Combining TENCEL® fibers and merino wool paves the way to a wealth of opportunities. On the one hand, luxury fabrics can be produced which are particularly lightweight and supple and yet still warm. On the other hand, fabrics can be made which are perfect for sportswear. The outdoor specialist, Schöffel, have put this superb combination to use in their current retail line. Beginning in November, women’s and men’s ski underwear of TENCEL® fibers and merino wool were on show in the display windows of a total of 30 shops in three countries. They will be featured in Schöffel shops until the end of December. A mailing campaign rounds off this co-operation. When purchasing two underwear garments, customers will receive a headband of TENCEL® fibers/merino wool for free.

Marks & Spencer launched the ‘Comfortably Cool’ range of smart bedding enabled by TENCEL™ as an aid to the lasting heatwave. TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fibers excel in keeping users comfortably cool in hot summer nights. The naturally breathable and sustainable material helps to regulate body temperature, enhancing comfort and quality of sleep.

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are naturally soft to the touch and offer long-lasting comfort, exhibiting a smooth surface area and ensuring natural comfort for sensitive skin. When viewed under an electron microscope, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers exhibit a smooth surface area, giving fabrics a soft feel and ensuring comfort for sensitive skin. The softness is also proven to be long-lasting and able to withstand repeated wash and dry cycles compared to cotton.

In addition, under a natural thermal regulating mechanism, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers allow users to tackle summer heat with exceeding comfort. Compared to other filling materials for duvets, TENCEL™ Lyocell cellulose fibers absorb moisture more efficiently, facilitating body’s natural thermal regulating mechanism. This enables users to feel pleasantly cool and dry for an enjoyable night’s sleep, while the fibers can be engineered to provide warm and dry sensations on the skin.

TENCEL™ enables Japanese Customers and Partners to “Feels So Right” with Latest Advertising Campaign

This spring, Lenzing introduced the first TENCEL™ brand activation program in Asia Pacific region in collaboration with renowned retail brands, AG Jeans, Wacoal and Danskin in Japan.

Named after the TENCEL™ brand tagline “Feels So Right”, the co-branding campaign features Japanese actress Ryoko Hirosue demonstrating various “Feels So Right” moments in everyday life. The Campaign also features a series of online and offline advertising promotions across the country which will run from now till May 2018.

The highlight of the “Feels So Right” Campaign was the special TENCEL™ brand promotion which was conducted at Tokyo Metro’s Omotesando Station starting on February 27^th. The campaign also featured placements of TENCEL™ branded indoor advertisements on pillars inside Omotesando station of Tokyo Metro in Japan, print advertisements in the Metro Station magazine and online exposure in lifestyle website enjoytokyo.jp.

At a retail level, TENCEL™ themed instore promotions have been activated in more than 2,000 retail outlets of AG Jeans, Wacoal and Danskin. A key focus of the promotion is to educate consumers on the benefits of TENCEL™ branded fibers. Promotion at AG Jeans retail shops will be focused on TENCEL™ Denim, while Wacoal promotions will be on TENCEL™ intimate and Danskin will be focused on TENCEL™ Active.

Soulwear brand Rituals launched their new fall/winter 2018-2019 collection, which couples the beautiful simplicity of the ancient Orient with the modern-day luxury of exclusive home, yoga, and sleep wear. Created using sustainable TENCEL™ fibers, the garments are incredibly soft to touch and comfortable to wear.

The prints and designs are inspired by authentic Chinese and Japanese fashion, and made with TENCEL™ branded fibers, providing customers with extremely soft, high-quality fabrics that Rituals Soulwear is known for. Whether you are practicing yoga, lounging at home, or settling in for a good night’s sleep, you’re always wrapped in high-quality materials and ultimate comfort

The Sleep collection restores body, mind and soul by using the softest materials to promote a good night’s rest. Comfortable and elegant at the same time, the fabrics of the Sleep collection features natural touch against the skin and are made from TENCEL™ branded fibers which come from sustainable and certifiable wood sources.

To see the collection, visit here: https://www.rituals.com/en-nl/...

Martini Sportswear and TENCEL™ Active have partnered together to create a range of high performance and trendy sportswear using TENCEL™ branded fibers. Founded in 1958, Martini Sportswear are renowned for their high-quality sportswear collection which are made of some of the finest fibers available to ensure comfort and style are not compromised.

Martini Sportswear is based in Austria, and focused on producing high quality sportswear which ensure multifunctionality and innovative processing techniques. They also place special emphasis on the quality and functionality of the materials used, which is why TENCEL™ Active was selected as the fiber of choice.

TENCEL™ Active fibers are well suited for sporting activities, thanks to their natural structure which enables moisture management. The structure of the fiber enables regulation of the absorption and release of moisture, which in turn contributes to performance by keeping the body pleasantly cool and dry.

Lenzing partnered with Jockey in August to initiate a co-branding activity at the Jockey store located in Plaza Senayan, Jakarta. The showcase, featuring a visit of Miss Grand Indonesia 2018 contestants, helped raise awareness of sustainable intimate wear and TENCEL™ Modal’s unique selling points in Indonesia.

A the TENCEL™ showcase, Lenzing and Jockey created an island display in which Jockey’s product enabled by TENCEL™ Modal fiber and fact sheet are positioned in the middle of the store. In addition, Lenzing also conducted a product knowledge training session to Jockey’s retail clerk on tips for highlighting the benefits of TENCEL™ Modal fibers and anticipated frequently asked question by the customers.

The collaboration also featured a visit of Miss Grand Indonesia 2018 contestants to the Jockey store. All contestants received a TENCEL™ branded Batik goodie bag made of Tencel fibers and filled with promotional items such as wet wipes, scarf made of TENCEL™ fibers, facemask made of VEOCEL™ fibers, and a Jockey T-shirt.

天丝™品牌的莱赛尔和莫代尔纤维以环保责任的生产流程制造並取材于可持续发展木源。
天丝™纤维广受许多领先的设计师和知名零售商的欢迎。

Growing up as a Rosso meant early exposure to the inner workings of the denim industry for Stefano Rosso, son of Diesel founder Renzo Rosso and heir to the Italian denim brand’s empire.

