Lenzing Introduces Fibers with Climate Actions
In 2020, Lenzing Group took a new step in its climate action with the introduction of its first carbon-neutral fibers under the TENCEL™ brand.
Speed ahead to 2024, and the need for these fibers remains, however the sustainability communications requirements have evolved. There are more regulations cropping up to combat greenwashing, such as the EU Green Claims Directive, which stipulates accurate marketing claims. At the same time, there is a lack of regulation around carbon-neutral claims and delays in the ISO 14068 standard, which would provide guidance around achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality.
In response to this landscape, Lenzing Group is changing how we talk about this fiber portfolio to be more transparent with the industry and consumers. We have renamed them Fibers with Climate Actions, based on the new “ClimatePartner certified” label. This new branding will encompass a range of TENCEL™ fibers with certified climate action.
These fibers achieved ClimatePartner certification by following a five-step climate plan. First, they have a measured carbon footprint. Lenzing does this through a cradle-to-customer greenhouse gas assessment, covering all stages of production from raw materials through to transportation to the customer.
They have also established a reduction target and have implemented reduction measures. Lenzing was the first man-made cellulosic fiber manufacturer to set science-based targets, committing to reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent and scope 3 emissions by 25 percent by 2030. We have also committed to reducing scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90 percent by 2050, and we aim to be carbon-neutral by 2050. To get there, we are using renewable energy, raising biomass and reducing coal reliance, and engaging our supply chain to address scope 3 impact.
Another element is supporting verified climate projects. This involves purchasing carbon credits to counteract the carbon impact that cannot be eliminated through other means.
Finally, meeting the certification requires companies to communicate transparently. Lenzing has Climate-ID pages where we share our climate actions with stakeholders.
“The ClimatePartner certified label provides our customers and partners with another layer of reassurance that our sustainability claims are bona fide, holding us to a consistent standard and allowing us to maintain more transparent communication of our climate actions,” said Krishna Manda, vice president corporate sustainability at Lenzing Group.
To help our partners roll out the new branding, we are introducing a new claim and icon, new hangtags and other materials so companies can share it with their customers.
While our marketing assets will reflect Lenzing’s ongoing commitment to climate actions, our fiber offerings and their quality remain unchanged compared to our previous offering. Additionally, our transaction certificates—that were issued for past purchases of “carbon zero/neutral fibers”—are still valid.
Click here for the Climate ID pages for TENCEL™ Lycocell and TENCEL™ Modal.