Textile Exchange Conference Stressed Importance of Collaboration
Last week, the Lenzing team was in Colorado for the Textile Exchange Conference. The week-long event was jam-packed with content centered on advancing sustainability in materials.
There is an urgent need for climate action to avoid catastrophic outcomes for people and the planet. Raw materials in particular have a significant impact on the final ecological footprint of apparel and textile products. Lenzing is committed to offering responsible options that work toward the industry’s climate goals as well as our own ambitious science-based targets. In recent years, we have introduced circular TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology, carbon zero TENCEL™ fibers and other innovations designed to reduce the climate impact of fashion.
One of the major themes at the conference was the importance of collaboration and breaking down silos to drive change. No one company—whether a material supplier or a brand—can do it alone. As Textile Exchange CEO La Rhea Pepper noted in her welcome address, “We need to move from being islands of good to being forces for change, because partnership is the new leadership.”
Sustainability is becoming a necessity rather than an option thanks to regulations. “The breakout session on policy and legislative action happening now in the E.U. was super informative and eye opening on the speed and depth of the legislation, and the required data needed to support claims,” said Walter Bridgham, senior business development manager, home segment at Lenzing. “The speakers stressed, ‘Get ready.’ And we all know, when the E.U. puts actions in place, the USA will follow suit to some degree.”
Lenzing has invested in traceability solutions, including a collaboration with TextileGenesis on blockchain technology to follow fiber from initial production to retail. Solutions like these will help the industry adapt to growing disclosure demands by offering granular insights into chain of custody and provenance.
Thomas Matiz, Lenzing’s sustainability analyst, spoke on the “Sustainable Forestry Panel” during the Manmade Cellulosic Fibers Round Table on Friday afternoon. The group explored the definition of sustainable forestry, how technology is being used to assist with sustainable forest management practices, and more.
Peter Bartsch, who spent almost a decade as vice president of corporate sustainability at Lenzing Group up until early 2022, was presented with the first Lifetime Achievement Award, as part of Textile Exchange’s annual Ryan Young Climate+ Awards.
Another highlight at the event was the networking opportunities, which support both new and existing partnerships. “My favorite part about the Textile Exchange Conference was catching up with our partners and meeting new people at the Lenzing booth,” said Erica Redd, business development manager at Lenzing. “I also loved being in the booth next to our partners Kipas Textiles. Every interaction I had brought new sustainability learnings.”
Daren Abney, director of business development, Americas at Lenzing, added, “The Textile Exchange Conference always brings a unique mix of industry leaders together. The connections this year felt even more special. We easily connected with over 50 brand partners and will for sure look forward to the 2023 conference in London next October!”