Eastman Naia™ is a cellulosic acetate fiber primarily made from sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus wood sourced from certified forests and plantations in North America and Brazil. The wood pulp is processed with acetic acid to form cellulose acetate granules, which are dissolved in acetone to create a dope solution. This solution is spun and air-dried via a water-free dry spinning process, resulting in the final Naia™ fibre.

Production employs a closed-loop system that recycles and reuses solvents, specifically acetone, reducing emissions and minimising waste. Water used in the process is cleaned and returned to its source, with the system designed for a low tree-to-fibre carbon and water footprint.

Compared to lyocell, which uses NMMO solvent with approximately 99% recovery, Naia™'s process achieves extensive recovery and reuse of acetone. Both systems rely on the integrity of their solvent recovery and closed-loop processes and require ongoing maintenance and third-party verification to validate sustainability claims. Energy intensity and operational stability are important to address for both fibres.