Lenzing to debut botanic shoe in India

Tencel for footwear is conceptualised using source ingredients from nature. The material construction to create the shoe requires no special care, making it all season friendly, said Lenzing in a press release.

The launch of the botanic shoe comes at a time when the Government of India has committed to ending the use of single-use plastic in the coming years. With a strong presence of Tencel features such as sustainability (raw material wood from responsibly managed forestry, environmentally friendly production process, compostability), comfort (breathability, smooth to the skin) performance (moisture management, reduced bacteria growth) which make the Tencel fibre shoes as a perfect option for the current footwear industry.

"Consumers today are extremely conscious. They are aware of the implications their purchases will have on the environment and are open to making an informed decision. Today's youth are looking at alternatives whether its for apparel, accessories or even beauty. Keeping this trend in mind and with GOI's push green solutions, we believe its an extremely important time for us to be in India and partner with footwear brands that are looking for sustainable solutions with strong performance features.

The possibilities range from the textile fibre in the upper material, as a filling material or a nonwovens fleece in the inner sole through to Lenzing Lyocell powder in the outer sole or the padding. Likewise, shoelaces and the supporting material for zippers are possible. The more shoe components are made of Tencel Lyocell/modal fibres, the closer we are getting to the vision of a bio-degradable shoe," said Pranesh Shridharan, head of business innovation, AMEA – Lenzing.

The Tencel product brand portfolio defines a new evolutionary step in terms of sustainability, functional benefits, natural comfort and caters for distinctive everyday usage or application. Product brands under Tencel includes Tencel Active, Tencel Denim, Tencel Home, Tencel Intimate and Tencel Luxe.

Featuring botanic origin and biodegradable quality, Tencel Modal and Tencel Lyocell fibres can enhance breathability of fabrics and have minimal static charge when used in fabrics. Fabrics made of Tencel Modal and Lyocell fibres are also gentle on skin with smooth, long-lasting softness, colour vibrancy and colour retention features. Through moisture management, Tencel Lyocell fibres absorb moisture efficiently. With less available moisture formed on the surface of the fibre for bacteria to grow, Tencel Lyocell fibres provide a less favourable environment for bacterial growth, offering better hygienic qualities. Moisture management and thermal regulation fibre properties can be found in Tencel Home and Tencel Active branded fabrics.

Fibres used under the Tencel brand are derived from certified and controlled sources following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. Tencel Modal and Tencel Lyocell, both cellulosic fibres are produced via responsible production processes and are compostable and biodegradable. Tencel Modal and Tencel Lyocell are designated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred programme.

Lenzing stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibres made from the renewable raw material wood. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments. Lenzing's high-quality fibres form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from elegant ladies clothing to versatile denims and high-performance sports clothing. Due to their consistent high quality, their biodegradability and compostability Lenzing fibres are also highly suitable for hygiene products and agricultural applications. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India