Following wider corporate commitments made by the Lenzing Group in 2019 to drive sustainability and combat climate change, TENCEL, Lenzing’s flagship brand for textiles, is introducing its very first carbon-zero TENCEL branded lyocell and modal fibres to the market. Following the strict guidelines of The CarbonNeutral Protocol, the leading global framework for carbon neutrality, carbon-zero TENCEL branded fibres are certified CarbonNeutral products for the textile industry. This means that the emissions associated with the fibres’ production, manufacturing and distribution have been calculated and offset. Under the guidance of the TENCEL “true carbon zero†campaign, the TENCEL brand is contributing to Lenzing’s commitment to the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative and its continuous support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to limit global warming.
To date, the Lenzing Group is the first wood-based fibre manufacturer with approved Science Based Targets in the industry. Lenzing’s goal is to reduce its specific greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. Available from September, the newly launched carbon-zero TENCEL Modal and Lyocell fibres are contributing to this target through reduced production emissions and its industry engagement to lower energy consumption across the supply chain. In addition to offering new sustainable options to the textile and fashion industry, the new carbon neutral fibres show a clear commitment to Lenzing’s earlier announcement of investing more than EUR 100 million in reducing carbon emissions in its operational boundaries and supply chain.
All-new fibre journey towards achieving carbon zero
Biodegradable and derived from botanic origin, fabrics produced using carbon-zero TENCEL fibres will have a third party verified label, offering a new level of sustainable transparency to Lenzing’s customers, brands and consumers. In addition to having a higher environmental value, the fibres will also feature the functional benefits of standard TENCEL branded fibres including gentleness on the skin, long-lasting softness, silky smoothness, enhanced breathability and color retention.
The introduction of the new carbon-zero TENCEL fibres is a key milestone in promoting the transparency of raw materials used in textile products. According to Lenzing’s Global Consumer Perception Survey on Sustainable Raw Materials in Fashion and Home Textiles conducted in early 2020, respondents indicated that they actively educate themselves on sustainability through research around the production process of products before purchase. Most respondents also considered brands that are transparent with their ingredients and the origin of their raw materials as trustworthy. These findings demonstrate the significance of raw materials, echoing Lenzing’s ongoing efforts to engage with its partners for new sustainable developments and educate brands and consumers on sustainability in textiles.