ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

MANCHESTER, UK — June 1, 2023 — As the birthplace of spinning, weaving and knitting – and virtually all other related supply chain processes – a vast knowledge bank on how best to effectively run modern and vertically-integrated textile manufacturing plants has been built up in the UK.

This is reflected in the leading position that has been established by members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) in the areas of testing, instrumentation and machine control that will be highlighted at the forthcoming ITMA 2023 in Milan.

“An extensive range of technologies and services from the UK will be on display in Milan, with over 30 of our members in attendance,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “Some of their most recent developments are really going beyond what has previously been possible.”

Reading the patterns

These include the ground breaking new fabric inspection technique for accurately detecting the most subtle of defects on patterned fabrics during high speed production developed by Shelton Vision (Hall 18, stand A304a).

This patent-pending system has been integrated into the company’s WebSpector platform and is already fully validated, with the first industrial installations now in place.

Traditional methods for defect detection rely on human inspection with detection rates under 65%, while the Shelton WebSpector machine vision system offers automated defect detection of over 97%, but until now has been restricted to plain textiles.

“What our new system does is essentially make the ‘good’ pattern invisible to the detection software,” explains Shelton Vision Managing Director and CEO Mark Shelton. “Building on our market leading vision system for plain textiles, we have developed template matching techniques for the resolution of complex pattern deformations in order for the system to pick up defects in the pattern as well as underlying defects.”

Colour assessment

In another important new introduction, VeriVide (Hall 4, stand B204) will introduce UltraView – its first all-LED light booth for achieving a new level of consistent and standardised colour assessment.

The company’s light booths and lighting cabinets are specified by major global retailers around the world, who rely on them for establishing and maintaining visual quality standards across their supply chains.

UltraView brings a range of sustainable new benefits to designers, mills and brands, and combined with VeriVide’s highly successful DigiEye system for non-contact colour measurement and digital imaging, can have a very positive impact on a company’s bottom line, bringing savings in time, money and CO2 emissions.

IR bonding

Roaches international is another globally recognised manufacturer and supplier of laboratory dyeing and finishing equipment and textile performance testing instruments for major brands.

On its largest ITMA stand to date (Hall 4, stand E302), the company will introduce its IR Bonder – a single end bond applicator and infrared (IR) curing chamber with extremely low electrical consumption.

The IR Bonder is integrated with a single head winder and has a potentially broad range of application markets such as the automotive and medical sectors.

Its drying mechanism simulates current coating technology and standard winding equipment to bond sewing threads by the application of a nylon terpolymer, which is applied in solution form. The solution – comprised of ethanol/methanol and water – is evaporated and the thread cooled before being lubricated and wound onto either an intermediary or final spool. Available with up to six positions, the system has a running speed of up to 600 metres per minute.

Roaches will also be soft launching its Luft performance haptics tester, developed with Leeds University, to enable a heightened understanding of how specific garments will feel and perform.

Digitalisation

Monarch Knitting Machinery will be unveiling four of its latest circular knitting machines at stand E105-6 in Hall 4, along with new design simulation software and the MMS (Monarch Monitoring System) for Industry 4.0 taking fabric digitalisation to the next level.

MMS, developed with partner BMS (Belgium Monitoring Systems) not only monitors knitting machines but also all manufacturing and logistical activities within the knitting factory.

In addition, Monarch will introduce a new concept for fabric simulation which allows designers to develop fabrics digitally. The software simulates the design in 2.5D and creates the pattern data for the machine using the most appropriate stitch formation, allowing for the creation of fabric collections and or pre-selections prior to production.

Dent sensors

Sensors from Dent Instrumentation (Hall 3, stand E302) are integral to the yarn spinning and winding processes and they have become the standard throughout the textile industry, recognised for their quality, performance and value. They are used by major manufacturers of textiles and textile machinery under either Dent or OEM machine builder brands.

The highly accurate sensors are effective at speeds as low as 3m/min up to 8,000m/min, and their detection response can be adapted to each individual unit according to customer requirements.

The ‘fit and forget’ sensors are extremely durable in all operating environments and encapsulated in epoxy resin to provide protection from spin finish, oil, wax, water and any other potential contaminants. A unique optical compensation system also contributes to ensuring very little cleaning is required.

Emphasis

“Sustainability, circularity and Industry 4.0 have been the primary themes coming from the market for some time now and our members have responded with innovations spanning the entire supply chain, and with a specific emphasis in many cases on improved software and digitised control solutions,” says Jason Kent in conclusion.