Diesel has been known for its alternative luxury vibe and innovative denim since its birth in 1978, and so many consumers still seek it out for something that is genuinely cool to add to their denim wardrobe. Over the years, Diesel has evolved into a leader in premium casual wear, and Stefano plans to strengthen the company’s market presence and that leadership position even further.

Stefano, now CEO of Diesel’s North America business, started out at Diesel doing marketing and manufacturing, then switched to stints at some of Diesel parent company OTB’s other brands, which include Maison Margiela, Marni and Viktor&Rolf. With his focus squarely back on the denim brand since he took over the CEO role this summer, Stefano has a vision to see through for denim and Diesel.

Carved in Blue spent some time with Stefano, exploring what it was like to look into the denim industry from such a young age, finding out what his father’s lessons have taught him and getting a glimpse of what’s likely ahead for denim.

Carved in Blue: What was your first impression of the denim business when you were younger?

Stefano: That it was extremely complicated yet fascinating. It is a very particular product that can make the difference in the everyday life of consumers. You need to keep in mind so many aspects like comfort, fashion, durability, communication, construction…it is truly a world in and of itself!!!

Carved in Blue: Did you always want to go into the denim business? What did your dad think?

Stefano: Not really. I knew the environment but decided to work in the industry when I was 23. It was a journey and my father never forced me into the company.

Carved in Blue: Do you want your children to follow in your footsteps?

Stefano: No, I want them to be free to do what they like and have passion for. If you have passion for something you are most likely to succeed, and as individuals my children should discover what they love.

Carved in Blue: When did you realize you were a blueblood?

Stefano: After spending six months in the production department of Diesel. I visited all our partners’ facilities and realized how our jeans are all different and almost pieces of art. The construction and treatment we do are unique, and you realize it only when you see it with your own eyes. About our jeans, I always say we make ‘denim paintings.’

Carved in Blue: What is the best advice you’ve gotten from your dad?

Stefano: Make your own team with the right people who share your values and complete your set of competencies. Trust them and you will have GREAT RESULTS.

Carved in Blue: What do you think’s ahead for the denim industry in the future?

Stefano: The denim industry went from being a cool fashionable category to a commodity that completes your outfit. I feel we will go back to artisanal unique denim soon.

Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?

Stefano: It means my LIFE!!!

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#CarvedInBlue #Diesel #denim

Whether it’s 70s flair, girly details or super-soft denim, Bella Dahl is providing it all for keen consumers in just the right doses.

The Los Angeles-based brand with the city’s laid back style has amassed a loyal following of female fans who value comfort just as much as style. Today’s consumers want transitional garments that can take them from one activity to the next, and often times above style, they want to feel good in what they’re wearing.

And that’s something Bella Dahl knows about its consumers and has taken every effort to incorporate that in its offering.

Carved in Blue caught up with Bella Dahl director of marketing Jennifer Vathanadireg, to get the scoop on what we’ll see for the season and find out where the brand’s design inspiration comes from.

Carved in Blue: Tell us a little about Bella Dahl…what’s the vision and what does it mean?

Jennifer: We have a lot of new and exciting things going on with the brand. We already have a very loyal community of customers, and want to expand on this. Bella Dahl stands for “Beautiful Doll.”

Carved in Blue: Your fall line looks incredible. Can you tell us more about the latest fits and styles?

Jennifer: Yes, we have added a lot of bell sleeves, tie backs and added embellishments to our denim tops and shirts. And of course, our fall line is as soft as ever!

Carved in Blue: What are some of your favorite pieces?

Jennifer: Our Fray Trucker Jacket is an absolute must. You can wear this with anything, and it’s so lightweight and soft. It’s a perfect transition into fall. Another favorite is our Peplum Top, it comes in various colors and goes with anything. It’s a perfect “day to night” piece.

Carved in Blue: What was a highlight of this seasons campaign? How did this influence the designs this season?

Jennifer: This season was all about keeping it true. We’re always true to our brand, and this season we really embodied this.

Carved in Blue: What’s your take on colored denim this season?

Jennifer: One of Bella Dahl’s staple colors is denim. You’ll see chambray and a lot of blues come out each season. From button downs to peplums to joggers and skirts, there’s nothing we don’t use the color denim on. The more denim the better, trust us.

Carved in Blue: What are the features of the TENCEL® styles for customers?

Jennifer: Our TENCEL® pieces are the softest pieces of clothing you’ll ever feel. Seriously. That along with their durability and figure flattering form make them essentials for our customers—their every-day go-tos.

Carved in Blue: How does Bella Dahls address the “Conscious Denim Choice”?

Jennifer: We address this in everything we do—from our product, to our stores, as well as online and on social media.

Carved in Blue: Speaking of social media, what Instagrammers do you turn to for fashion inspiration?

Jennifer: Becky Hillyard (@cellajaneblog) and Ariana Lauren (@arianalauren) are very much aligned with the Bella Dahl brand. Their color stories and effortless feels match Bella Dahl’s laid-back, Southern California influence. We like to see how they’re mixing pieces that you typically wouldn’t see paired as an outfit. That inspires Bella Dahl to style each collection with an open mind.

Tags:

#CarvedInBlue #BellaDahl #denim

If any brand could take waste and make it look cool, it’s probably G-Star RAW.

The latest innovation installation from the Dutch designer clothing company is a partnership with color solutions and chemicals company Archroma—dyeing denim with dyestuffs made from recycled plants and nutshells.

The effort is just G-Star’s latest in its commitment to both the philosophy, “Just the Product,” and to making more sustainable products.

“G-Star is very focused on the constant reinvention of denim craftsmanship to create tomorrow’s classics,” the company’s resident denim sustainability expert Adriana Galijasevic, said. “We continuously push the boundaries and investigate new materials, styles and fits. Our design ethos starts with taking responsibility for the social and environmental impact of our products and we take this very seriously.”

The capsule collection with Archroma, dubbed EarthColors, is all dyed using recycled agricultural waste. The line gets its name because it’s made with 70 to 100 percent natural colors, generated from things like olives, rosemary, non-edible nutshells and almonds.

