The Rupp Report: One Million Tons Of Fiber Material
Jürg Rupp, Executive Editor
Austria-based viscose producer Lenzing AG says that its Lenzing Modal® fiber "is the softest fiber
since textiles entered the world." For 45 years, this product has provided constant innovation and
further development for the whole textile chain. Modal is an independent fiber type defined by the
International Bureau for the Standardization of Man-made Fibres and ISO 2076. With a staff of
6,021, the Lenzing Group in 2009 achieved an export share of 88.4 percent, netted sales of 1.25
billion euros and produced 568,576 tons of fiber.
Success Story
The fiber is a success story all over the world. Modal is used in all kinds of apparel, and more and more in industrial applications such as hygiene products. The identification system is based on chemical and physical parameters within the fiber, which is manufactured at Lenzing's headquarters in a virtually closed circuit, taking the greatest possible care of the environment.
Prominent brands have included the fiber as an important pillar of their product ranges. Also, spinners are using it more often in blends with cotton. Like no other cellulose fiber, claims Lenzing, Modal harmonizes with other fibers. The good alkali resistance and wet strength make it ideal for cotton blends, and even the dyeing behavior is very much like that of cotton. The fiber cross section also is similar to that of cotton, but it can be blended with fibers other than cotton as well.
The fiber, thanks to its softness, is appropriate for lingerie and body-conscious apparel as well as terry products. It remains soft after repeated washing and retains its color brilliance. Even after 25 washes, the colors remain brilliant and strong, and graying does not occur, Lenzing reports.
Trendy Fiber
In times of increased environmental consciousness, viscose Modal is an ideal fiber to be promoted in a "green environment." Lenzing says the secret of the quality lies in the raw material: the fiber originates from a forest of beech trees and makes use of photosynthesis -- one of the oldest mechanisms in nature. The original label warrants that the producer complies with the highest environmental standards during production.
Lenzing produces the pulp itself, and the company has overall control of the fiber process. This makes it possible to optimize process steps for more efficient use of all of the substances used so as to obtain the highest recovery rates. Thanks to integrated process control, various valuable materials from the tree can be recovered. Acetic acid is one of these, used for the production of foodstuffs, or xylose for the production of sweeteners. Another secondary product is sodium sulfate, which is used in glass production.
Celebration Times
To commemorate the event of Modal fiber's 45 years in the market, Lenzing invited customers from all over the world to attend a celebration. But this was not the main reason to party: first of all, the company celebrated at the same time the record production quantity of 1 million tons of Lenzing Modal fibers.
A seminar program with top-level speakers rounded off the event. The first day was dedicated to the future of the textile industry. Themes such as sustainability were on the agenda.
Because Modal is available in micro types, extremely fine and exceptionally soft fabrics can be produced. Another success, claims the producer, is the persistent branding, which signifies softness, quality, naturalness and eco-friendliness. The brand name is so popular that it can be seen 300 million times a year on textile products, Lenzing reports.
Communication Leads The Way
In an age in which well-targeted communication leads to competitive advantages, events of this kind provide an interesting platform to build up networks that promote cooperation. Dr. Dieter Eichinger, head of the Lenzing Textiles business unit, explained that the reaction of the customers shows that the event has contributed to customer loyalty, saying, "For us, it is important to nurture close contacts with our customers so as to be able to react more quickly to their needs."
July 6, 2010
Success Story
The fiber is a success story all over the world. Modal is used in all kinds of apparel, and more and more in industrial applications such as hygiene products. The identification system is based on chemical and physical parameters within the fiber, which is manufactured at Lenzing's headquarters in a virtually closed circuit, taking the greatest possible care of the environment.
Prominent brands have included the fiber as an important pillar of their product ranges. Also, spinners are using it more often in blends with cotton. Like no other cellulose fiber, claims Lenzing, Modal harmonizes with other fibers. The good alkali resistance and wet strength make it ideal for cotton blends, and even the dyeing behavior is very much like that of cotton. The fiber cross section also is similar to that of cotton, but it can be blended with fibers other than cotton as well.
The fiber, thanks to its softness, is appropriate for lingerie and body-conscious apparel as well as terry products. It remains soft after repeated washing and retains its color brilliance. Even after 25 washes, the colors remain brilliant and strong, and graying does not occur, Lenzing reports.
Trendy Fiber
In times of increased environmental consciousness, viscose Modal is an ideal fiber to be promoted in a "green environment." Lenzing says the secret of the quality lies in the raw material: the fiber originates from a forest of beech trees and makes use of photosynthesis -- one of the oldest mechanisms in nature. The original label warrants that the producer complies with the highest environmental standards during production.
Lenzing produces the pulp itself, and the company has overall control of the fiber process. This makes it possible to optimize process steps for more efficient use of all of the substances used so as to obtain the highest recovery rates. Thanks to integrated process control, various valuable materials from the tree can be recovered. Acetic acid is one of these, used for the production of foodstuffs, or xylose for the production of sweeteners. Another secondary product is sodium sulfate, which is used in glass production.
Celebration Times
To commemorate the event of Modal fiber's 45 years in the market, Lenzing invited customers from all over the world to attend a celebration. But this was not the main reason to party: first of all, the company celebrated at the same time the record production quantity of 1 million tons of Lenzing Modal fibers.
A seminar program with top-level speakers rounded off the event. The first day was dedicated to the future of the textile industry. Themes such as sustainability were on the agenda.
Because Modal is available in micro types, extremely fine and exceptionally soft fabrics can be produced. Another success, claims the producer, is the persistent branding, which signifies softness, quality, naturalness and eco-friendliness. The brand name is so popular that it can be seen 300 million times a year on textile products, Lenzing reports.
Communication Leads The Way
In an age in which well-targeted communication leads to competitive advantages, events of this kind provide an interesting platform to build up networks that promote cooperation. Dr. Dieter Eichinger, head of the Lenzing Textiles business unit, explained that the reaction of the customers shows that the event has contributed to customer loyalty, saying, "For us, it is important to nurture close contacts with our customers so as to be able to react more quickly to their needs."
July 6, 2010
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