Founded in 1940, the British Textile Machinery Association actively promotes British textile machinery manufacturers and their products to the world. The non-profit organisation acts as a bridge between its members and the increasingly diverse industries within the textile manufacturing sector.

Posted: June 1, 2023

Source: British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

Ring Spinning Optimization — Uster Technologies Partners Up With Pinter Group For Preventive Quality Control

USTER, Switzerland — June 1, 2023 — Uster is known for its powerful solutions based on combined data. Further customer value results from the partnership with Pinter Group and connecting their system to RSO 3D, the Uster third quality dimension for ring spinning.

Uster RSO 3D is the intelligent combination of spindle monitoring, yarn clearing and a linked winding machine with spindle identification. This concept shows that even larger customer value can be created from the connection of different process stages and their components, as well as from strategic partnerships among companies.

Uster RSO 3D was introduced in 2019 connecting Uster Sentinel, Uster Quantum 4.0, Muratec QPRO EX/FPRO EX and Spin Inspector to deploy the unique preventive system to stop poor quality being produced. In the meantime, customers have started experiencing the quality and productivity benefits of the system. It was often mentioned by spinners that this is similar to having a Quantum clearer in every ring spinning spindle.

Cooperation with Pinter Group

Uster Technologies and Pinter Group signed a cooperation agreement that puts profitable spinning as top priority. Both companies are convinced that greater value can be created from combining efforts and solutions. The agreement includes close cooperation and customer support in the field of Ring Spinning Optimization.

Furthermore, the agreement foresees that the Uster RSO 3D feature will be available for customers using Pinter’s Optifil ring monitoring system in combination with Uster Quantum yarn clearers. This step heralds the era of preventive yarn clearing and expands the RSO 3D benefits to a larger market.

The extended collaboration includes compatibility between Uster Sentinel, Optifil or Pinter’s core yarn attachments using common roving stop equipment and connectivity to the Uster platform. Uster RSO 3D increases profitability with direct process optimization and traceability from ring spinning to winding. “We believe in creating an open ecosystem to allow smooth interconnection among different process phases,” says Davide Maccabruni, CEO, Uster Technologies AG. “The cooperation between Uster Technologies and Pinter is based on the joint conviction to create best customer value”.

Visitors at ITMA 2023 get first-hand information about RSO 3D at the Uster booth (A202) in Hall 1. A showcase demonstrates the intelligent combination of systems as well as the benefits resulting from these connections.

Posted: June 1, 2023

Source: Uster Technologies AG

Boer Group Advances Sorting Capabilities With Innovative trinamiX Solution For Textile Identification

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — June 1, 2023 — Boer Group, an international textile recycling organization, is working with trinamiX GmbH, a provider of mobile spectroscopy solutions, to advance its textile sorting capabilities. With the introduction of trinamiX Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solution at first sorting centers in the Netherlands, Boer Group further enhances the efficiency of identifying and sorting textile material streams.

Boer Group processes more than 400,000 kilograms of used textiles every day, separating them into 350 different types and qualities for re-use or recycling. In this context, the correct identification of textiles and textile blends is critical to sort them into clean waste streams that are required to properly recycle textile waste into new textile fibers and products.

To further enhance its manual sorting process, Boer Group has deployed trinamiX Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solution to support employees in reliably identifying the most common textiles and textile blends on the spot in a fast and user-friendly way. Based on an established methodology for material identification, the innovative plug-and-play solution quickly detects the types of textiles. After a brief contact with the sample, the intuitive feedback is immediately displayed on a smartphone, tablet or computer display.

The solution supports a wide range of common textile grades used in clothing, furniture and household goods, for example: acrylic, cotton, nylon 6/6.6, polyester, polypropylene (PP), silk, sisal, viscose and wool. Textiles made from more than one material can also be identified. These include blends based on acrylic, cotton, nylon, polyester, silk or wool.

A key advantage for Boer Group lies in the compact design and intuitive handling that allow for flexible integration into existing manual sorting processes and infrastructure. From on-the-spot checks with a handheld device that fits into a user’s pocket to semi-automated setups where customers can integrate the solution into a sorting table for automatically triggered scans: trinamiX combines the advantages of multiple setups in a single versatile solution. Thus, customers are enabled to deploy the solution at any given location or process stage.

