At an exclusive event in Paris, the Lenzing Group launched a new product: Tencel Luxe lyocell filament, which is another key milestone in the implementation of their sCore Ten strategy and the first time that Lenzing enters the filament market.
Their new product will further support Lenzing’s shift to become a true specialty player in the botanic material market derived from sustainable wood sources.
Tencel Luxe is the new player for sustainable high-end cellulosic textiles by offering superior aesthetics, performance and comfort level that allow it to be the perfect partner with other noble fibers such as silk, cashmere or wool. The smooth surface of Tencel Luxe gives fabrics a silky smooth feel and fluid-like drape for the most sensual silhouettes. Moreover, it is naturally breathable due to its wood-based origin, and offers outstanding color fastness, enabling designers to express bold color palettes where creativity knows no boundaries.
Tencel Luxe eco-botanic lyocell filament is made from wood pulp, which is sourced from sustainable wood in line with Lenzing’s strict Wood and Pulp Policy, and is produced using Lenzing’s pioneering closed-loop lyocell production process, which has received the European Award for the Environment from the EU. This process ensures minimal environmental impact due to its low process water and energy use and raw materials consumption.
Stefan Doboczky, Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group, says, “We are committed to setting industry standards in order to enhance the protection of our environment while making filaments for fabrics that are designed to appeal to the most sophisticated consumers. The launch of Tencel Luxe is a further sign of our ongoing commitment towards innovation and sustainability.”
Tencel Luxe will be produced at the Lenzing site in Austria. Lenzing plans to expand the capacity at this site over the coming years, and has started the basic engineering for a large-scale commercial line for filaments. To optimize a new plant design and start-up, this Lenzing site was chosen as the future manufacturing hub for Tencel Luxe.
Heiko Arnold, Chief Technology Officer of the Lenzing Group, says, “The decision for the Lenzing site in Austria as a hub for Tencel Luxe helps to build up a strong knowledge base for this new technology at the headquarters of the company.” At the Lenzing site, the group can fully leverage the proximity between operations, research & development, customer service and the engineering organization to accelerate the development of this technology for the production of Tencel Luxe on a bigger industrial scale.
The decision about a new plant for producing Tencel Luxe on a larger industrial scale will be made in the third quarter of 2018.