The Lenzing Group, Lenzing, Austria, recently announced the extension of its fiber identification technology to TENCEL branded lyocell and modal fibers.
The successful launch and feedback from the industry on the system used for LENZING ECOVERO branded fibers, as well as the growing number of wood-based cellulosic manufacturers, encouraged Lenzing to further expand the technology for the TENCEL brand to ensure traceability of its products, according to the company.
“As the awareness of sustainability grows, we see the need to continuously improve transparency and traceability of our products, so as to make sure our brand credentials are well protected and trusted by industry stakeholders and consumers,” says Florian Heubrandner, vice president global textiles business at Lenzing AG. “By extending the TENCEL™ brand’s effort on supply chain transparency with our fiber identification technology, we hope to enable the textile industry to become more sustainable, as well as ensure our brand partners have the credibility to communicate their sustainability efforts and combat greenwashing.”
Lenzing’s fiber identification technology provides physical identification of fiber origin at different stages of textile products such as the fabric and garment level. This enables full traceability of the fiber, protects from counterfeiting and provides assurance to brands and retailers that their products are made from TENCEL branded lyocell and modal fibers, according to the company.
As of November 2021, all fabrics will be tested for fiber identification, enhancing the security of Lenzing’s online services and testing facilities and increasing transparency and security between value chain partners. By the first half of 2022, additional services for brands and retailers will be integrated onto Lenzing E-branding Service.
“Over the next few years, branded fiber products will employ fiber identification technology on a broader level, and, in time, it will be possible to real time track and trace materials through the supply chains,” Heubrandner says. “We hope that our success can provide the industry with an example of how innovation empowers sustainability and help to shift perception towards proven sustainable solutions.” — D.S.