“We are constantly working on sustainable ways to reduce residual textile waste to a minimum and find better solutions to keep textiles in the cycle,” says Rainer Binger, COO of Boer Group. “With trinamiX’s solution, we have found a valuable tool that has led to measurable advancements throughout our manual sorting activities”.

“Boer Group is a great example of how an innovative company combines experience with the latest technology to unlock further potential on the transition towards a full circular textile

industry,” says Christian Nitschke, Director IR Sensing & Spectroscopy Solutions Business at trinamiX. “We’re excited that they chose our solution to complement their well-established sorting processes, easing the daily work of manual sorters while creating additional value in a key recycling step”.

From June 5-6, the solution will be showcased at Boer Group’s booth #13 as part of the Circular Textile Days in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.

Posted: June 1, 2023

Source: trinamiX GmbH

May/June 2023

The San Francisco-based Apparel Impact Institute has named Claire Bergkamp to its board of directors. Bergkamp is CEO of the Textile Exchange.

Larry Radford was named dyehouse manager for Gastonia, N.C.-based Champion Thread’s new South Carolina-based thread and yarn dyeing facility.

Brooklyn, Ohio-based MMI Textiles Inc. has hired Bruce Dabbs as Technical Textile engineer. He is based in North Carolina for the company.

Joan Izzo has joined Apex Mills, Inwood, N.Y., as senior marketing manager.

Four industry professionals recently were named as recipients of Lifetime Awards from the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary, N.C. Jan O’Regan is the recipient of the Life-time Service Award; and Seshadri Ramkumar, Jim Robinson and Ed Thomas all will be honored with the Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. Each honoree will receive their award in person at an upcoming INDA event.

New York City-based Designtex has named Oriana Reich vice president of marketing.
Patrick Cummings was named senior vice president and CFO of Motion Industries Inc., Birmingham, Ala.

INX International Ink Co., Schaumburg, Ill., has hired Paul Edwards to be the vice president of the Digital Division.

Avery Dennison reports Chairman and CEO Mitch Butier will become executive chairman of the board of directors and current president and COO Deon Stander will become president and CEO, effective September 1, 2023, as part of a succession plan.

Switzerland-based Archroma recently announced a CEO transition plan. Heike van de Kerkhof is stepping down to pursue other career opportunities and Mark Garrett will take on the role of interim CEO. The company’s board of directors has initiated a CEO search and will evaluate both internal and external candidates.

May/June 2023

 

May/June 2023

The Itihaas Co.™ recently introduced a collection of lifestyle and home goods including velvet and fringe throws, pillows and cushions. The designs are inspired by the brand-owner’s childhood spent in India.

Spain-based Zara has partnered with Circ, Danville,Va., to introduce a women’s capsule collection that was made using recycled polycotton blended textiles.

Pindler, Moorpark, Calif., recently introduced the Exclusive Linen Trim Collection, which features linen and linen-blend trims in neutral and blue colorways.

Portland, Ore.-based Dovetail Workwear’s Ready Set Cargo Pant made using Cordura NYCO fabric from CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics, Kennesaw, Ga., was recognized by the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors with a 2023 Innovation Award in the fabric category.

Culp Inc., High Point, N.C., recently introduced Nanobionic®, a wellness-focused upholstery collection that uses infrared technology to help the human body restore and recharge while relaxing.

Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont recently introduced Kevlar® EXO™, a next-generation aramid fiber that offers lightweight and pliability for comfort with previously unavailable levels of ballistic protection, according to the company.

Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, Rutherfordton, N.C., has signed a distribution agreement with MMI Textiles Inc., Brooklyn, Ohio, for TACTWEAR™ High Abrasion Neoprene Kevlar® (HANK). Customers may now purchase TACTWEAR HANK from MMI Textiles in a variety of weights, colors and quantities.

The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), Roseville, Minn., recently debuted a redesigned website located at textiles.org.

Spartanburg, S.C.-based Milliken & Company was named to Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity list for the second year in a row.

Lyndhurst, N.J.-based Lion Brand Yarn Co. is celebrating its 145th anniversary this year.

May/June 2023

Mission Critical

Artilect’s Darkstart Fusion jacket is protected from the rain with GTT’s environmentally friendly EMPEL™ DWR.

Green Theme Technologies’ EMPEL™ offers apparel brands like Artilect a sustainable, PFAS-free option for water repellency.

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

Brands often lead the way when it comes to sustainable textile products as they look to make the best products for the planet while satisfying consumer demands. Boulder, Colo.-based outdoor brand Artilect is one such company.