Adding to the minimized impact of the product, there’s no land required in order to produce EarthColors and food consumption is unaffected since only the non-edible parts of the plants are used. They are receptive to ozone and laser finishing technologies which also mean that the dyes are designed for optimal performance.

“As denim innovators we’re always striving to challenge conventions—both in terms of style and future-proof processes,” G-Star corporate responsibility director Frouke Bruinsma, said. “The introduction of EarthColors into G-Star’s jeans’ collection represents a successful collaboration with Archroma and the embodiment of our sustainable mindset which guides our product design from start to finish.”

Six EarthColors skus hit stores Nov. 1, the 5620 Elwood Staq 3D Mid Waist Skinny for women in three colors, and the 5620 Elwood 3d Super Slim for men in three colors.

In a quick Q&A with Carved in Blue, G-Star’s Galijasevic talked about her longest owned denim item, “a 1960s denim jacket, which I bought in NYC at the Grand Bazaar in 1999, but was unfortunately stolen a couple of years ago,” she said.

More fortunately, Galijasevic said Carved in Blue has served as a resource.

“It’s my quick stop for valuable information and inspiration on denim and beyond,” she said.

Sustainability is the hottest trend in denim right now—and it’s what’s going to shape the future for the fabric.

That’s why designer denim brand DL1961 has teamed up with Lenzing to make its jeans as sustainable as they are stylish. DL1961 will tap into Lenzing’s Refibra™ branded lyocell fibers to create an innovative denim blend: one that uses raw materials from renewable wood and recycled cotton scraps, but still delivers on quality, feel and fit.

Apart from the renewable wood sources, Refibra™ fibers take cotton scraps that would have been left behind on the cutting room floor, making the fiber all the more sustainable since it’s using even less virgin resources and reducing denim’s environmental footprint.

“Denim apparel has a high impact on the environment and consumers are seeking alternatives with the environment in mind,” said Tricia Carey, director of global business development for denim at Lenzing. “Lenzing is offering a viable solution with Refibra™ branded lyocell fibers to provide innovation with reduced environmental impact.”

It’s not DL1961’s first foray with Lenzing—the company has been using TENCEL^® fibers in its denim since 2012, much to the appeal of consumers who increasingly crave performance and comfort. DL1961 is, however, among the first of Lenzing’s partners to use fabrics with Refibra™ fibers for its denim with a collection launching for Pre-Fall 2018 in their best-selling fits in a range of washes.

“It is our responsibility as a company and as leaders in the denim industry to make sure we are always in pursuit of better processes and materials that reduce our environmental footprint all while providing our customer with newer more technologically advanced denim season after season,” DL1961 CEO Maliha Ahmed, said. “Partners like Lenzing make our dream of creating the most efficient, high quality denim on earth a reality.”

The partnership between Lenzing and DL1961 for denim with Refibra™ is another step toward creating a circular economy at a time when resources are strained and companies and consumers alike are realizing that maintaining the status quo for apparel production simply isn’t sustainable.

“We are pleased to partner with such a premiere denim brand, DL1961 to bring Refibra™ fibers to denim consumers,” Carey said. “Denim is not just about fit and style, it is also about sustainability.”

When denim minds merge, it often means a beautiful thing.

That’s what happened when the Phlaphongphanit and Sachathep families joined forces to develop Atlantic Mills Thailand Company. The families’ apparel knowledge goes back as far as the 30s.

Those decades of learning how to deliver on consumer demand have made Atlantic Mills successful, but it’s also a tight family bond that’s brought the business to where it is today.

Carved in Blue revisted Atlantic Mills director Amrin Sachathep to find out more about the family ties that bind the mill in blue.

Carved in Blue: Which family members are working at Atlantic?

Amrin: Atlantic Mills is run by two separate families who have joined together post our textile trading era, which dated back to 1935. The Phlaphongphanit family and the Sachathep family. We each contribute to 50 percent of the company.

Carved in Blue: What’s it like working with your family?

Amrin: While we have to contend with intricate politics, we find benefits working as a family. Decisions are taken a lot quicker in developing a new product or having to upgrade machinery for the fast-paced fashion industry we live in today.

Carved in Blue: What was your first impression of the denim business when you started?

Amrin: Denim was considered the most premium wardrobe clotheswear one needed to wear. Seven for All Mankind, Chip & Pepper, Mudd Jeans, Rock & Republic, Paper Denim & Cloth were must-haves. It was an exciting time and everyone wanted to start their own denim line. The brands were finally adapting to having some stretch in their product line. It was back in 2003 when I had joined the company, one year after it had started.

Carved in Blue: Did you always want to go into the denim business?

Amrin: I personally studied biomedical engineering, which was as far from denim business as one could be. But engineering taught me to be all-rounded. And as my family had grown from the textile trade, it was inevitable that at one point in my life, I had to join the company. So as I was looking for a job post-graduation, I worked part-time at Atlantic Mills. And later it became a full-time job.

Carved in Blue: Do you want your children to follow in your footsteps?

Amrin: I am convinced I will have no say in what my children will want to become. But I would like for them to do what they love. Being passionate about the work you do makes a huge difference in being able to accomplish all of the goals you have in your life.

Carved in Blue: When did you realize you are a blueblood?

Amrin: Having learnt the tricks of biomedical engineering, I was able to transfuse blue into my body on the first day of my job. And as they say, once you’ve turned indigo, there’s no turning back!

Carved in Blue: What is the best advice you received from your family?

Amrin: Never neglect your family as they help you soar.

Carved in Blue: What do you think the future holds for the denim industry?

Amrin: Denim is going through its toughest times at the moment, as brick-and-mortar stores close, and consumers move to online sales. Brands will keep less inventory and depend on quicker manufacturing cycles to adapt to quicker fashion statements. The key is innovation and speed, which will be helped with the technology of robotics. The future looks exciting as soon consumers will be able to design their own jeans from a computer screen, produced on the other side of the world, and have it delivered to them by drones.

Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?

Amrin: The right balance of sustainability, transparency and the richness of indigo and its roots.

GAP opened the first store in 1969 with a simple idea — to make it easier to find a pair of jeans and a commitment to do more. Over the last 46 years, the company has grown from a single store to a global fashion business with five brands — Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta and Intermix. GAP’s clothes are available in 90 countries worldwide through 3,300 company-operated stores, almost 400 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites and is still growing.

