TENCEL + REFIBRA: Homing in on circular economy

TENCEL fibres with REFIBRA technology were shown for the first time at Heimtextil 2019 in Frankfurt

The pioneering REFIBRA technology has now entered a new level by stepping into the Home & Interior segment. TENCEL Home with REFIBRA technology offers more possibilities than ever before. For the first time, customers were able to get the full range of home and interior products of well-known fibre quality but now with improved sustainable fibre production.

TENCEL branded Lyocell fibres bring circular economy into home textiles

Many more customers want to make sustainable purchase choices. TENCEL Lyocell fibres with REFIBRA technology offer a good solution to that. REFIBRA technology is a true sustainability choice. Products made out of TENCEL Lyocell fibres with REFIBRA technology unite two innovations: the eco-friendly, closed loop production process of TENCEL Lyocell fibres and the upcycling of a substantial proportion of cotton scraps. Combining wood pulp with pulp made from left over cotton scraps from cutting operations, new virgin TENCEL Lyocell fibres are produced to make yarns and fabrics for home textiles. These innovative fibres mark an important step in Lenzing’s journey towards circular economy.

Full transparency for TENCEL with REFIBRA technology

Lenzing has developed a new identification system to assure customers that the purchased products with TENCEL produced with REFIBRA technology are really made out of the sustainable TENCEL Lyocell fibre. Even after going through a long supply chain, TENCEL Lyocell fibres can still be identified in the final product. This supports transparency in the overall processing chain.

TENCEL with REFIBRA technology

“For the first time we are able to offer different TENCEL fibre types with REFIBRA technology depending on the final end use needs. At Heimtextil we proudly presented for the very first time home products made out of TENCEL Lyocell fibres with REFIBRA technology. The products by our partners are produced in China, India, Turkey and Europe for end users all across Europe and the US. So consumers have now the possibility to support circular economy in home textiles”, explains Ebru Bayramoglu, Head of Global Business Development Home & Interiors. “Now Lenzing can offer a broad TENCEL Lyocell fibre portfolio with REFIBRA technology, which makes it possible to manufacture towels, bed linen and filled products, says Ebru Bayramoglu.

All properties of TENCEL Lyocell fibres stay in the products as usual. So they offer bed linens and comforters high in moisture absorbance which is unfavourable for bacteria growth on the fabric surface. In addition, the smooth fibre surface makes bed linen gentle on skin. These properties contribute to a pleasant sleep throughout the night. And towels with TENCEL Lyocell fibres with REFIBRA technology keep the original characteristics as well. They stay soft after repeated washes and stay for longevity in the bathroom.

The Lenzing Group is an international company that produces high-quality fibres and filaments from the renewable raw material wood with environmentally friendly and innovative technologies. These fibres form the basis for a wide range of textile and nonwoven applications, and are also used in work and protective wear and in industrial applications.

Lenzing’s quality and innovative strength set global standards for wood-based cellulose fibres. With 80 years of experience, the Lenzing Group is the only company in the world which produces significant volumes of all three wood-based cellulose fibre generations. Its products are marketed under the following brands: TENCEL for textile applications, VEOCEL for nonwoven and LENZING for special applications in other areas and other products. Innovations like REFIBRA technology, the identifiable LENZING ECOVERO branded fibres and TENCEL Luxe branded lyocell filament yarn make Lenzing a global innovation leader.

The Lenzing Group’s success is based on consistent customer orientation combined with innovation, technology and quality leadership. Lenzing is committed to the principles of sustainable management with very high environmental standards and can underscore this commitment with numerous international sustainability certifications for its business processes as the most sustainable company in the sector. In addition to fibres, which form the core business, the Lenzing Group is also active in the fields of engineering and plant construction – mostly for its own locations, but also for external customers.

The Lenzing Group achieved a revenue of EUR 2.26 billion in 2017. It has a capacity of 1,009,000 tonnes of fibres. It employs about 6,488 people. TENCEL, VEOCEL, LENZING, REFIBRA, ECOVERO, LENZING MODAL, LENZING VISCOSE, MICROMODAL and PROMODAL are trademarks of Lenzing AG.