Lenzing keen to compete with synthetic stretch fibres with cellulose-based Tencel

Austrian producer Lenzing, a leading specialist in cellulose fibres, has announced it has developed a new treatment for its Tencel lyocell fibre, making it possible to obtain a lightweight, elastic fibre that isn’t fossil-derived.

Lenzing made the announcement on the eve of the Salon international de la lingerie (SIL) and Interfilière trade shows in Paris, where the Austrian company will exhibit on January 20-22. The new material is currently still in the development stage, so industry professionals will have to wait before sampling it.

“Our technical innovation unlocks the inherent potential of Tencel™ Lyocell fibres for producing stretch fabrics that move in harmony with the body,” said Rex Mok, vice-president of fibre technical marketing and development at Lenzing. Mok underlined that this new iteration of Tencel is ideal for light garments.

Lenzing is currently presenting the new treatment to its partner factories working on this improved lyocell version. 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 Lenzing’s production site).

It is also the material on which Lenzing is relying the most, within a range that also includes Ecovero viscose and Modal Tencel, more resistant and breathable. Lenzing has notably predicted that global cotton output will stabilise in the long term.

In fiscal 2022, Lenzing reported a revenue of €2.5 billion. Its main competitor is 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 slumped by 5.3%.