In the current era of environmental protection and sustainability, the quest for warmth, style and high performance no longer needs to come at the cost of our kindness to the planet. Embracing the rising market trend and consumer demand for products made of responsible alternatives, Lenzing has collaborated with global brands and manufacturers to weave new narratives in fall and winter fashion through dedicated collections crafted from its EU Ecolabel-certified [1] TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers.

Responsibly sourced [2] and produced [3], TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers feature a meticulous combination of insulation and breathability that makes them a greatly favored ingredient for many mills and designers to craft insulating, high-performance cold-weather outdoor wear. These fibers can trap warmth close to the body while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape, striking the perfect balance to maintain a comfortable body temperature and coziness. The lightweight nature of these fibers also makes them an optimal base layer material to put heavier garments on, like down jackets and woolen sweaters, without adding bulk. Moreover, fabrics made with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, derived from the natural raw material wood, are less prone to static electricity, preventing apparel from generating uncomfortable static clings or shocks.

Brands and mills worldwide have harnessed the outstanding features of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and unlocked new realms of functional and fashionable design possibilities. For instance, icebreaker, an Auckland-headquartered natural outdoor performance clothing brand, created a blend of merino wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers for its Cool-Lite™ collection. This combination enhances softness while providing a cool touch with optimal moisture management, giving life to an array of sustainable [2,3] and high-performance winter activewear.

Sustaining a long-term partnership with Lenzing, Sweden-based outdoor wear brand Houdini has also been leveraging various blends of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and merino wool to create highly functional apparel. In its constant effort to explore more sustainable and less resource-intensive options of dyeing and chemicals, Houdini has yielded positive outcomes from its research into waterless, bio-based, water-based, and biodegradable dyes and processers.

American performance wear producer Smartwool took a similar approach and revealed Ultralite, an outdoor functional clothing line for cold weather, made exclusively using a high-quality special blend of merino wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. The innovative addition of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers delivers warmth and odor management without weighing down the wearer on outdoor adventures.

Italian company Manteco also showcased the transformative potential of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers through its patented Woolten® Fabrics and Leaf collection. Woolten® weaves Manteco’s recycled MWool® yarn with the TENCEL™ fibers, fusing comfort, versatility and natural freshness into trans-seasonal fabrics. The Leaf collection goes a step further, using artisanal techniques to imbue TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with a unique aged aesthetic, resulting in elegant yet durable fabrics with uneven aesthetics enriched by natural comfort and moisture management.

While TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers’ natural softness, smoothness, and high tenacity make them well-suited for cold-weather apparel, their high compatibility extends across all seasons. By inhibiting odor-causing bacteria and supporting rich colors in fabrics, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers enable vast design possibilities across various functions, making them a prime material not only for winter wear but also for clothing suited for every season.

“Across the globe, Lenzing has been working closely with mills and brands to unleash the full potential of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers’ functionality,” said Ebru Bayramoglu, Head of Global Business Development in textiles business at Lenzing. “Our goal is to continue raising awareness about this all-season adaptable material and expand the range of responsible apparel options [2,3] in the market. Through innovative collaborations, we are reshaping what cold-weather fashion can be – cozy, clever and conscious [1].”

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[1] EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001).

[2] TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers are derived from controlled or certified wood sources.

[3] TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal 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) by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (Version 3.7).

[4] LENZING™ Lyocell and Modal standard fibers are certified by TÜV AUSTRIA as biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine environments, and compostable under home and industrial conditions.