The Lenzing Group wins the Biodiversity and Water Award

The Austrian fiber manufacturer, owner of flagship textile TENCEL^TM brand, wins thanks to the creation of a unique, innovative concept that contributes to the sustainable protection[1] of our glaciers, by using geotextiles made from biodegradable LENZING™ fibers[2] designed to protect glaciers and avoid microplastic pollution[1].

The first experimental phase of the project was recently completed with the covering and saving of more than 20,000 square meters of snow and ice in six Alpine locations between Austria and Switzerland.

The used fibers can be recycled back into the textiles industry, making accessories and clothing and inspiring collective action for sustainable practices[2] and a circular economy[2] in the nonwovens and textile value chain.

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries and owner of the renowned TENCEL^TM brand, has won the Biodiversity and Water Award 2024, presented by Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana at the Sustainable Fashion Awards, for the development and use of a new generation of geotextiles made of biodegradable[2], designed to protect glaciers and prevent microplastic pollution.

With its geotextiles, the Lenzing Group has created a unique and innovative concept that contributes to the sustainable protection of glaciers while inspiring collective action in favor of sustainable practices[3] and a circular economy[3].

The melting of glaciers is severely threatened by global warming. Geotextiles are used to protect ice and snow. However, the nonwovens generally used for this purpose are made of fossil-based fibers which may allow microplastics[4] to enter waterways. In contrast, geotextiles made from LENZING™ cellulose fibers, which are biodegradable at the end of their life cycle[2], can be fully recycled and has proven to be an ideal sustainable solution.

This important innovation project, which was unveiled at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva on the occasion of the World Forestry Day (21 March 2024), has now reached its climax. The sheets that covered the glaciers for the summer season at six sites between Austria (Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria) and Switzerland (Diavolezza, St. Moritz), covering an area of snow and ice of more than 20,000 square meters, are being dismantled.

“At Lenzing, we are working hard to make our industries even more sustainable[5] and to drive the transition towards a bioeconomy[6]. This approach is firmly anchored in our strategy and our corporate values. I am therefore particularly pleased about the recognition for our highly innovative glacier project,” says Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of the Lenzing Group.

Today, the challenge is to turn the fibers recovered from the glaciers into fabric. After further rigorous testing, a three-step process of cleaning, drying and tearing begins, after which Lenzing can explore the next stage of this circular[3] concept by recycling the fibers of the collected materials. Together with a network of committed and innovative partners, Lenzing is working to transform the geotextiles into new textile fibers, giving them a second life as clothing.

“For 80 years now, we have been looking beyond fiber. Nature stimulates our creativity and inspires us to truly innovative ideas. Driving the circular economy forward is not always easy, but our ambition is unwavering.

This award pushes us forward on our mission to continue to develop further pioneering partnerships and innovative initiatives and represents our key Lenzing values; sustainability, innovation, circularity and collaboration – together we can make great change, despite the challenges of a rapidly changing economy and environment, we remain focused on our planet – to protect it for future generations,” says Carlo Covini, Business Manager Italy at the Lenzing Group.

In the very first phase of the pilot project, at the beginning of 2024, recycling was successfully tested and a “Glacier Jacket” produced thanks to the cooperation of Marchi & Fildi Spa, a specialist in mechanical recycling, the Italian premium denim manufacturer Candiani Denim and the avant-garde fashion studio Blue of a Kind.

The innovative concept was artistically staged by one of the most influential contemporary artists, the Italian Maestro Michelangelo Pistoletto.

Finally, the goal for the coming winter season also includes extending glacier protection to the French and Italian Alpine slopes.

“As the climate emergency accelerates glacier melting, we are at a critical point requiring transformative change for global impact. As part of Lenzing’s ongoing commitment to intertwine innovation and sustainability, this pioneering project represents the balanced connection between technology and nature, showcasing collaborative circular sustainable practices whilst acting as a rallying call for collective action. Together with our network of passionate industry experts, we can lead towards a substantial positive impact on our planet, safeguarding future generations. This project is an example to show the power of possibility when we collaborate together,” says Krishna Manda, Vice President Corporate Sustainability, at the Lenzing Group.

Lenzing anticipates strong growth in demand for environmentally responsible fibers[5] for the textile and clothing industry as well as the hygiene and medical sectors. The strategy is directed towards better meeting the growing customer demand for the fibers marketed under the TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, VEOCEL™ and LENZING™ brands.

Award-winning TENCEL^TM Lyocell and Modal fibers are produced with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption than generic lyocell and modal fibers[5]. The TENCEL™ fibers are certified biodegradable and compostable[2]. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are produced in an innovative closed-loop production process[7] that recovers more than 99.8% of the solvents used, resulting in almost zero waste.[8] TENCEL™ Modal fibers are also produced based on a highly resource-efficient technology with high recovery rates of chemicals.[9]

Lenzing is committed to achieving zero waste by 2050. In line with the Paris Agreement (1.5°C target) and the UN SDG 13, the Lenzing Group set ambitious science-based targets (SBTs) for reducing absolute GHG emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by 42 percent and in Scope 3 by 25 percent until 2030 (baseline 2021) and aims to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

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[1] Geotextiles made with LENZING™ fibers serve as a biodegradable alternative to geotextiles made with fossil-based fibers, which may allow microplastics (Senathirajah et al., 2021, J.Hazard Mater) to enter valleys via streams and may enter the food chain through small organisms and animals.

[2] Cellulosic LENZING™ fibers, made from wood, a natural and renewable raw material, are TÜV AUSTRIA certified biodegradable (soil, fresh water & marine) and compostable (home & industrial) include the following products: LENZING™ Viscose Standard textile/ nonwovens, LENZING™ Lyocell Standard textile/nonwovens, LENZING™ Modal Standard textile, LENZING™ Lyocell Filament, LENZING™ Lyocell Dry and LENZING™ Web Technology. An exception in certification applies for the fibers LENZING™ Lyocell Filament and LENZING™ Lyocell Dry, for which the necessary tests for confirming biodegradability in marine environment were not yet done or finalized. Geotextiles made of LENZING™ fibers will be recycled and used for making accessories and clothing.

[3] LENZING™ fibers, made from wood, a natural and renewable raw material, are TÜV AUSTRIA certified biodegradable (soil, fresh water & marine) and compostable (home & industrial) and geotextiles made of LENZING™ fibers will be recycled and used for making accessories and clothing.

[4] Senathirajah et al., 2021, J.Hazard Mater.

[5] LENZING™ Lyocell, Modal and Viscose fibers are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption, compared to generic (unbranded) lyocell and modal. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.7 by Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition).

[6] This refers to the increased usage of biobased materials in the industry, like cellulosic LENZING™ fibers, are made from wood, a natural and renewable raw material, and are TÜV certified biodegradable (soil, fresh water & marine) and compostable (home & industrial).

[7] Savings consider solvent recovery.

[8] According to the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI), TENCEL™ Lyocell has a significantly lower environmental impact than generic lyocell in the categories of abiotic depletion of fossil fuels (up to 39%), global warming (up to 53%), water consumption (up to 69%) and eutrophication (up to 60%). This is compared to generic (unbranded) lyocell and modal. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.7 by Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition).

[9] According to the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI), TENCEL™ Modal has a significantly lower environmental impact than generic modal in the categories of abiotic depletion of fossil fuels (up to 68%), global warming (up to 71%), water consumption (up to 68%) and eutrophication (up to 35%). This is compared to generic (unbranded) lyocell and modal. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.7 by Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition).