In a second study published in May 2023, the biodegradability of Lenzing Lyocell fibres, Lenzing Viscose fibres and Lenzing Modal fibres on the sea floor was also confirmed, providing definitive proof that they are a better alternative to petroleum-based fibres. The assessments are the result of an independent project aimed at understanding end-of-life scenarios for textiles and nonwovens that are discarded as waste in the environment.
SIO has a global reputation for being one of the oldest, largest and most important marine research centres. In its latest study, it compared the degradation processes of nonwovens made of petroleum and bio-based synthetic materials such as polyester and PLA, cellulosic materials such as cotton, and the Lenzing Group’s wood-based Lenzing Lyocell fibres, Lenzing Viscose fibres and Lenzing modal fibres in specific scenarios. The materials were assessed in various real oceanic conditions and controlled aquaria conditions. The results of these experiments are striking: while the wood-based cellulosic fibres fully biodegraded within 30 days, both in sea-surface and sea-floor conditions, the petroleum-based fibres tested were practically unchanged after more than 200 days, the company said in a press release.
“Our business model is one of a circular economy. The Lenzing Group uses a highly efficient system of processing all raw materials to produce fibres that will return to the ecosystem at the end of their life cycle. Our goal is to raise widespread awareness of major challenges such as plastic pollution and, above all, offer a truly sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fibres,” said Michaela Kogler, project manager in research & breakthrough innovation at the Lenzing Group. “It is also important to raise awareness of biodegradability, as not everything with an “organic” label is genuinely compostable and biodegradable.”
The biodegradability of Lenzing Lyocell fibres, Lenzing Viscose fibres and Lenzing modal fibres has been tested in the laboratory of Normec Organic Waste Systems (OWS) in Belgium – one of the world's leading companies in biodegradability and compostability testing. The latter confirmed the results in real oceanic conditions and controlled aquaria conditions. The assessment was conducted in accordance with the prevailing applicable international standards and reflects all the relevant natural and artificial environments in which biodegradation can occur. Certificates from the certification organisation TÜV Austria show that Lenzing Lyocell fibres, Lenzing Viscose fibres and Lenzing modal fibres rapidly biodegrade in all test environments (soil, industrial composting, home composting, freshwater and marine water) within the time periods set by the relevant standards.
Plastic pollution in the environment is a major problem of our time and may continue to impact many generations to come. The environmental damage caused by the fashion industry as a result of fast fashion business models is particularly extreme. The use of petroleum-based synthetic fibres in textiles has approximately doubled in the last 20 years. This trend is likely to continue. More than half of all textiles around the world currently contain polyester and this proportion is set to rise according to a report from the non-profit organisation Changing Markets Foundation.
Consequently, Lenzing also welcomes the EU’s targeted measures to combat plastic waste in general, such as those relating to the single-use plastic directive (EU) 2019/904. In its recently adopted guidelines for implementing the directive, the EU Commission precisely stipulates the products that fall under this category, which will provide the necessary clarity for EU member states in their joint campaign against environmental pollution from plastic waste. Lenzing’s wood-based, biodegradable cellulosic fibres can play a role in creating a sustainable and innovative solution to this man-made problem, which will escalate in the future. The single-use plastic directive introduced in July 2021 sets out standardized labelling requirements for certain products, either on packaging or on the products themselves, such as plastic-based feminine hygiene products and wet wipes for body care or household use. One of the first steps towards solving this problem is to educate consumers and offer alternative, more circular materials.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)