In 2017, GAP published a policy that is in line with Canopy Style, on sustainable procurement of wood-derived fabrics, such as rayon, viscose, modal and lyocell, to eliminate the sourcing of woodpulp from ancient and endangered forests. For over a year, GAP has been incorporating TENCEL™ brand in their collections which are sold in retail stores and online. They have also been including TENCEL™ Denim cellulosic fibers in their Womens and Children’s collections, in various apparel pieces like chambray tops, dress, pants and jackets.

However, given the complexity of the supply chain, sometimes it could be challenging for GAP to trace sources of tier 3 suppliers as most fibers are bought and sold as commodities, and GAP does not have direct financial relationships with the original suppliers. Therefore, GAP has joined multi-stakeholder partnerships, or certified initiatives such as organic, recycled, Fair Trade and others, to help verify the origin of certain commodities and fibers or ensure that these fibers are sustainably sourced.

Today, GAP is working harder than ever to make their business more sustainable by setting bold goals, designing new programs and partnering with others to change the industry for the better. To raise the awareness of sustainable garments further, GAP has also been promoting the TENCEL™ brand through email marketing campaigns, as well as their retail website and sustainability website.

If you are interested in more information, please visit: http://www.gap.com/browse/home.do?ssiteID=GAP

Since its launch in 2010, Bella Dahl has become well known for its seriously soft apparel, with goods made right in Los Angeles.

The brand’s laid-back, flirty California flair, reflected in its fashionable collections of jumpers, tops, dresses, lounge wear and jeans, has garnered it a cult following among female consumers who like their style with a side of comfort.

Bella Dahl’s denim line is crafted with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers using a unique fabrication and wash process that yield an ultrasoft hand and smooth finish. The brand’s responsibility in protecting the planet is evidence in its use of biodegradable fabric and a nontoxic solvent, which is recycled during production, to produce its jeans.

Carved in Blue caught up with Bella Dahl director of marketing Jennifer Vathanadireg, to talk more about the inspiration behind the brand’s sporty spring ’18 collection, its curated Essentials line and how the use of TENCEL™ Lyocell has enhanced its denim.

Carved in Blue: Tell us a little about Bella Dahl. What’s the vision behind the brand?

Jennifer: Designed in Los Angeles since 2010, Bella Dahl creates ultrasoft women’s essentials that pull influences from the laid-back Southern California lifestyle. We take pride in the quality of product, with each and every item being hand dyed, treated and quality controlled here in Los Angeles.

Carved in Blue: Your spring line looks incredible. Can you tell us more about the inspiration?

Jennifer: Our Spring ’18 line entails a lot of lightweight travel pieces with unique prints and cuts. We’ve added a bit of preppiness and sportiness to the spring line. This collection includes something for everyone.

Carved in Blue: What are some of your favorite pieces?

Jennifer: Our ruffle dress, Cape May print tops and all of our jumpers!

Carved in Blue: What makes certain styles Essentials?

Jennifer: Our Essentials are a collection curated by us, inspired by our customers. These are styles that carry over from season to season, pieces that can be worn with anything. They are your go-to and must-have pieces that everyone should own. We introduce new colorways and prints for the Essentials line from season to season.

Carved in Blue: How does TENCEL™ Lyocell fit into the Bella Dahl collection?

Jennifer: With extreme comfort and wearability in mind, Bella Dahl crafted denim with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. Derived from TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, our fabrication and wash process yields a luxuriously soft touch and sleek finish. Bella Dahl has completely evolved the way women wear denim today. With its incredibly soft hand, lived-in look and lightweight construction, our denim fabrication allows our designers to create clothing that is not only easy wear, easy care but timeless and versatile.

Carved in Blue: Where can we find the Bloomingdale’s X Bella Dahl shops?

Jennifer: Bella Dahl has shops in more than 30 Bloomingdale’s stores in California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These shops have an incredible assortment of our latest styles.

For more stories on our TENCEL™ Denim, be sure to follow our Carved in Blue blog!

The Lenzing Group (Lenzing) is pleased to announce a collaboration with Country Road an iconic Australian lifestyle brand. Under the collaboration Country Road will be the first major Australian retailer to introduce denim garments made from TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with Lenzing’s innovative REFIBRA™ technology.

Feel Good Innovation

Country Road’s top selling Sateen Jean is now made from TENCEL™ Lyocell using REFIBRA™ technology by LENZING. The fabrication created by Spanish mill Tejidos Royo is smooth and gentle on the skin, while being strong and durable for everyday wear. Says Darren Todd, Managing Director, Country Road; “We actively look to partner with manufacturers who are driving innovation in this space. Lenzing continues to demonstrate how we can reduce our ecological footprint and reassess waste as a resource.” The Sateen Jean will be available online and at 80 store locations across Australia and New Zealand.

Sustainable Partnerships

“Our partnership with Country Road is a key milestone to the development of the newly launched TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers using REFIBRA™ technology, as well as a major step forward in sustainable fashion,” said Tricia Carey, Global Business Development Director of Denim, Lenzing Group. “While retail brands pay more attention to supply chain transparency, consumers are becoming more conscious about choosing high quality products made with sustainable materials and green production process. Guided by the TENCEL™ brand promise of ‘Feels so right’, we will continue to innovate and identify ways to reduce the fashion industry’s ecological footprint while ensuring natural comfort. REFIBRA™ technology marks another step forward in our journey, and we’re grateful to work alongside Country Road to bring high quality and sustainable denim products to the market.”

A testament to Lenzing’s commitment to driving sustainability, REFIBRA™ technology transforms a supplemental proportion of cotton scraps collected from garment production and wood pulp from responsibly managed forests into new virgin TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. The fibers are produced via a closed-loop production process[1] using bioenergy and can be used for fabric and garment production. Denim garments made with REFIBRA™ technology are smooth and gentle on skin, yet versatile, strong and durable for everyday wear. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers produced by REFIBRA^TM technology recently achieved the Recycled Claim Standard[2], which certifies that production processes in its entire supply chain having undergone proper steps to ensure integrity of the final product.

