A premium stretch fiber developed by Asahi Kasei, Roica is at the forefront of the textile industry's shift towards more sustainable and high-performance materials. Known for its exceptional elasticity, comfort, and versatile applications, Roica comes in various innovative forms, including Roica V550, a degradable elastane that breaks down without releasing harmful substances, and Roica EF, a recycled stretch fiber made from pre-consumer materials. These advanced fibers are proving instrumental in helping textile manufacturers achieve new benchmarks in environmental responsibility and product functionality, as clearly showcased at the recent Milano Unica trade fair.

Pioneering innovations from leading exhibitors

Brugnoli unveiled its revolutionary explosive technology, a game-changer for natural fibers. Their new naturally explosive fabric delivers a ‘second skin’ effect, offering remarkable muscle support and freedom of movement. This breakthrough, ideal for both sportswear and ready-to-wear, incorporates Tencel Modal with Micro technology by Lenzing AG and Roica Colour Perfect family by Asahi Kasei, ensuring vivid colors and reduced transparency. Brugnoli also presented a high-tech version, Explosive Amni V550 by Brugnoli, featuring polyamide with enhanced biodegradability and degradable Roica V550.

A leader in premium stretch lace, Iluna Group introduced a visionary collection for prêt-à-porter and beachwear that redefines lace through performance, creativity, and responsible innovation. Central to their collection is Roica EF, the recycled stretch fiber, offering exceptional comfort and elasticity. Combined with Q-Nova and Rencycle recycled polyamides, the collection excels in both style and quality.

InnovaFabrics showcased its commitment to sustainability with the outstanding Residual Free (RF) line and high-performance fabrics crafted with Roica V550. Developed using Sensil Biocare and Roica V550, the RF line aims to significantly reduce environmental impact while providing excellent performance, elasticity, and comfort. Key fabrics in this line include I love RF, Lyon RF, and Paris Special.

Making its debut at Milano Unica, InterJersey Milano presented a fabric selection reflecting its core values: sartorial care, technical innovation, and environmental responsibility. At the heart of their collection are three key fabrics developed with Roica V550 for its reliable performance and responsible material profile. Venere blends microfiber softness with a sophisticated aesthetic, ideal for fitted garments. A lightweight and skin-friendly fabric for underwear, Bio Nature combines Roica V550 and Amni Soul Eco offering a practical solution to reduce end-of-life impact.

Known for circular knitted fabrics, Maglificio Maggia introduced two innovative textiles featuring Tencel Modal and Roica V550. Their Simple Jersey (51150) is a luxurious blend of cashmere and Tencel Modal, enhanced with Roica V550 for high-performance stretch. An Italian textile manufacturer with over 70 years of expertise in circular knitted fabrics, Maglificio Ripa continues to blend artisanal craftsmanship with innovation. Their collections often feature Roica, the premium stretch fiber which enhances comfort and fit across diverse applications, including sportswear, fashion, swimwear, and intimates.

PennSolutions unveiled technical fabrics designed for high-performance sports suits. Their Art.13346 offers customizable 3D structures to reduce air resistance. They also introduced highly engineered fabrics using recycled Reco Nylon and degradable Roica V550 featuring customizable all-over patterns with alternating 3D zones for grip and lighter areas for breathability.

Lastly, family-owned company, Tessitura Colombo Antonio showcased its enduring tradition and passion for fine textiles. Specializing in lace and textiles for lingerie and women’s fashion, they seamlessly merge artisanal craftsmanship with state-of-the-art machinery and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Future rooted in sustainable innnovation

Milano Unica truly demonstrated that the future of textiles is rooted in sustainable innovation and high-performance capabilities, with companies leveraging advanced fibers like Roica to create products that are both environmentally conscious and exceptionally functional.