LENZING – Lenzing Group, the global producer of wood-based speciality fibres, has announced the expansion of its sustainable viscose fibre portfolio globally with the launch of carbon neutral Veocel branded viscose fibres for Europe and the US.

In Asia, meanwhile, Lenzing will convert the existing production capacity for conventional viscose into capacity for responsible speciality fibres in the second half of this year. The expansion represents Veocel’s latest act in providing nonwovens value chain partners and brands with offerings that make a positive impact on the environment and empower an industry-wide shift to reduce carbon footprints.

“Everything we do is centered around Veocel’s mission to be a responsible everyday care brand and demonstrate our care for the future of our planet," said said Monique Buch, vice president, Global Nonwovens Business, Lenzing. "We believe it is imperative for us to not only reduce our own carbon emissions, but also to empower our partners to reduce their carbon footprint. The launch of our carbon neutral Veocel Viscose fibres via our production plant in Austria and the investment in converting our production plant in Asia to production of environmentally responsible viscose, highlights our commitment to ongoing innovation and driving positive environmental impact. We hope that by taking responsibility to effect real change within the industry, we can build a better tomorrow for future generations.”

For the carbon neutral Veocel Viscose fibres Lenzing has partnered with ClimatePartner, a leading solution provider for corporate climate action. The fibers are made from wood and pulp sources derived from sustainably and responsibly managed forests, following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy and trusted forest certification systems.

They are produced in Lenzing’s production plant in Austria, an integrated site where actual carbon emissions are reduced through leveraging efficient production methods, such as the direct production from wood to fibre, as well the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power and biomass. To offer the fibres as carbon neutral products, the emissions were measured, reduced and unabated emissions were offset by financing climate projects.

Carbon neutral Veocel Viscose fibres produced in Austria will be available from 1st May 2023 onward. With effective liquid management properties, the wood-based fibres are targeted for the wipes and absorbent hygiene product segment, an area where demand has significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support the growing demand for sustainable nonwoven products, Lenzing and Suominen have been working closely with Lenzing’s first carbon neutral fibre launch, Veocel Lyocell fibres, resulting in the first carbon neutral nonwoven, Biolace Zero to the market. The collaboration is continuing with Lenzing’s newest product launch, carbon neutral Veocel Viscose.

Nonwoven roll-goods made utilizing Veocel Viscose fibres are available for Suominen’s clients. “We are happy to see Lenzing growing their sustainable fibres portfolio. Collaboration throughout the supply chain is the key to increase sustainable product development in nonwoven’s market,” added Marika Mäkilä, Senior Manager, Category Management, Europe.

Elsewhere, to address the steadily growing demand for sustainable materials in Asia, Lenzing has started to convert capacity for conventional viscose into capacity for environmentally responsible specialty fibres in its Asia-based production plants.

This, the company says, will enable a more optimized production process and efficient use of energy for the production of Veocel branded responsible viscose fibres. These responsible specialty fibres will help address the growing demand for more sustainable materials in everyday body and hygiene products, as well as in surface cleaning wipes. The conversion is expected to be completed in the second half of this year.

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