More information about the ‘Feel Good Jean’ can be found on Country Road’s website, Facebook and Instagram, as well as in-store promotional signage and garment swing tags. Images of the ‘Feel Good Jean’ can be downloaded here.

More information about TENCEL™ Denim and REFIBRA™ technology can be found here.

For more stories on our TENCEL™ Denim, be sure to follow our Carved in Blue blog!

[1] This process transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with high resource efficiency and low ecological impact. This solvent-spinning process recycles process water and reuses the solvent at a recovery rate of more than 99%. This economically viable manufacturing process received the European Award for the Environment from the European Commission in the category “The Technology Award for Sustainable Development”

[2] Recycled Claim Standard: Reference no. PRC080158

Delivering a mix of innovation, craftsmanship and expertise to consumers in the BLACK FOREVER collection, a new vision has arrived for denim.

In the collaboration with LENZING™ Modal Black, Soorty and ONLY take the brand’s DNA to a next level. Now the launch of ecological denim utilizing new fashionable and sustainable solutions is available in a variety of applications – jeans, skirts, tops, and jackets. ONLY BLUE DENIM, BESTSELLER’S most successful female denim brand is now powered by Soorty’s BLACK FOREVER. ONLY BLUE DENIM will launch BLACK FOREVER concept in July 2018 across all European stores and online.

The technological innovations in these signature black fabrics are durability with lasting color even after repeated washing. Soorty launches BLACK FOREVER denim turning black denim into a timeless piece of clothing, featuring lower impact in dyeing and super soft handfeel giving the wearer amazing comfort even after many home laundries. There is a lower environmental footprint with Black Forever using less water, chemicals, and energy than conventional dyed products. In the seasonal color story of classic never fade black the BLACK FOREVER approach is futuristic, fashionable, and ecological.

Fashion trends and inspiring editorial content are the backbone of Bestseller, a family-owned accessories and clothing company based in Denmark. The company, which aims to provide fast affordable fashion for consumers worldwide, features a diverse portfolio of more than 20 different apparel brands, including Jack & Jones, and ONLY BLUE DENIM. Bestsellers’ brands are sold globally through e-commerce platforms and marketed in 70 markets across Canada, Europe, the Middle East and other core international regions.

Based in Karachi, Pakistan, Soorty is shaking up the sector with its innovative denim fabrics and jeans. Through research, innovation and a focus on consumers’ current fashion demands, Soorty is providing its own take on the denim sector. Soorty currently has a pre- and post-consumer waste shredding plant, offers vertical eco-friendly solutions from sourcing to finished product and operates a gold rated U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) certified garment factory in Bangladesh.

While China’s apparel sector continues to grow, Lenzing Fibers is supporting the nation’s upcoming designers with an interesting fashion initiative.

In April 2018, Lenzing Fibers and Indigo Tank hosted the T WAVE Fashion Show in Guangzhou, China, to showcase a trendy apparel capsule from the nation’s emerging designers and elevate international recognition of local clothing designs.



The capital T stands for TENCEL™, Lenzing’s botanic origin fibers, or trend or talent, representing the breadth of innovations offered by China’s young design scene. Evan Shang and Seraphine Sin, two local designers, presented their T WAVE apparel capsule garments at the fifth annual Bentley Guangzhou SUN IN SKY Fashion Week, a fashion promotion platform for young designers in South China. The designers reviewed many fabrications with TENCEL™ Lyocell and final selections for the collections were from Advance Denim, Asiatex, Matsui, Mizuda, and Prosperity.

Indigo Tank, a denim atelier based in Guangzhou, China, is set up by Vincent Qin, founder of the Asia Denim Innovation Alliance (ADIA). ADIA initiates the concept of industrial chain corporation and creates a communication platform and then Indigo Tank activates the initiative. The recent T WAVE Fashion Show is a great example of collaboration in the denim community.

“The T WAVE Fashion Show is a start of our effort to support the emerging young designers in China, and we are committed to making this effort a continuous one”, says Vincent from Indigo Tank.

Shang, the designer and founder of 5.W brand, has a decade of fashion experience under his belt. After supervising design works for popular local brands, including UR and Ochirly, Shang established 5.W in 2013, a brand that focuses on neutrality, taste, trend and simplicity. The line, which aims to deliver a cross-over apparel concept, blends contrasting colors, ideas and materials to fortify a unisex perception for men’s fashion. The line’s key apparel items, including structured jackets and button down shirts, are favored by local show business celebrities, including Hua Chen Yu and Li Wei Jia.

Sin is also shaking up contemporary women’s wear with her label, Seraph Sin. An alum of the France-based fashion school ESMOD Paris, Sin’s resume includes previous stints at Eric Tibusch Paris and Sonia Rykiel. Leveraging her past luxury fashion experiences, Sin established Seraph Sin to demonstrate how clothing can create an equilibrium between women’s delicate outer appearance and their headstrong mindsets. The label, which channels geometric shapes and grey hues, sets out to tell stories of the female body and soul. Sin incorporates men’s wear fabric to add personality to her garments, which include long shirtdresses and flowy mid-length dresses.

“Main stream of jeans consumers has to been young people in China nowadays. Young people have their own personalities and preference of choices. No gender, no borders is the new attitude. Premiumization trend takes shape. Personalized style is getting popular in jeans, ” says Karen Kang, Lenzing’s Business Development Manager in Shanghai. ” TENCEL™ is 25 years old and still new compared to other materials. T-WAVE collection powered by TENCEL™ represents young people’s new attitude and top of fashion tide. TENCEL™ lyocell brings stylish comfort essence and with the young models in TENCEL™ feels so right!,” added Kang.

For more stories on our TENCEL™ Denim, be sure to follow our Carved in Blue blog!

TENCEL™ Lyocell is the lead material for Allbirds’s new Tree shoe collection. The trendy US brand Allbirds, known for “the world’s most comfortable shoes”, did it again: they introduced a new form of comfort: tree!

The new Tree collection is made with TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fiber under the TENCEL™ for Footwear branded offer, that creates a cooling effect by wicking away moisture and, in concert with a silky-smooth mesh construction, delivers unmatched breathability and supreme comfort.

