Behind Lenzing’s Stakeholder-Centric Sustainability Strategy
As part of our dedication to making cellulose fibers less environmentally impactful, Lenzing is engaging stakeholders across the spectrum, from NGOs to investors.
Our Materiality Analysis, originally released in 2015, provides a prioritization of sustainable topics that guide our efforts. The rankings reflect both how influential these activities are on stakeholder decision making and how significant Lenzing’s impacts in the area have been.
Lenzing first identified the relevant topics by gathering information from employees at its Sustainability Day, as well as through interactions with external stakeholders. From there, a survey was sent out to key customers, as well as employees at varying levels within Lenzing Group. After this study, the results were plotted on a matrix and reviewed by Austrian sustainability consultancy Denkstatt GmbH.
Since the Materiality Analysis first came out, it has been reviewed in 2017, 2018 and 2019, but the topics and rankings have remained the same. It also served as the basis for our “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy introduced in 2017.
At the top of the list is responsible wood sourcing, since wood pulp is the primary raw material for Lenzing fibers. Lenzing’s wood and wood pulp procurement adhere to the Forest Stewardship Council’s standards. We also commit to this pillar through reforesting planting projects and by combatting deforestation.
Sustainable innovation ranks second. Among Lenzing’s most impactful contributions in this area are LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers, which generate up to 50 percent less water and emissions than conventional viscose, and TENCEL™ Modal with Eco Color technology, which lowers the resources significantly needed for the dyeing process.
Next on the list are energy use, air emissions and climate change, which are tied in importance. These aspects of sustainability are critical to Lenzing because of the energy-intensive processes required to dissolve wood pulp and create fibers.
Since water scarcity and water cleanliness are significant global issues, we are also focused on reducing water use and pollution.
Other key topics identified through the Materiality Analysis include chemicals and toxicity, product responsibility, sustainable materials and Life Cycle Assessment, waste and the circular economy. Addressing the need for circular fashion, Lenzing developed TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology, which enables recycled raw materials to be incorporated into new fibers.
Looking ahead, Lenzing plans to expand its assessment to additional stakeholders in 2020.
For more information on our Materiality Analysis and Lenzing’s sustainability initiatives, check out our 2019 Sustainability Report here.