According to Artilect Founder Trent Bush, the company’s mission is to improve performance for both people and the planet at the same time. With this in mind, choosing a durable water repellent (DWR) for its outdoor clothing means choosing a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free solution is of the utmost importance.

After researching available options, Artilect chose EMPEL™ from Green Theme Technologies Inc. (GTT), Rio Rancho, N.M., to protect products including its new Darkstart Fusion jacket, which is part of Artilect System’s (A/SYS) collection of apparel.

The EMPEL platform is built on the principles of clean chemistry, and in addition to being PFAS-free, also is a water-free technology. GTT developed a curing pod to molecularly bond its patented chemistry to each fiber in a polymerization process. The large pressure-cooking vessels move the EMPEL monomer chemistry into the fibers where it is then cured using heat to create performance enhancing polymer chains. Once cured, the finish is stable and durable, and EMPEL easily lasts for 50 washes and beyond. “The finish does not appear to come off, and now we are trying to figure out how to test for life of garment,” said Martin Flora, GTT’s president of Global Business Development.

To demonstrate the treatment’s water repellence, EMPEL DWR has been tested in six-hour hurricane rain chamber tests as well as using the Bundesmann Water Repellency Tester to international test standard ISO 9865.

Despite coating the fibers in the chemistry, the treated fabrics are breathable, as well as soft and do not become stiff. EMPEL’s base chemistry uses components found in facial creams that act as a softening molecular lubricant to maintain this soft hand.

In addition, the DWR chemistry is compatible with any fabric construction type — woven, knit or nonwoven — and all man-made fibers such as nylon and polyester as well as natural fibers like cotton and wool. This flexibility in application means a broad range of garments from man-made-fiber-based technical garments to knitted hoodies and wool blazers can benefit from the technology.

GTT is focused on making a change in the way textiles are processed globally. “Our technology is a targeted solution that delivers better long-lasting performance to keep clothing working for a much longer period of time,” Flora emphasized.

Artilect currently is the largest partner of EMPEL based on the number of styles the brand offers that incorporate the technology. “I chose EMPEL because it is the only DWR solution that outperforms not only C0 DWRs, but also C6 or C8 chemistries,” Bush said. “The fact that

it is PFAS-free is of course critical, and it allows us to follow our mission.”

For more information about EMPEL™, contact Martin Flora, martin.flora@greenthemetek.com; greenthemetek,com.

For more information about Artilect’s Darkstart Fusion jacket, visit artilect.studio/us/.

May/June 2023

PANGAIA Expands Plant-Based Activewear Collection Made With Hyosung creora® Bio-Based Spandex

SEOUL, South Korea and NEW YORK, NY — May 31, 2023 — Upon the success of Motion, a collection empowered by plants that launched last fall, purpose-driven materials science brand PANGAIA has expanded the range to include a new capsule collection for men and additional colorways for women.

The PANGAIA Motion collection is the brand’s most bio-based offering to date that’s made with 99.99% plant-based EVO® Nylon and 30 percent plant-based creora® spandex, the first of its kind. The activewear has an updated look and feel with seamless shapes offering comfort and stretch -designed to feel like a second skin with gentle compression.

The Motion collection features the Men’s Motion Mesh T-shirt, Men’s Motion Zipped Long Sleeve Top and Men’s Motion Tights offered in volcanic grey and black. The women’s collection includes the Women’s Motion Sports Bra, Women’s Motion Ribbed Tank Top, Women’s Motion T-Shirt, Women’s Motion Shorts and Women’s Motion Leggings offered in new taupe and cobalt blue, in addition to back, foliage green, and cerulean blue.

“We are thrilled to see such a fabulous reaction to PANGAIA’s plant-based Motion collection,” said Claire O’Neill, Hyosung European Marketing Manager. “It is a true testimony to the fact that consumers are making more sustainable choices when it comes to their apparel purchases. We look forward to our continued collaboration with such an innovative and passionate brand whose aim is to give back to the planet more than it takes.”

PANGAIA was the first brand to globally introduce creora® bio-based spandex in an activewear range.  The yarn is SGS certified guaranteeing that it is made with plant-based materials and produced in an eco-friendly environment. According to a recent third-party LCA, the manufacture of creora® bio-based spandex reduces its carbon footprint by 20 percent as compared to the production of conventional spandex.

The PANGAIA Motion collection is available online at PANGAIA.com. Hyosung will have pieces of the PANGAIA Motion collection on display at its Outdoor Retailer Show booth # 30097 taking place June 19-21 in Salt Lake City, UT.