“When we first visited the Lenzing facilities in Austria in 2016, we convinced ourselves that this material doesn’t compromise for comfort or for the environment, and we’re excited to challenge industry norms via material innovation once again”, said Joey Zwillinger, co-founder of Allbirds about TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fibers.

Read here for the full story and see how to get a pair for yourself!

Being active isn’t just part of life, it’s a way of life. Those who choose to get the most out of every day, need an active-wear brand that supports their fast paced, energetic, no-excuses lifestyle.

To ensure consumers to look good, feel good and do good amidst the rigors of a rapid lifestyle, TENCEL™ Active, new, innovative brand by Lenzing, is the total solution for apparel makers who want to tab the growing active-wear market. With botanic origin, TENCEL™ Active defines a new standard of sustainability and natural comfort for people who demand the most out of themselves and the garments they wear.

Enabled by TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers, TENCEL™ Active combines state-of-the-art performance, with the highest levels of comfort and durability.

TENCEL™ Active harnesses cutting-edge technology to manage the transportation of moisture; keeping you cool, dry and confident. Submicroscopic canals between the microscopic fibrils of cellulose fibers regulate the absorption and release of moisture to provide long-lasting natural comfort and versatility.

Active people need sportswear that can keep pace with their fast-moving lifestyle and look good. To ensure long lasting vibrancy, color pigments are deeply embedded into TENCEL™ Active garments, providing long lasting color, wash after wash.

Active people often spend time enjoying the ‘great outdoors’, taking advantage of all that nature has to offer. They want to minimize their impact on the environment so that future generations can enjoy those same outdoor activities. Lenzing shares this commitment to sustainability through production of cellulose fibers which are derived from renewable wood sources following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. Fibers used in the TENCEL™ Active brand are produced via responsible production processes and are compostable and biodegradable, providing you with the peace of mind that you are contributing to a sustainable future.

TENCEL™ Active combines the very best in cutting-edge technology with natural comfort and vibrant design to produce sportswear garments that meets the demands of active lifestyles.

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The Inspiration

Today’s lifestyle of choice is increasingly focused on wellness. We are beginning to recognise that exercise, which is crucial to mental and physical wellbeing, should be a key part of any healthy lifestyle.

As a result, there’s a growing demand for textiles that not only enhance our experience as we work out, but also encourage us to move our bodies in the first place. With this in mind, Forever Young has been designed as a collection of intimates, activewear and outerwear that subconsciously inspires us to be active. When our bodies are active, they produce vital endorphins, making us feel youthful and invigorated.

High Performance Textiles

Textile selection is key to achieving this objective. Today’s textiles should not only look good; they should also deliver a wealth of benefits to the wearer, such as:

• Sensation: stimulating the senses
• Physical comfort: reacting to muscles, skin and temperature
• Support: correcting and shaping the body
• Protection: supporting and healing qualities

In providing these benefits, we can deliver a powerful dose of positive energy to the wearer that helps them to feel young and healthy, in both body and mind. Wearers will not only feel active but mindful; a state of serenity and awareness at the same time.

Design Partners

Studio Eva x Carola have been instrumental in the creation of this collection. They take a reverse approach to the process of creating; designs are produced as a result of textile choice, machine selection and data, rather than vice versa. The process involves several elements, including intensive research into the needs of the wearer, the capabilities of the material itself, and graphic design.

Seamless Technology

Seams are often associated with irritation to the skin and removing them can deliver an exceptional level of comfort. To produce this collection, we have therefore used the latest seamless and circular knitting technology from Santoni Shanghai and manufacturing skills from Kingwhale, Taiwan.

These different knit technologies have been used to transform stitches into functional textures. Engineering is done on a stitch-by-stitch level and textures are then bodymapped onto the garment. Throughout the garment, these textures fulfil different performance needs, working in harmony with their aesthetic and design.

One of the most important elements in the creation process is the testing of different yarns, machine settings and knits. Every structure that is developed is carefully analysed in terms of its touch, performance and appearance. Once the right metrics have been determined, the structures are assigned to different functional zones in the garment to produce the final design. These functional zones might deliver benefits such as ventilation, compression, power, support, shaping, protection, and insulation.

Modular Designs

In today's textile industry, target groups are constantly shifting, leading to diverse consumer profiles. There is a new breed of cross consumers who are looking for engagement and a variety of experiences. This has given rise to the need for layered outfits that can meet all of the wearer's daily requirements.

With this in mind, these products have been developed from the yarn up. Garments have been created using one concept and one fiber, whilst also delivering multiple end uses. This apparel appeals to both old and young demographics. It not only enhances the body but also combines elements from both fashion and activewear. There is a smooth interaction between inner layers (intimates) and outer layers (outerwear). Designs deliver both functionality and style - they combine the benefits of body enhancing textiles with an elegant aesthetic that is stylish enough to wear out. The resulting modular outfits provide versatility, performance, and most importantly value.

The power of nature

Finding the perfect synergy between product, knit technology and yarn is essential. Using natural functional fibers is an intelligent solution that can help to deliver important benefits to the wearer. The Forever Young collection therefore features TENCEL™ branded Lyocell and TENCEL™ branded Modal fibers (with Eco Soft and Micro technologies) blended with Merino, Umorfil, Coolmax or Celliant. Those familiar with Lenzing yarns will know that TENCEL™ fibers have some special attributes that are ideal for this type of apparel. Firstly, they're incredibly soft and smooth, giving a high level of comfort. Secondly, they are soothing and cooling on the skin, properties that are extremely beneficial when it comes to activewear. Finally, they are breathable, absorbing and releasing moisture and thereby assisting with thermal regulation. The result is a natural fiber that, as TENCEL™ slogan aptly puts it, “feels so right”.

These fibers not only feel right because of their material; they also feel right because they are sustainably produced. Both TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers are made with ethically sourced wood - either natural forests or sustainably managed plantations. They have a low water footprint and are manufactured with a responsible use of chemicals. This means we can not only deliver wellbeing for ourselves, we can also deliver wellbeing for the planet.

View the collection

Forever Young is a fascinating example of Lenzing’s TENCEL™ branded fibers and how they can be used to create innovative designs.

