Ahmedabad-based textile conglomerate and denim major Arvind Ltd. has tied up with INVISTA, maker of the LYCRAA fiber for launch of new innovative products in the stretch denim category. The association seeks to bring to India the high end stretch technologies from INVISTA, one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, together with Arvind's denim fabric making expertise.
"Denim fabric was introduced to India in 1986 and the mid 1990s - 2000 was a period of rapid growth for the denim market in India. From a single mill in 1987 the number has grown to more than 27 in 2012. Considering that over 70% of the global denim fabric production lies in Asian countries, this is an extremely important segment for INVISTA and we are glad to join hands with Arvind Ltd. to jointly offer innovative and high quality products in this growing category," said Rishi Suri, business head - South Asia, INVISTA, without divulging further details on the kind of products.
INVISTA provides LYCRAA Fiber, LYCRAA T400A Fiber and world-leading technological expertise to develop fabrics like TOUGH MAX, LYCRAA Fabric, LYCRAA dualFXA Fabric etc. These fabric innovations have been developed and introduced in India based on consumer needs for excellent comfort, quality, durability and style and is backed by extensive consumer research.
"INVISTA is known for its product innovation. We have gained the first mover's advantage in the region by launching stretch denims with LYCRAA Fiber and LYCRAA T400A Fiber, and many other innovations. The use of INVISTA's sophisticated fiber and fabric technologies under the guidance of world-renowned designers has enabled Arvind to deliver many firsts in the international denim markets," said Aamir Akhtar, CEO, Arvind Denim.
According to Suri, over the past few years, the Indian market has moved beyond the five-pocket blue denim with jeans evolving in terms of convenience, comfort and fashion keeping in minds the evolving lifestyles and preferences of the Indian youth. "Currently, we are looking forward to introducing INVISTA's latest world class fabric innovations in the market catering to these specialized consumer needs," he added.
Arvind's Denim Division was established in 1987 and has since grown into one of the world's largest denim producer. With a turnover of US$ 180 million (Rs 990 crore roughly), Arvind Denim has a capacity for producing 110 million metres per year. The denim is exported to more than 70 countries all over the world, besides catering to the Indian market.