Sustainability woven into innovation – Lenzing threads the future of fashion
With over 80 years of expertise, the Lenzing Group is a global leader in specialty cellulose-based fibres and filaments, renowned for pioneering sustainable innovations across the textile and nonwoven industries. As an integrated fibre company producing its own dissolving wood pulp, Lenzing plays a vital role in the bioeconomy, offering responsible alternatives to cotton and fossil-based synthetics. Through its globally recognised brands— TENCEL, VEOCEL, LENZING ECOVERO, and LENZING— the company delivers high-performance, eco-friendly fibres for fashion, home textiles, hygiene, and technical applications. Guided by its spirit of innovation, circularity, and value chain collaboration, Lenzing continues to shape a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet. In this interview, Avinash Mane, Sr. Commercial Director, Lenzing Group, shares with Fibre2Fashion insights into the company’s innovations, circularity initiatives, and its role in driving sustainability across India’s textile value chain.
With Lenzing’s continued leadership in sustainable cellulose-based fibres, what key innovations or product developments are you focusing on in 2025?
Our Big 5 focus fibres are now at the forefront of international trade fairs, with new visuals and getting well appreciated by supply chain.
In today’s world, where performance and responsibility go hand in hand, materials must do more than simply function; they must lead. At Lenzing, we call our five most important fibres the Big 5. They are designed to perform better and smarter—for people, for brands, and for the planet. Our current marketing strategy is centred on these fibres, with the goal of developing clear, impactful messages that increase interest and engagement among our supply chain partners.
To bring our fibre story to life, the Global Brand Management and Marketing teams have introduced a new theme: “Made to perform better, smarter.” This message reflects what all Big 5 fibres have in common: they are engineered to deliver superior performance—whether through softness, strength, colour, or sustainability—while supporting more efficient production.
TENCEL Lyocell - A100 (“Enhanced look. Improved performance.”) Adds technical value in blends with wool or synthetics by improving moisture control, softness, and surface appearance. It helps mills create refined knitted fabrics without added complexity.
TENCEL Lyocell - LF/LFH (“Warm touch. Cozy feel.”) Enhances softness and comfort in cotton and other cellulosic blends without the need for extra softeners or processing, making it ideal for comfortable basics worn close to the skin.
TENCEL Lyocell - Micro (“Softer touch. Lighter feel.”) Produced with micro technology, this fibre enables finer, lighter fabrics with a soft, flowing drape—perfect for intimate wear and lightweight clothing.
LENZING ECOVERO Viscose (“Less impact. More possibilities.”) A responsible viscose option, made with at least 50 per cent lower carbon emissions and water use compared to generic viscose.1 It is compatible with all major spinning technologies.
LENZING ECOVERO Viscose Black (“True black. Lower impact.”) Delivers a deep, lasting black colour through spun-dyeing, while reducing water, energy, and emissions— without compromising on intensity.
1. Higg MSI v3.10
How is Lenzing expanding its role in advancing circularity across the textile and nonwoven value chains, especially through integrated biorefinery solutions?
We have the ambition to change the world for the better. This is what differentiates us from others and gives our actions meaningful purpose— one worth getting up for every day. This lighthouse project is a powerful demonstration of our value: “Care for our planet, people, and customers.”
In addition, Lenzing consistently embraces circularity in textiles and empowers both itself and its value chain partners to drive systemic change towards a greener future. LENZING ECOVERO with REFIBRA technology plays a crucial role in this vision, addressing the needs of mills, manufacturers, and brands striving to meet evolving industry requirements and consumer preferences worldwide.
Could you share how your proprietary production processes—particularly in wood pulp and fibre—help reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance?
Lenzing contributes to the company’s global mission of sustainability by producing eco-friendly fibres like TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO, which are derived from sustainable wood sources2 and are biodegradable3.
TENCEL Lyocell is known for its innovative closed loop production process. Wood pulp is transformed into cellulosic fibres, while more than 99.8 per cent of the solvent are recovered and fed back into the loop, resulting in close-to-zero wastage.
Also the TENCEL Modal production process is based on a highly resource-efficient technology with high recovery rates of chemicals.
The responsible production of TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibres uses at least 50 per cent less water and emits at least 50 per cent less CO2 compared to generic lyocell and modal fibres, according to Higg MSI4, thereby saving precious resources for future generations.
2. FSC® (FSC-C041246) or PEFC (PEFC/06-33-92) certification.
3. LENZING™ Lyocell, Modal and Viscose standard fibers are certified by TÜV AUSTRIA as biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine environments, and compostable under home and industrial conditions.
4. Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and available via Higg MSI (Version 3.10).
