TENCEL™ has been playing a key role in driving positive change in sustainability across various industries for many years and is now bringing its sustainable solutions into the automotive space through its collaboration with automobile manufacturer Renault.

Automotive manufacturers are now shifting gears to take proactive actions to enact meaningful change in response to pressure from investors and stakeholders to move towards net-zero emissions, as well as meeting expectations from consumers who consider sustainable automotive interiors a primary factor in their car-purchasing decisions[1].

To ensure the interior aesthetics of the new Renault Clio meet these changing expectations, a sustainable fabric which comprises of up to 60% TENCEL™ Modal fibers are developed for use in Renault Clio’s Techno trim seats, door panels, and dashboard. Not only is the new Clio the first car to feature TENCEL™ Modal fibers but it is also the first time these sustainable fibers have been used extensively inside any type of vehicle.

The cellulosic fiber of botanic origins in TENCEL™ Modal fibers are known for their natural softness and efficient moisture management which provides enhanced breathability to car seat fabrics, supporting the body’s natural thermal regulation and contributing to driver and passenger comfort. Apart from car seats, TENCEL™ Modal fibers can also be applied to vehicle carpets and other interior applications.

“The collaboration with Renault highlights the changing perception of sustainability in the automotive industry and the important role Lenzing can play in empowering brands and manufacturers along this sustainability journey with our automotive interior solutions,” said Friedrich Suchomel, Project Manager, Research & Breakthrough Innovation at Lenzing. “Leveraging our expertise in the textile market, we are well positioned to provide sustainable materials that offer comfort and performance to the automotive industry.”

Similar to other Lenzing fibers, the fibers used inside the new Clio are sourced from sustainably managed semi-natural forests which absorb large amounts of carbon and do not require any chemical fertilizers nor artificial irrigation. Furthermore, TENCEL™ Modal fibers are produced using renewable energy and have been certified with the EU Ecolabel, an environmental excellence label that is awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their life cycle.

The collaboration between Lenzing and Renault sets a new textile material standard for the automotive sector while demonstrating Lenzing’s diverse fiber solutions in meeting the renewed interest in sustainability across all industries.

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[1] Sustainable Materials in Demand for Automotive Interiors, 2022