Lenzing & The Woolmark Company sign agreement

Tencel is ideal as a blending partner for Merino wool. The properties of moisture management and a smooth fiber surface are enriching factors when combined with Merino wool and create textiles for customers who love both performance and luxury.

Tencel is of botanic origin. Merino wool is a protein fibre. The fibres unite best of two worlds. Tencel stands for a silky smooth drape, and the blend with Merino wool demonstrates that the luxurious flow of the fabrics can create new and fashionable silhouettes.

Both fibres absorb moisture vapour very well, and create a pleasant micro climate on the skin. This is important particularly in warm climates and during physical exertion.

The two together have already recorded a large number of successes. International brands have been successfully using the fibre duo in their collections. The blend is particularly popular among customers in Europe and the US.

Commenting on the collaboration, Robert van de Kerkhof, CCO of Lenzing said, “In internal retail analysis, it is striking that the Tencel or Merino wool blend is often used in knitwear. The blend is used predominantly in the activewear segment.”

“Therefore, in the new season, our activities will focus on woven fabrics. Our goal is to target the woven fabric segment with high-quality fabrics for formal suits, clothes and shirts. We are operating with wool blends in a high-end segment with high margins, and are interested in expanding this business,” he added.

The long term goal of the cooperation is to expand the high-end Merino wool market with Tencel or Merino wool blends by 2020, and firmly establish this elegant blend in global collections.

Globally, the focus is on flat knits and circular knits for women's outerwear and for men's and children's outerwear. (MCJ)

Lenzing