Lenzing’s brands like TENCEL, VEOCEL, and LENZING ECOVERO have become symbols of trust in the industry. How are you building further consumer and brand awareness around them?
TENCEL fibres are backed by some of the most recognised sustainability certifications, reinforcing their position as a responsible choice for eco-conscious brands and consumers. These include:
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Ensuring wood sources come from responsibly managed forests.5
EU Ecolabel: TENCEL Modal and Lyoell as well as LENZING ECOVERO fibers are certified with the EU Ecolabel. This means they have a reduced environmental impact across multiple stages of the product life cycle.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100: Guaranteeing that TENCEL fibres are free from harmful substances.
EcoVadis: Lenzing AG holds a EcoVadis Platinum rating, the highest possible rating from EcoVadis, for the fourth consecutive year, placing it in the top one per cent of all companies evaluated worldwide. This achievement recognises Lenzing's leadership in sustainability and significant improvements in categories such as sustainable procurement, ethics, labour, human rights, and certifications.
CDP’s Mission: Lenzing is once again on CDP’s prestigious Triple A List, confirming sustainability leadership, and reaffirming its leading role in corporate transparency and performance on climate change, forests and water security.
Canopy Hot Button: Score indicates the number of Buttons the producer has earned for each step taken towards improved forest scouring. Lenzing scores 33 out of 40 achieving the highest “dark green shirt” rating. Leading in CanopyStyle commitments.
With a dedication to continuous innovation, TENCEL continues to push the boundaries of sustainable textiles, ensuring the industry moves towards greener, more responsible practices. Also, the Big 5 story has been featured at trade fairs worldwide since the beginning of the year. Now, it is gaining stronger visibility with new key visuals and storytelling aligned with our overarching theme: “Made to perform better, smarter.”
Ensuring traceability: Our fibre is identifiable at every stage of the supply chain, from fibre to final product, ensuring traceability and transparency. This empowers brands and retailers to offer genuine products while enabling consumers to make informed purchases.
5. Certification number: (FSC-C041246)
Collaboration has been key to Lenzing’s strategy. How are you currently engaging with spinners, fabric mills, and fashion brands to drive traceability and sustainability?
Together we have the power to create change within our industry and build a better future. To inspire the next generation, we are painting a picture of the future of sustainable design through low-environmental impact fibre production.
Lenzing fosters and maintains trustful relationships with its B2B partners in the Indian market by actively participating in key industry events and hosting various conclaves across the country. By having a strong presence at textile fairs, sustainability forums, and fashion expos, Lenzing India showcases its latest innovations and sustainable solutions, engaging directly with partners to align on mutual goals. Additionally, Lenzing organises exclusive vendor conclaves and partner meetups, creating platforms for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. These events help strengthen relationships by addressing industry challenges, exploring new opportunities, and ensuring that partners remain informed about Lenzing’s ongoing efforts in innovation and sustainability. This consistent engagement reinforces trust and fosters long-term partnerships built on shared values and common objectives.
How do you see India’s textile industry evolving in terms of sustainability, and what role will Lenzing’s fibres play in this transformation?
The trend towards sustainability in India’s textile industry is expected to accelerate significantly over the next five years. As consumer awareness about eco-friendly products grows, brands are increasingly adopting sustainable fibres, reducing water usage, and cutting down on carbon emissions. India’s participation in global sustainability movements, such as the adoption of LENZING ECOVERO and TENCEL fibres, will likely drive innovation, with a focus on biodegradable materials and ethical manufacturing. This shift will also be propelled by government regulations promoting sustainable practices, positioning India as a hub for responsible textile production.
How do you see regulatory changes and consumer consciousness around sustainability influencing your operations and partnerships in Asia?
Government policies and regulations in India play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable textiles. Initiatives like the Technical Textile Mission and incentives for eco-friendly technologies are encouraging companies to adopt greener practices. Additionally, regulations around reducing water pollution, energy usage, and waste management are pushing manufacturers towards sustainability. The government’s focus on promoting the use of organic and biodegradable fibres, as well as stricter enforcement of environmental laws, will be key drivers in ensuring that the textile industry embraces more sustainable methods.
In fact, Lenzing is already aligned with technology and evolving consumer demands. We take the utmost care of the environment in various ways. Through innovative production technologies and active engagement with industry stakeholders, we have raised awareness and driven the adoption of sustainable solutions, positioning India as a key player in responsible textile and nonwoven manufacturing.
Lenzing Pro provides customers and partners with a new platform to access our product brands’ marketing materials to help educate their consumers. Swing tickets serve as direct communication tools— promoting our brand while reinforcing sustainability claims and highlighting our sustainable innovations.
