Hugo Boss, a high-end fashion business, has unveiled its first capsule collection created of AeoniQ yarn from HeiQ.
Hugo Boss and HeiQ embarked on a long-term strategic relationship in 2022 to introduce a more environmentally friendly fashion philosophy that would support the company’s 2030 goal of becoming climate neutral.
AeoniQ, which was introduced in early 2022, is a new kind of cellulosic biopolymer-based filament. HeiQ is optimistic that it will eventually replace synthetic materials like nylon and polyester.
It claims to have performance properties more equivalent to synthetic fabrics, which is unusual for a cellulosic yarn. It is also believed to be developed for circularity and closed-loop recycling.
Algae waste, sugar cane waste, straw waste, hemp waste, nutshells, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, and even recovered cotton shirts or bacterial cellulose are typical feedstock for HeiQ AeoniQ.
According to HeiQ, the production process uses only renewable energy, and 99.5% of the productive inputs are recycled, leaving no carbon footprint. Additionally, it asserts that it makes no use of harmful chemicals, arable land, pesticides, or fertilizers.
The first company to commit to using the fiber was Hugo Boss, who made an initial investment of US$5 million to support the solution’s expansion. Three “see-now, buy-now” outerwear designs made with AeoniQ fabric as part of its ‘The Change’ sustainability program will be featured in its future capsule collection during the winter 2023 fashion show in Milan after the first garment launches in 2022.
Just after the anticipated September 22 Boss runway presentation, the items will be made available for purchase online and in a few Boss locations.
The menswear designs include a double-breasted trench coat made of a three-layer textile with an inner layer of Swiss Pima cotton and an outer layer of AeoniQ fabric bonded with a bio-based, waterproof membrane.
A double-breasted trench made of AeoniQ fabric and bonded with the same bio-based membrane is also available in the women’s clothing line.
The third and final type is a bomber jacket that features AeoniQ fabric as well as other eco-friendly embellishments including light padding made primarily of recycled silk, welt pockets, and cuff and hem adjusters.
Every item will include a woven label with a QR code so that customers can learn more about The Change initiative and Boss’s partnership with HeiQ.
