Lenzing Group has introduced the first “carbon-zero” version of its flagship Tencel branded lyocell and modal fibers. Following the strict guidelines of The CarbonNeutral Protocol, carbon-zero Tencel branded fibers are certified CarbonNeutral, meaning that the emissions associated with the fibers’ production, manufacturing and distribution have been calculated and offset.
Biodegradable and derived from botanic origin, fabrics produced using carbon-zero Tencel fibers will have a third party verified label, offering a new level of sustainable transparency to Lenzing’s customers, brands and consumers. According to Lenzing’s Global Consumer Perception Survey on Sustainable Raw Materials in Fashion and Home Textiles conducted in early 2020, respondents indicated that they actively educate themselves on sustainability through research around the production process of products before purchase. Most respondents also considered brands that are transparent with their ingredients and the origin of their raw materials as trustworthy.
With the priority of achieving continuous reduction of carbon emissions through more efficient production methods, renewable energy sources and embracing new technologies, Lenzing also is working with the leading experts on carbon neutrality and climate finance, Natural Capital Partners, to achieve CarbonNeutral product certification. Natural Capital Partners requires an independent third-party assessment of the products’ carbon footprint and works with the leading carbon finance projects that produce verifiable, additional and permanent emission reductions that meet International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) approved standards. Furthermore, carbon-zero TENCEL fibers are produced using renewable energy. TENCEL said it will take actions to offset emissions until carbon emission levels can be completely eradicated.
“We as a company and brand have taken steps to reduce our footprint, but not all emissions are avoidable. This motivates us to act on a global level, and we found possibilities to help and support the avoidance of CO2 emissions around the world,” said Florian Heubrandner, vice president of Global Business Management Textiles at Lenzing. “The concept of carbon compensation through offsetting helps to contribute to carbon reduction through verified climate finance projects,”
In late 2019, Lenzing pledged to reduce specific carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and become net carbon-zero by 2050.
