The fashion and textiles industry is experiencing its watershed moment. Climate awareness is at an all-time high and customers have supremely high standards for the brands from which they buy. As a result, organizations across the fashion and textiles industry are doubling down on their efforts to create a better future for our planet, and in big ways. New innovations, trends and ideas are being introduced to the supply chain designed to reduce the industry’s overall impact on the environment.

Sustainability has always been in the core DNA of the TENCEL™ brand as it works to move the entire fashion and textiles industry toward a more sustainable future. As we start to plan for 2023, let’s explore some of the trends and innovations launched by TENCEL™ this past year.

The race toward carbon-zero

Groundbreaking carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers remain popular among brand partners who are serious about reducing their environmental footprint. TENCEL™ has continued to work closely with brand partners across multiple segments to leverage these sustainable fibers, as part of the brand’s broader mission to deliver on its ‘True Carbon Zero’ promise.

This year, TENCEL™ entered a new textiles segment – carpet and rugs – with Jacaranda, a UK-based luxury carpet and rugs brand, launching the world’s first collection of handwoven carpets and rugs made using 100% carbon-zero TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers to boost the sustainability standards of home furnishings and decorations.

TENCEL™’s ‘True Carbon Zero’ promise also goes beyond the brand’s pioneering fibers. Earlier in 2022, Lenzing opened the world’s largest lyocell plant in Thailand, designed to supply brand partners closer to the source of production. The plant also uses 100% sustainable biogenic energy contributing significantly to climate protection.

From linear to circular

TENCEL™ has been working hard to support the industry with its move from a linear value chain to one which is circular. This has been a major trend across all segments of the TENCEL™ business.

For example, in collaboration with TENCEL™, H&M launched its next generation denim circular collection this August, using a fiber blend containing TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFRIBRA™ technology. In the workwear segment, TENCEL™ collaborated with UTEXBEL to leverage TENCEL™ X REFIBRA™ in security workwear for the Belgian Federal Public Service for Justice. TENCEL™ also leant its TENCEL™ X REFIBRA™ fibers to a new footwear collection by Timberland, setting a new standard for eco-friendly innovation in footwear. These collaborations breathed new life into cotton waste, which would have previously been destined for the landfill.

In the coming years, the industry will experience an even stronger push toward circularity, with pioneering innovations in recycling efficiency, AI and blockchain enabled traceability and supply chain transparency set to drive a circular economy for textiles.

Collaborations are key to positive change

TENCEL™ understands the value of working together for a more environmentally friendly future. Recent collaborations include functional products released with Adidas, and TREE CLIMATE, a new high performance TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber-based collection curated by outdoor fabric innovator David Parkes. TENCEL™ also partnered with fellow textile brand COREVA™ to create a novel cellulosic fiber for use in denim. The first of its kind in the world, TENCEL™ Limited Edition with hemp and COREVA™ fibers represents the first biodegradable stretch denim in history, available exclusively at renowned denim brand Candiani.

Beyond collaborations, TENCEL™ has continued to support the wider fashion industry. TENCEL™ is a proud sponsor of environmental NGO Redress, and was a partner for this year’s Redress Design Award. The award is the world’s largest fashion competition for emerging designers to champion new techniques in sustainable design. And, for the third year in a row, TENCEL™ partnered with RCGD Global to spotlight eco-couture at this year’s Academy Awards.

Across the entire industry, collaboration is paramount to driving sustainability. TENCEL™ is excited to continue working closely with brand and industry partners to shift our industry toward a circular supply chain, and eventually a net-carbon neutral future too.