Posted: May 31, 2023

Source: Hyosung

ACCELERATING CIRCULARITY Launches Textile-To-Textile Recycling Playbook At Circularity 23 Event June 7

CAMPBELL HALL, N.Y. — May 31, 2023 — Accelerating Circularity’s mission is to catalyze new supply chains and business models to turn spent textiles into mainstream raw materials. The Accelerating Circularity Playbook is designed as an introductory guide for stakeholders to implement circular systems to drive the diversion of millions of tons of textile waste from landfills and incineration.

“Circularity is a team sport which is why a Playbook as a how-to guide makes sense. It is intended to facilitate and expedite circular systems” said founder Karla Magruder, ACP founder, and president. “We have been working with 100+ value chain members in both the USA and Europe to catalyze new collaborations and pilot textile-to-textile recycling. The circular system pilot trials are at standard industry MOQ’s in categories representing t-shirts, denim, fleece, workwear, and towels. Our focus is on post-consumer textiles as we believe they are too good to waste. ”

Circularity 23 is sponsored by GreenBiz as the leading convening of professionals building the circular economy with thought-provoking keynotes, actionable breakouts, and a solutions-oriented expo with networking opportunities. Accelerating Circularity Founder, Karla Magruder, Sarah Coulter, Director of Operations, and ACP board member, Steve Bethel, founder of Bank & Vogue, Shelly Gottshamer, CEO Treadletree consulting on the project, along with trial partners from Cone Denim, Parkdale Mills, Unifi, Sortile, and Goodwill Industries will be there to discuss the textile-to-textile recycling playbook on June 7th.

For more information and to obtain a copy of the Accelerating Circularity textile-to-textile recycling playbook, visit https://www.acceleratingcircularity.org/playbook

To join Accelerating Circularity or for a customized workshop on how to implement circular textile systems at your company, please contact info@acceleratingcircularity.org.

Posted: May 31, 2023

Source: Accelerating Circularity

Calais Dentelles Announces The Sale Of ‘NOYON’ – Noyon Lanka Acquires 100 Years Of Lace Heritage

WALGAMA, Sri Lanka— May 31, 2023 — In groundbreaking industry news, Noyon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., a subsidiary of MAS Holdings, and DESSEILLES CALAIS, a subsidiary of the CALAIS DENTELLES holding company, announced the sale of NOYON CALAIS’ IP rights and other intangible assets to Noyon Lanka.

NOYON CALAIS is a French lace manufacturer known for a 100+ years of heritage in the industry. This Intellectual Property (IP) acquisition now positions Noyon Lanka as an industry leader in lace manufacturing, combining the legacy and heritage of NOYON CALAIS SAS and MAS Holdings’ technical competency and manufacturing excellence. This sale gives the opportunity for the French business DESSEILLES CALAIS to focus on their main luxury core market.

The IP and other assets acquired enable Noyon Lanka to draw inspiration, create and commercialize lace products and manufacture lace products under the trademark ‘Noyon’. Additionally, Noyon Lanka will now be the owner of all ‘Noyon’ trademarks belonging to Noyon Calais and will own all their archives of sketches, drafts, and samples of lace and embroidery fabrics from the 19th and 20th centuries.

With the acquisition, Noyon Lanka enhances its ability to provide high-quality lace products to customers worldwide, drawing upon and preserving the rich history and heritage of lace manufacturing in France.

Noyon Lanka’s CEO, Ashiq Lafir, commenting on the acquisition, said, “This acquisition will enable us to expand our product design offerings and strengthen our leadership position in lace manufacturing globally. We are humbled and proud to take ownership of NOYON CALAIS’ remarkable legacy and combine it with our technical expertise to create beautiful, innovative lace products for our customers”.

Sébastien Bento Soares, the Directeur Général – CEO of CALAIS DENTELLES, the parent company of NOYON CALAIS, added that “This asset sale enables DESSEILLES CALAIS to focus on our core luxury market and ensures that the rich history and legacy of Noyon’s lace continues to effectively serve its long-time customers, who have come to rely on Noyon’s heritage in lace to provide some of the world foremost brands with the finest lace designs that their customers have adorned over many generations”.

Noyon Lanka was established in 2004 when Noyon Calais France, an industry expert in knitted and leavers lace, partnered with MAS Holdings. Today, Noyon’s lace creators and designers launch over 450 designs each year, with collections ranging from multi-way stretch, high tenacity lace to engineered lace for fabric.

