Inside Lenzing’s ‘Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild’ Approach to Sustainability
Lenzing Group is issuing a call to action for the industry. The wood-based fiber producer’s joint Annual and Sustainability Report for 2023 asks whether readers are “Ready to join?” the company on its journey and push for positive change.
As we strive for “Better Growth,” we are focusing on key areas such as fiber development, carbon reduction and collaboration. These efforts are already having impact, and we reduced our absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 compared to a 2021 baseline.
“Lenzing is working tirelessly to make the industries in which it operates even more sustainable and to drive the transformation of the textile business model from linear to circular,” said Stephan Sielaff, CEO of the Lenzing Group. “For this transformation to be successful, further efforts by the entire industry and a policy designed to ensure a level playing field for sustainability pioneers are needed.”
Rethink
Lenzing has a “culture of innovation” that leverages research and development to develop new sustainable fiber solutions. This past year, we introduced spun-dyed ECOVERO™ black fibers that give textiles a non-fading black hue with a lower carbon footprint and less water.
We are also partnering with other companies like Swedish pulp producer Södra to advance circularity with collection and sorting projects as well as the creation of OnceMore®.
Today, most textiles are made from synthetic materials, but Lenzing is supporting and encouraging a shift toward natural fibers that are biodegradable.
Outside of the fashion industry, we are rethinking geotextiles, using our materials in place of synthetics for glacier covers. Taking this a step further, we are now recycling used geotextiles into apparel, giving them a new life.
Redesign
Lenzing is being “carbon cautious.” We are on the path to carbon neutrality by 2050 with innovation in processes.
ECOVERO™ Viscose produced at our plant in Indonesia is now certified by the EU Ecolabel that reflects environmental standards. We also introduced ECOVERO™ Viscose with REFIBRA™ technology, which chemically recycles textile waste alongside pulp.
With Project44, we have established real-time ocean shipment tracking that also visualizes carbon. “Lenzing IT’s vision is to change the world for the better by unlocking the power of information and technology,” said Christian Platzer, vice president global IT and digital innovation at Lenzing. “This project is one of the many fantastic examples that brings our vision to life. We are committed to fostering digital collaborations that will further enhance customer satisfaction and transparency along the supply chain.”
Rebuild
Instead of just doing no harm, we want to do good.
One route to this is infrastructure in our production plants. Lenzing has been focusing on upgrading our facilities near Asian production hubs, including 200 million euros spent just on sites in China and Indonesia to expand capacity and lower emissions. We are also investing in clean energy, such as our biomass power plant in Burgenland and sourcing wind power in Upper Austria.
Five of our sites have been accredited by the Higg Facilities Social and Labor Module (FSLM). “Our partners are increasingly interested in ensuring social sustainability in the value chain, which involves obtaining evidence and data from their suppliers and other partners,” said Krishna Manda, vice president corporate sustainability at Lenzing. “Instead of having to carry out individual audits on request, we can now share our external verification results if required.”
Due Diligence
Lenzing is preparing to meet the requirements for legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. We also support the Green Claims Directive that combats greenwashing with backed up green claims, and we are helping to support substantiated claims with traceable, verified fibers and retail branding solutions. This will help consumers make more sustainable choices, arming them with the right information.
“With increasing concerns around climate change, consumers are constantly looking for ways to safeguard the planet,” said Harold Weghorst, senior director of marketing and branding, global textiles business at Lenzing. “Emerging regulatory initiatives regarding environmental claims can empower consumers to make more informed and conscious choices, particularly regarding products made with alternative ingredients or innovative production processes that enhance the quality, comfort and durability of a product.”
To read the full report, click here.