As a leading industry player in the fiber industry, we always strive to maintain the delicate balance of People, Planet and Profit with the passion of producing sustainable fibers. Join us today to make a better world by purchasing apparel that is made of natural and eco-friendly fibers!

You can view the collection at the upcoming Interfilière in Paris on July 7, 8 and 9.

Sustainability affects all points of the supply chain and Arvind is the latest denim leader to pursue more environmentally responsible alternatives to cotton, the leading material used to make jeans.

The global fabric supplier is introducing “ZERO”, a collection of denim produced with no cotton fibers. Each pair of ZERO denim is woven with sustainable fibers, including TENCEL™ Lyocell, kapok, wool and recycled polyester. According to Arvind, cotton production consumes roughly 20,000 liters of water per kilogram and can have an adverse impact on the Earth.

By providing consumers with the option to buy more eco-conscious denim, Arvind is taking its sustainability a step further and doing its part to fuel the circular economy.

Denim’s environmental makeover is not based on a sole product or initiative, though. Arvind urges denim makers to take a more corporate social responsibility approach to their actions in order to address roadblocks and make necessary improvements from sourcing to finished product.

Carved in Blue caught up with Stefano Aldighieri, Creative Director, from Arvind to discuss the company’s environmental roots, its new “ZERO” fabric marketing and why addressing denim sustainability starts with material sourcing.

Carved in Blue: What are the key sustainability initiatives of your company?

Stefano: I think talking about ‘sustainable’ initiatives or single products is no longer relevant nowadays; we really must think differently and embrace a Corporate Social Responsibility approach that covers all the areas that we affect, positively and negatively, in business. Arvind has been conscious about this since its beginnings back in the 1930s, and that is why there are too many initiatives to list! Our CSR report is available online for all to read.

Carved in Blue: What do you call your “no cotton” fabric/ marketing?

Stefano: The concept is called ZERO, 0% Cotton, 100% Denim.

Carved in Blue: Why did you develop a denim fabric with no cotton?

Stefano: It is becoming obvious that, as much as we love cotton, we must reduce our dependence from it; growing agricultural demands for food and a need to reassess the use of water in farming makes it a necessity to seek alternatives.

Carved in Blue: Why did you use TENCEL™ Lyocell? What other fibers are you using to achieve?

Stefano: The key objective when replacing cotton with other fibers is to REDUCE the environmental footprint of the fiber, not to increase it (the easy solution would be to go all synthetic, but we know that it would not be an improvement); we selected for our initial launch TENCEL™ Lyocell, for both its properties and its eco-friendliness, but also wool, kapok, bamboo, biodegradable and recyclable polyester…I think we are just at the beginning. This is a line that will expand over time. My ultimate goal is to use low impact fibers and create fabrics that can be easily recycled.

Carved in Blue: What has brands’ reaction to the new concept been?

Stefano: I think the overall response was very positive; like I said, this is still a concept and the initial range must and will be further expanded. As long as the fabrics look, feel and react like denim, I do not expect much push back.

Read more about TENCEL™ Denim in our Carved in Blue blog!

TENCEL™ Denim was featured in the spotlight alongside young talented designers during the Lenzing Sustainable Denim Competition at Graduate Fashion Week in London. This year, as the sponsor for the competition, Lenzing provided a platform for young student designers around the world to show-off their talent and the versatility of TENCEL™ branded under Denim category.

During the four-day Fashion Week in June, Lenzing organized a series of sustainable denim workshops for shortlisted candidates of the Lenzing Sustainable Denim Competition. The workshops covered the unique features of TENCEL™ branded fibers, including their botanic origin, eco-responsible production process, as well as natural comfort, long-lasting softness, smoothness and versatility that could be tailored to a sustainable lifestyle.

The winner of the Sustainable Denim Competition was Niamh Carr, graduate of Fashion Design and Technology - Menswear at Manchester Metropolitan University. She won the competition with her collection “Just Do Your Bit”. The materials sourced for her collection was based on making good sustainable choices, which featured repurposed denim. She made use of denim fabric from Candiani, which is made of TENCEL™ branded fibers for her menswear that featured pink stitch detail in a classic tailoring style.

In addition, Niamh also shared her thoughts about the competition and sustainable fashion:

Q: What was the highlight of the denim project with GFW?

A: For me, the highlight is to be given the opportunity to visit Black Horse Lane atelier, meet its founder Han Ates and hear his story. Han’s amazingly talented team created a very inspiring atmosphere and aspirational business model. After selecting denim from various mills from around the world, I chose a rigid selvedge from Candiani, which was an incredible denim to work with from such a forward-thinking mill that cares about sustainability.

Q: How do you think we can reduce the environmental impact of the denim industry?

A: By making things last longer, with better, more hard wearing construction and by utilising timeless designs in more sustainably-made fabrics are key. We should design clothes that people can invest in rather than going for a throw-away style trend.

Q: What impresses you the most about TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fiber?

A: I would say it’s the quality of the fabrics created by TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber, as they don’t feel anything like the old-fashioned stereotypical idea of “Eco friendly” fabric. They maintain the original aesthetic and feel but reduce our impact on the environment.

What does it mean to “Feel so Right”? Ferhan Istanbullu, prominent former fashion and lifestyle chief editor of Marie Claire, Time Out İstanbul, Vizyon, and more, shared her secrets to staying comfortable in the hot summer with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. As fan of sustainable lifestyle, she shared her story on how TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers keep her cool and dry all summer long.

According to Ferhan, TENCEL™ is derived from botanic origin and garments made of TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber can make your impossible dream come true – it enables you to stay cool, dry and comfortable all day long. Even by touching it, I already know that I will be comfortable in it. While it is important to read food labels, it is now time to read garment labels, and if the garment has TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber, consumers can rest assured that they will feel comfortable all day long.

Let’s hear from Ferhan in her own words below:

(Click to play)

TENCEL™ joined forces with WE-AR to take part at the Good Sustainable Style Show at the New Zealand Fashion Week to promote ethical fashion on September 2, 2018. The show brought together leaders in the ethical fashion industry, integrating style, comfort and sustainability in response to the fast-growing demand of ethical fashion in recent years.

