Protective Wear Gets a Transparency Boost with Lenzing’s Fiber System

Protective Wear Gets a Transparency Boost with Lenzing’s Fiber System

(IN BRIEF) Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibers, is introducing innovations in protective wear. They’ve developed the Lenzing Fiber Identification System to enhance material transparency and traceability for their LENZING™ FR (flame resistant) cellulosic fibers. This system ensures authenticity and quality throughout production. Lenzing is also committed to reducing carbon emissions, offering carbon-neutral LENZING™ FR fibers certified by ClimatePartner. These fibers are used in protective garments and meet high standards for flame resistance. Lenzing is showcasing an environmentally friendly firefighter garment at an upcoming trade fair, featuring over 50% LENZING™ FR fiber content and circular design principles.

(PRESS RELEASE) LENZING, 23-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The Lenzing Group (VIE: LNZ), an Austria-based world’s leading supplier of specialty fibers, is championing material transparency and sustainability in protective wear with the revolutionary Lenzing Fiber Identification System. Focusing on LENZING™ FR (flame resistant) cellulosic fibers, Lenzing’s initiative offers unmatched traceability, quality assurance, and environmental responsibility in protective garment manufacturing.

“The growing demand for supply chain transparency among industry partners and consumers highlights the vital role of technology, like the Lenzing Fiber Identification System, has in guaranteeing the authenticity of LENZING™ FR fibers used in protective wear. This technology is becoming more important in today’s industry landscape, as material traceability and supply chain transparency will gradually become essential requirements in public and private procurement processes,” said Oliver Spöcker, Director Workwear & Protective Wear, Lenzing. “With over 45 years of industry experience in FR cellulosic fiber production, Lenzing provides high quality FR cellulosic fibers that deliver superior protection and durability through our extensive fiber portfolio. Thanks to our Fiber Identification System and industry know-how, we can ensure that authentic ingredients used in protective garments can provide the optimal protection required in accordance to relevant industry requirements.”

Enhancing Supply Chain Confidence

LENZING™ FR fibers, derived from renewable wood sources in Austria and Central Europe, adhere to Lenzing’s stringent Wood and Pulp policy. As a pioneering industry player, Lenzing ensures complete transparency by implementing the Lenzing Fiber Identification System. This innovative system tracks LENZING™ FR fibers at every stage of production, providing value chain partners with confidence in the authenticity and quality of Lenzing’s premium fibers. LENZING™ FR fibers are available with FSC or PEFC certification upon request and have received BioPreferred designation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Commitment to Carbon Reduction

Lenzing is committed to reducing carbon emissions during production processes. LENZING™ FR fibers, manufactured using more than 83% renewable energy, emit 80% fewer greenhouse gases than generic modal fibers¹. Lenzing also offers carbon-neutral LENZING™ FR fibers², certified by ClimatePartner, providing value chain partners with a sustainable choice to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising protection and comfort.

Setting Quality Standards

LENZING™ FR fibers, certified by EU Ecolabel³, are the preferred choice for protective garments used by firefighters, military personnel, law enforcement, and workers in oil and gas and metal manufacturing industries across 100 countries. These fibers redefine quality standards in the industry, offering lightweight, breathable, soft, and comfortable protective gear even in extreme heat conditions. Recognized as “inherently flame retardant and resistant fibers” by the European Man-made Fibers Association (CIRFS), LENZING™ FR fibers are available in a range of colors using Eco Color technology. This innovative approach reduces energy and water consumption by up to 50% and cuts carbon emissions by 60% compared to traditional dyeing methods⁴. With exceptional color retention and design flexibility, LENZING™ FR fibers eliminate the need for additional color processing and are highly resistant to fading after multiple washes.

A Focus on Circular Solutions

Lenzing will unveil the industry’s first environmentally friendly firefighter garment at the A+A trade fair (booth 16/C56) in Germany on 24-27 October 2023. This firefighter garment is designed with circularity in mind, featuring more than 50% LENZING™ FR fiber content across all layers, including a significant portion of mechanically recycled LENZING™ FR fibers and other high-performance materials.

¹Details of the certification are available on the TENCEL™ website. Find out more: www.tencel.com/true-carbon-zero

²Carbon neutrality is achieved by measuring, reducing and offsetting remaining carbon emissions by financing carbon compensation projects (e.g. reforestation projects) and by retiring carbon credits so that the impact of global warming of the product’s carbon footprint is calculated as zero.

³The EU Ecolabel is recognized in all member states of the European Union, as well as Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. The voluntary label, introduced by an EU regulation in 1992 (Regulation EEC 880/92), has gradually become a reference point for consumers who want to help reduce pollution by purchasing more environmentally-friendly products and services

⁴Details about energy and water savings and reduced carbon footprint can be found in our Lenzing for Protective Wear brochure. Read more here.

Media contact:

Rita Ng
Head of Global Marketing Services

+852 3718 5675
r.ng@lenzing.com

SOURCE: LENZING AG