Kingpins Amsterdam showcased a range of novelties and performance-driven denim as mills and fiber producers unveiled their Spring/Summer 2028 concepts. The collections pointed to a season defined by optimistic hues, tactile surfaces and functional fabric constructions.

Eastman Naia made its second appearance at Kingpins Amsterdam, supporting its network of mill partners like Advance Denim and Cone Denim and showcasing the breadth of applications for Naia Renew staple fiber.

Naia Renew is made with 60 percent sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40 percent GRS-certified recycled content, allocated through a certified mass balance process. The fiber is produced with Eastman’s molecular recycling technology that breaks down hard-to-recycle waste into molecular building blocks that can be used to create new cellulose acetate fibers. The fiber blends with natural fibers, other man-made cellulosic fibers and synthetics, allowing manufacturers to develop fabrics with different characteristics.

Chad Doub, Eastman’s global market segment manager for casual wear and home, said the company sees three distinct categories for the fiber in denim: authentic, fashion and performance. The performance category is gaining particular momentum as brands look to differentiate their denim offerings with added functionality, including quick-drying capabilities and odor management. In these applications, the fiber is typically blended with polyester, recycled polyester or Coolmax. Eastman recommends incorporating at least 15 percent Naia Renew into the composition to realize the fiber’s benefits.

“Denim has always been a versatile category, and today brands and manufacturers are looking for greater flexibility in how fabrics look, feel and perform,” Doub said.

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