Initially, the Tencel denim garments will be available in eight labels -- Arrow, Charlie & Kouton, Charagh Din, Hoffmen, Jealous, Killer, Lee and Oxemberg -- in mens and womenswears at select outlets in Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad, besides the four metros.

Announcing the launch, Arvind Mills managing director Sanjay Lalbhai said, "It's in line with our commitment to product development with innovative fibres and fabrics as part of our global denim strategy. We are delighted to be the first to launch this fabric in the country and it will form an important new part of our export range."

Lee Cooper, one of the first to use Tencel denim in the country, will launch Tencel Arvind denim garments in May, says a press release issued here.

Tencel Fibresis a part of the Acordis group, a new company forged between combined fibres business of Akzo Nobel NV and Courtaulds Plc. It represents a major breaktrough in fibre technology, combining the softness of silk with the strength of polyester and absorbency of cotton. It is machine washable and bio-degradable.

The product portfolio of Arvind Mills, engaged in manufacturing 100 per cent cotton fabrics since 1930, includes world class denim, high quality twills and gabardines and knit fabrics.

Tencel garments will be priced in the Rs 850-Rs 1,500 range.