Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, is partnering with Orange Fiber, an Italian company that has patented the pulp production process for citrus by-products, to produce the first Tencel branded lyocell fiber made of orange and wood pulp.
The new product aims to realize the companies’ shared vision to enhance sustainability in the textile and fashion industry. The Tencel Limited Edition initiative combines the imagination, innovation and inspiration of eco-responsible textiles by reinventing Tencel branded fibers using unconventional sustainable raw materials.
“The introduction of Tencel Limited Edition leverages our leading edge in highly sustainable production processes, and we are proud to collaborate on this special edition fiber series with Orange Fiber,” said Gert Kroner, vice president of global research and development at the Lenzing Group. “By upcycling waste materials such as orange peels in our products, we are taking proactive steps toward a more sustainable future and minimizing the environmental impact of waste.”
The Tencel Limited Edition in partnership with Orange Fiber presents a novel cellulosic fiber to further inspire sustainability across the value chain. The fibers are currently being transformed into a new collection of fabrics which Orange Fiber will present to the market in October.
“Lenzing is an industry leader in sustainable fibers and we are proud to partner with them to create this new material which will become a valuable resource for the textile and fashion industry,” Orange Fiber CEO Enrica Arena said. “This pioneering production model can help revolutionize the fashion industry and empower brands who are looking for eco-responsible textile value chains. With consumers becoming more eco-conscious, it is imperative for the industry to evolve…with sustainable materials to stay efficient, competitive and save our planet for future generations. This virtuous synergy represents a fundamental step in our journey toward sustainable fabric production from renewable sources, validates our patent industrially, and enables us to increase our production capacity thus satisfying the needs of fashion brands.”
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Lenzing said as increased regulations for sustainability pose new challenges at all levels of the supply chain, every stakeholder must work together to support the transition. From manufacturers to retailers, partnerships facilitate the exchange of resources and expertise to resolve the issue of textile pollution. The Tencel brand aims to guide its many global textile partners in adopting and achieving an efficient closed-loop process, as well as to achieve high industry standards.
“Our cooperation with Orange Fiber showcases Lenzing’s commitment to partnering for change,” Kroner added. “Collaborations like these can bring about groundbreaking change and our Tencel Limited Edition initiative offers an opportunity for companies of all sizes to join forces with Lenzing.”
Collections produced from Tencel Limited Edition with Orange Fiber will have dedicated marketing materials, such as special edition co-branded swing tags that will provide relevant information about the process of production and materials involved. The goal is to encourage co-development of innovative solutions to give waste a new life and promote greater transparency in the textile and fashion industry to fully achieve sustainable industry practices.