The Lenzing Group, Lenzing, Austria, is partnering with Orange Fiber, an Italian company which 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 TENCEL Limited Edition initiative combines the imagination, innovation, and inspiration of eco-responsible textiles, through reinventing TENCEL branded fibers using unconventional sustainable raw materials, according to both companies.
“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,” says 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 towards a more sustainable future and minimizing the environmental impact of waste.
The fibers are currently being transformed into a new collection of fabrics which Orange Fiber will be presented to the market in October 2021.
“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,” says Enrica Arena, CEO of Orange Fiber. “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 in tangent and innovate with sustainable materials to stay efficient, competitive and save our planet for future generations. This virtuous synergy represents a fundamental step in our journey towards 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.”
Collections produced from TENCEL Limited Edition with Orange Fiber will have dedicated marketing materials, such as special edition co-branded swing tags, which will provide 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, according to both companies. — D.S.