In addition to its production facilities in Sri Lanka, the company has a global footprint with a manufacturing presence in Indonesia and China.

Posted: May 31, 2023

Source: Noyon Lanka Pvt. Ltd.

Internationally Renowned Marine Research Institute Reaffirms Biodegradability Of Lenzing Fibers

LENZING/SAN DIEGO — May 31, 2023 — The Lenzing Group, a provider of specialty fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, has received further scientific proof that Lenzing fibers are biodegradable in the ocean and revert to being part of the ecosystem at the end of their life cycle. Scientists at the prestigious academic research institute Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California, San Diego confirmed back in 2021 that LENZINGTM Lyocell fibers completely biodegrade in sea-surface conditions in a remarkably short time. In a second study published in May 20231, the biodegradability of LENZING™ Lyocell fibers, LENZING™ Viscose fibers and LENZING™ Modal fibers on the sea floor was also confirmed, providing definitive proof that they are a better alternative to petroleum-based fibers. The assessments are the result of an independent project aimed at understanding end-of-life scenarios for textiles and nonwovens that are discarded as waste in the environment.

SIO has a global reputation for being one of the oldest, largest and most important marine research centers. In its latest study, it compared the degradation processes of nonwovens made of petroleum and bio-based synthetic materials such as polyester and PLA, cellulosic materials such as cotton, and the Lenzing Group’s wood-based LENZINGTM Lyocell fibers, LENZING™ Viscose fibers and LENZING™ Modal fibers in specific scenarios. The materials were assessed in various real oceanic conditions and controlled aquaria conditions. The results of these experiments are striking: while the wood-based cellulosic fibers fully biodegraded within 30 days, both in sea-surface and sea-floor conditions, the petroleum-based fibers tested were practically unchanged after more than 200 days.

“Our business model is one of a circular economy. The Lenzing Group uses a highly efficient system of processing all raw materials to produce fibers that will return to the ecosystem at the end of their life cycle. Our goal is to raise widespread awareness of major challenges such as plastic pollution and, above all, offer a truly sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fibers,” comments Michaela Kogler, Project Manager in Research & Breakthrough Innovation at the Lenzing Group. “It is also important to raise awareness of biodegradability, as not everything with an “organic” label is genuinely compostable and biodegradable,” adds Kogler.

The biodegradability of LENZING™ Lyocell fibers, LENZING™ Viscose fibers and LENZING™ Modal fibers has been tested in the laboratory of Normec Organic Waste Systems (OWS) in Belgium – one of the world’s leading companies in biodegradability and compostability testing. The latter confirmed the results in real oceanic conditions and controlled aquaria conditions. The assessment was conducted in accordance with the prevailing applicable international standards and reflects all the relevant natural and artificial environments in which biodegradation can occur. Certificates from the certification organization TÜV Austria show that LENZING™ Lyocell fibers, LENZING™ Viscose fibers and LENZING™ Modal fibers rapidly biodegrade in all test environments (soil, industrial composting, home composting, fresh water and marine water) within the time periods set by the relevant standards.

Tailwind from legislation

Plastic pollution in the environment is a major problem of our time and may continue to impact many generations to come. The environmental damage caused by the fashion industry as a result of fast fashion business models is particularly extreme. The use of petroleum-based synthetic fibers in textiles has approximately doubled in the last 20 years. This trend is likely to continue. More than half of all textiles around the world currently contain polyester and this proportion is set to rise according to a report from the non-profit organization Changing Markets Foundation2.

Consequently, Lenzing also welcomes the EU’s targeted measures to combat plastic waste in general, such as those relating to the single-use plastic directive (EU) 2019/9043. In its recently adopted guidelines for implementing the directive, the EU Commission precisely stipulates the products that fall under this category, which will provide the necessary clarity for EU member states in their joint campaign against environmental pollution from plastic waste. Lenzing’s wood-based, biodegradable cellulosic fibers can play a role in creating a sustainable and innovative solution to this man-made problem, which will escalate in the future. The single-use plastic directive introduced in July 2021 sets out standardized labelling requirements for certain products, either on packaging or on the products themselves, such as plastic-based feminine hygiene products and wet wipes for body care or household use. One of the first steps towards solving this problem is to educate consumers and offer alternative, more circular materials.

1 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0284681

2 http://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/FOSSIL-FASHION_Web-compressed.pdf


3 Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment

Posted: May 31, 2023

Source: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft


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