Lenzing has contracted to buy a 43 megawatt biomass power plant in Burgenland pending regulatory approvals which are expected in the second quarter of 2023.
The acquisition by the Austrian producer of specialty fibers for the textile and nonwovens sector will allow the company to significantly reduce its dependence on fossil fuels at the Heiligenkreuz location. The Tencel maker said current levels of natural gas use will be cut by 50 percent in the future, replaced by fuel from renewable sources.
“We will invest even more in sustainable energy concepts to further reduce our CO2 emission in line with our ambitious climate target,” said Christian Skilich, chief pulp officer and chief technology officer of the Lenzing Group.
The exclusive use of biomass from the power plant will enable the site to reduce its CO2 emissions by 50,000 tons annually. Previously, the site’s use of renewable energy from biomass and biogas was less than 10 percent.
The Lenzing Group produces Tencel and Veocel branded lyocell fibers, premium Tencel fibers with Refibra technology and carbon-zero Tencel lyocell fibers. It has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 50 per ton of product by 2030 and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. Its fibers contribute significantly lower CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain which helps its customers achieve their sustainability goals.