled wool, and Naia Renew fiber. Finished in traditional wooden barrels, the fabric delivers a soft ‘lambswool’ texture while maintaining eco-friendly credentials.

Naia Renew, Eastman’s next-generation cellulosic fiber, is made from 60 per cent sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40 per cent recycled waste, enabled by advanced molecular recycling. The collaboration highlighted how heritage textile methods and cutting-edge sustainable technologies can merge to create fashion-forward, responsible designs.

Lady V’s Cristiano Vieri praised the fabric’s luxurious texture and environmental value, while Oscar Ouyang described his design a shepherd-inspired look as a tribute to both the fiber’s versatility and its sustainable origins.

Eastman’s Marketing & Sustainability Director Claudia de Witte emphasized the importance of partnerships during a panel discussion, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to action-driven, scalable sustainability in the fashion industry.