Lenzing announces new milestone for Refibra technology

Produced in eco-responsible closed-loop production process, the new fibres are 100 per cent bio-based, and are produced of wood pulp from sustainably managed forests and an increase of upto 30 per cent of pulp made from upcycled cotton scraps collected from garment manufacturing process. In addition to having low fibrillation and moisture management properties, the fibres also feature enhanced breathability, along with silky smoothness and strength. With the new fibre type, the portfolio of Tencel Lyocell fibres with Refibra technology will be expanded to become the ecologically responsible alternative for knitwear, lingerie and towels, in addition to current applications in denim, athleisure wear, apparel and home textiles.

"Over the years, we have witnessed a rise in the global demand for more sustainable materials among fashion and home product brands and consumers. Through raising recycled raw material usage to up to 30 per cent in our pioneering Refibra technology, we are not only addressing this inevitable trend, but also providing more nature-friendly fibre offerings to brands and consumers as a testament to our commitment to protecting the environment. The higher composition of upcycled cotton in the production of our fibres powered by Refibra technology gives cotton scraps a second chance and allow apparel or home textile products to be more sustainable. Coupled with a new identification system that allows fibres powered by Refibra technology to be identified in clothing and textile products, we can provide full transparency of the supply chain for brands and consumers, giving them a seal of confidence that the products are made of sustainable fibres. Moving forward, we will continue to up the game for the innovation of sustainable fibres and pave the way for circular economy in the textile industry ecosystem," said Florian Heubrandner, vice president of global business management textiles of Lenzing.

With low fibrillation properties, the new fibres are proven to remain smooth and gentle on skin after repeated wash. Like other Tencel Lyocell fibres with Refibra technology, the fibres divert tons of cotton scraps from entering landfills or incineration by blending up to 30 per cent of pulp made from upcycled cotton scraps collected from the pre-consumer garment manufacturing process. The biobased fibres are also produced with high resource efficiency closed loop production process and low environmental impact, reusing water and solvent at a recovery rate of more than 99.5 per cent.

Moreover, with an innovative special identification technology designed to confirm fibre origin, Tencel Lyocell fibres with Refibra technology are identifiable in yarns, fabrics and final garments. This does not only improve supply chain transparency, but also gives fashion brands a seal of confidence that the fibres of their apparel or home textile products are sustainably sourced and produced.

Tencel is the textile specialty brand under The Lenzing Group that covers textile specialty product fibre offerings for apparel and home. 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 include Tencel Active, Tencel Denim, Tencel Home, Tencel Intimate, Tencel Luxe and Tencel for footwear.

The Lenzing Group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibres made from the renewable raw material wood. Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (PC)