Plying power for good is an admirable approach to exercising widespread influence. Austrian fiber firm Lenzing embodies that outlook through its tackle leading sustainability trends in each fashion and residential textiles markets because it steadily steers the industry toward a circular economy and carbon neutrality. 

Well-versed in addressing demands and providing solutions across various segments of the textile market, Lenzing’s push to enhance the industry-at-large goes far beyond product. But it surely begins with its flagship brand TENCEL™, a consumer-facing fiber brand known for its branded lyocell and modal fibers, produced by environmentally responsible processes and derived from sustainably sourced, natural raw material wood that’s touted for its diverse range of applications for sustainable textiles.  

 Closing the Loop 

The teams behind the TENCEL™ brand said that in looking back on 2022 and into 2023, circularity is constant to scale toward the commercial level.  

In keeping with a McKinsey & Co. report, circularity and closed-loop systems have been recognized because the “most significant lever” fashion can leverage to deal with its environmental impact and noted that 60 percent of fashion executives have already invested or planned to speculate in closed loop recycling this 12 months. 

TENCEL™ said that its collaborations across denim, ready-to-wear and intimates throughout the past 12 months have “sought to bolster this,” and further Lenzing’s circular economy vision. Key collaborations include its work in denim, notably a partnership with H&M that used TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology – a cellulose fiber created from upcycled cotton scraps and wood – to create an 8-piece limited-edition men’s denim collection that materialized circular fashion. 

For ready-to-wear, the TENCEL™ Limited Edition x COREVA™ collaboration explored the use of other raw materials comparable to hemp in textile production, and the result was a pairing of two technologies: Lenzing’s TENCEL™ limited edition hemp and Candiani Denim’s COREVA™, the primary biodegradable stretch denim in history, in line with Lenzing. 

Caroline Ledl, Head of Product Management Textiles, Lenzing Group, said the corporate “created the TENCEL™ Limited Edition initiative in 2021 to explore the use of other raw materials, comparable to hemp or orange pulp, in textile production.We desired to push the standard boundaries of fiber production by leveraging natural resources.” 

  “We value working with like-minded corporations, comparable to Candiani Denim, who’ve similar environmental goals to ours and we’re excited to see what customers take into consideration products made with this recent TENCEL™ Limited Edition hemp fiber,” Ledl added.

Already in motion is a push toward textile and fabric applications with carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers, in furtherance of TENCEL™’s mission to deliver ‘True Carbon Zero.’ “As more brands and retailers see fit to green up their value chains, they’ve chosen carbon-zero TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers to achieve this,” said Ebru Bayramoglu, Head of Global Business Development in Textile Business, Lenzing Group.

For 2022, these brands include Jacaranda, a UK-based luxury carpet and rugs brand, which took step one to launch the world’s first collection of handwoven carpets and rugs created from one hundred pc true carbon-zero TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. 

“We foresee a continuous demand on this in 2023 and more collections using carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded fibers will come to market next 12 months, particularly in Asian markets,” Ebru added.

Also of note is its TENCEL™ Tree Climate fabric collection designed for the activewear segment, focused on sustainable, functional outdoor fabrics that supply moisture management, thermal regulation, optimum breathability, and a reduced carbon footprint. Through ultra-thin base layers, biodegradable wadding and water and wind repellent outer layers made from TENCEL™ lyocell fibers, its collection offers a sustainable activewear option that answered the decision of consumers’ demand on this category. 

 Heading into 2023

Looking ahead for 2023, Lenzing anticipates increased versatility for even greater sustainable fabric offerings and continued innovation through an exploration of various texture, fiber applications and technology to expand using TENCEL™ fibers in addition to color and print offerings. 

The firm hopes to bolster TENCEL™ fibers, particularly TENCEL™ Lyocell, beyond their typical application areas, with a watch on winterwear, home and nightwear and clothing for formal wear – segments “which have more room for application developments with TENCEL™ Lyocell.” Known for its efficient moisture management, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are more often utilized in summer clothing or textile items that require a smooth, clean and funky hand feel. But as we enter winter, TENCEL™ anticipates that warm fabrics will increase in demand. 

“Along with the seasonal change to winter, we also face an energy crisis this 12 months, which is able to encourage many individuals to show to warmer clothing this winter. This provides us the motivation to explore use of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers in flannel and fleece fabrics for cozier, comfort-driven clothing,” said Hale Saraçoğlu, Head of Global Business Development, Fashion Wovens & Sweater Knits.

Lenzing can also be seeing a growing need in printed fabrics, as “What’s traditionally an important for ladies’s collections is now also used extensively for men’s collections,” Saraçoğlu noted. And as such, a printed TENCEL™ Lyocell blended fabric collection is within the works to encourage brands looking to boost their collections with sustainable alternatives to printing fabrics, which has traditionally relied on using synthetics, cotton, or viscose fibers for production. The gathering will consist of quite a lot of vibrant digital prints with clean finish and peach finish on fabrics made from one hundred pc TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers in addition to TENCEL™ Lyocell blended fabrics.

“Fashion is more conscious about using more sustainable fibers in fabrics, and it is similar for printed fabrics. With its low environmental impact, smoothness, moisture management properties and flexibility, TENCEL™ Lyocell gives printed fabrics a breath of fresh air,” Saraçoğlu said.

Other than prints, on the denim side of the business, Lenzing can also be seeing a requirement for more colours beyond indigo.

As for the luxurious segment, where responsible filament solutions are in high demand, Lenzing said there may be an increased interest in expanding using TENCEL™ LUXE to fill the needs. Created via eco-filament technology, the botanic, biodegradable filament is suitable for a big selection of applications and fabric developments with infinite possibilities – from finer, silk-like high fashion and premium propositions to denim constructions, seamless and activewear innovations, premium cotton blends for shirting, and even agricultural and technical solutions. The expansion of TENCEL™ LUXE into other segments comes timely as occasion wear swiftly comes back into focus through Q4 and beyond.