Lenzing wants to compete with synthetic elastic fibers with cellulose-based Tencel

The Austrian producer Lenzing, a leading specialist in cellulose fibers, has announced that it has developed a new treatment for its Tencel lyocell fiber, which will allow it to obtain a light and elastic fiber that does not come from fossils.

Lenzing made the announcement on the eve of the Salon International de la Lingerie (SIL) and Interfilière fairs in Paris, where the Austrian company will exhibit from January 20 to 22. The new material is still currently in the development stage, so industry professionals will have to wait before trying it out.

“Our technical innovation unlocks the inherent potential of Tencel™ Lyocell fibers to produce stretch fabrics that move in harmony with the body,” said Rex Mok, vice president of fiber marketing and technical development at Lenzing. Mok stressed that this new version of Tencel is ideal for lightweight garments.

Lenzing is currently introducing the new treatment to its partner factories working on this improved version of lyocell. Tencel lyocell is made from wood pulp and is touted as the newest and most sustainable material within Lenzing's range. It is manufactured using a resource-saving closed-loop production process (as detailed in this article on the Lenzing production site).

It is also the material Lenzing is most committed to, within a range that also includes the more resistant and breathable Ecovero viscose and Modal Tencel. Lenzing has notably predicted that global cotton production will stabilize in the long term.

In fiscal 2022, Lenzing reported revenue of €2.5 billion. Its main competitor is the Indian group Aditya Birla. Lenzing will publish its 2023 annual results on March 15. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2023, the group's revenue fell 5.3%.