Carbon-Zero TENCEL™ Gets A Circular Upgrade
What’s even better than carbon neutrality? A net-zero carbon footprint combined with circularity.
Lenzing is joining these two sustainability credentials in its recently launched carbon-zero TENCEL™ with REFIBRA™ technology fibers. REFIBRA™ uses recycled cotton as a portion of the inputs for lyocell, creating an identical material to fully virgin lyocell, with the added benefit of waste reduction. Not only does this provide a second life for cotton, but it also reduces the amount of wood pulp used in the fiber production process.
Carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers were originally launched in 2020 to meet the market need for carbon footprint reduction. They are also in service of Lenzing Group’s goal to be fully carbon neutral across the company by 2050. In general, TENCEL™ is low impact, but this innovation reduces the carbon footprint and then offsets any impact that cannot be eliminated.
The new carbon-zero TENCEL™ with REFIBRA™ fibers debuted commercially in September.
“Although more supply chain partners, brands, and retailers are proactively searching for ways to reduce carbon emissions to align with the United Nation’s global climate goals, the textile industry still has a long journey ahead to reach its goal of carbon-zero status,” said Florian Heubrandner, vice president global textiles business at Lenzing AG. “We hope that, by sharing our latest innovations such as the carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded fibers with REFIBRA™ technology, we can make carbon-zero initiatives mainstream practices, ultimately achieving a carbon-neutral textile industry.”
Lenzing is committed to combatting global warming. As part of our push to limit climate change, we have adopted Science Based Targets, and we are following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goal 13 that is centered on curbing emissions.
Since launching last year, carbon-zero TENCEL™ has been adopted by a number of brands and production partners, including Al Karam, Calik, Samil and WTS. In addition to an improved sustainability profile, the fibers offer the same benefits as TENCEL™ Lyocell, such as breathability, a smooth hand feel and color retention.
“As a textile producer, it is our responsibility to enhance sustainability in the textile industry,” said Luis Antonio Aspillaga, CEO of WTS (World Textile Sourcing). “We are proud to collaborate with Lenzing and offer eco-friendly products which use carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers, thus contributing to the well-being and protection of our planet.”
In denim, Jack & Jones has created jeans using 38 percent carbon-zero TENCEL™ Lyocell in the fiber mix.
“The Jack & Jones team is delighted to partner with TENCEL™ to bring to life more sustainable products that are also comfortable and of high quality, showcasing our unwavering commitment to enhancing sustainability in the fashion world,” said Mikkel Hochrein Albrektsen, creative buying manager of Jack & Jones.