Partnering with WE-AR in yoga wear and swimwear, numerous pieces of ethical fashion designs enabled by TENCEL™ were showcased during the show. Featuring function, style and comfort, designs enabled by the TENCEL™ brand is testament to the notion that style and comfort do not have to be sacrificed with the pursuit sustainability and ethical principles. All TENCEL™ branded Lyocell and Modal fibers are derived from sustainable and renewable wood sources from certified and controlled sources. These fibers support the integration of style, comfort and sustainability with eco-responsible and sustainable production processes, ensuring sustainable alternatives to consumers.

The TENCEL™ brand is also a key driver of circular economy through TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers enabled by REFIBRA™ technology. Such technology involves upcycling a substantial proportion of cotton scraps (e.g. from garment production) which are added to wood pulp to transform the raw materials into new virgin TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers for making fabrics and garments. This process greatly reduces the carbon footprint of fashion items and promotes circular economy in a commercial scale. In addition to being sustainable, TENCEL™ branded fibers are naturally soft to the touch and exhibit long-lasting comfort.

Following the collaboration with WE-AR, TENCEL™ will continue to lead developments and proliferation of the ethical fashion industry by providing sustainable alternatives without forgoing other essential elements of comfort, style and function in the fashion industry.

WE-AR is a leading ethical fashion company founded by Jyoti Morningstar in 2005, producing mindfully made fashion, Yoga wear and accessories. WE-AR is B Corp Certified, meaning that the label meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance and public transparency, in addition to being a Living Wage Employer.

First introduced in autumn 2017, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose fibers marks a new milestone in Lenzing’s sustainability journey. Derived from certified renewable wood sources using an eco-responsible production process, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers tailor to a sustainable lifestyle, contributing to a cleaner environment. We have spoken with Sonja Zak, Head of Product Management in Textile Segment, Lenzing AG, to learn more about LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose fibers and how it is different from existing viscose offerings in the industry.

Q: How is LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose fiber different from other offerings in the industry?

A: LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibers are the answer to a burning issue in the fashion industry, namely to robustly identify eco-responsible fibers from the producer to the consumer. With LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers, one thing is clear: If Lenzing is on the outside, Lenzing is also on the inside. A special manufacturing system enables LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose fibers to be identified in the final product, even after long textile processing and conversion steps through the value chain. Environmentally conscious consumers can be assured that retailers and brands are incorporating genuine LENZING™ ECOVERO™ eco-responsible Viscose in their products.

Q: What are some key achievements for LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose fiber over the past year?

A: Within one year, we had achieved a stark increase in our production scale. This year, we already have been able to supply LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers for more than 60 million T-shirts! This is truly an accomplishment for Lenzing, and it could only be achieved with the support from partners and customers across the textile ecosystem. The industry has been looking for more sustainable options and do good to the industry and to the world, and retail brands like, Esprit and ArmedAngels, have adopted LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers in their collections. We look forward to establishing more collaborations with retail brands on the adoption of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers in the coming year.

Q: What are some key features of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose fiber which lead to such traction?

A: LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose is one of the most sustainable produced viscose fibers in the world. The manufacturing of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers generates up to 50% lower emissions and water impact compared to generic Viscose giving you confidence that your fashion choices are environmentally responsible and have a low environmental impact. The fibers are derived from sustainable wood and pulp, coming from certified and controlled sources. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers have been certified with the EU Ecolabel as meeting high environmental standards throughout their life cycle: from raw material extraction to production, distribution and disposal, ensuring supply chain transparency.

Q: In which regions are LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose fibers produced?

A: LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers are manufactured in Lenzing, Austria and Nanjing, China. Both production locations comply with the stringent guidelines of the EU Ecolabel, a label that is only awarded to products and services which have a significantly lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. To date, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers have reached a broad level of availability and can be purchased all over the globe with key spinners/fabric makers.

When Mara Hoffman launched her eponymous brand 18 years ago, the designer sought to celebrate all women. Today, in addition to being inspired by women, the celebrated designer is also moved by the environment, focusing on the importance of sustainable fashion and transparency.

There is a purpose to everything Hoffman designs. From the fibers to the fabrics to the renowned designs of each collection, Mara Hoffman is determined to make a mark in fashion and educate consumers on the importance and benefits of sustainable fashion

Fresh off the debut of Hoffman’s Spring ’19 collection presentation in New York City; Malvina Hoxha from Lenzing US sat down with Hoffman spokesperson to gain more insight on the brand’s direction and leadership role in sustainable fashion.

Who is the Mara Hoffman woman & what does she stand for?

MH: She embraces beauty and wears clothes that feel authentic to her. She cherishes her clothes, considers them an investment and treats them as such. She’s here for the beauty but interested in the company’s approach, whether she’s an expert on sustainability or just starting to learn.

Why is sustainability such an important part to MH brand message?

MH: When I made the choice to transition the brand into sustainability, I made it wholeheartedly. I had to decide between working towards sustainability and closing our doors; I chose the former. The fashion industry’s impact on the environment is detrimental. Once we acknowledged our role in that, it became clear that sustainability would not only be important to the company, but a core part of our approach, a necessary facet of the existence of Mara Hoffman, the brand, moving forward. Since then, there’s been no turning back.

What inspired you to work with Lenzings’ TENCEL™ luxe innovation?

MH: It’s easy to work with and it feels good on your body. It drapes naturally and has a nice weight to it without feeling heavy.

What comes to mind when you think of TENCEL™ brand?

MH: Sustainable, innovative, and luxurious.

Learn more about Mara Hoffman and shop the full collection at www.marahoffman.com

Freshly crowned climbing world champions, Jakob Schubert and Jessica Pilz, were empowered by TENCEL™ during the Climbing World Championships in Innsbruck. As official sponsors of the Austrian national team, the Lenzing Group, is delighted by the success and congratulated the medal winners and organizers. Austrian super talent, Jessica Pilz, put on an outstanding performance in the climbing world, while Jakob Schubert climbed his way to his second World Championship. With four medals Austria's sport climbers and the Austrian Climbing Association (Austria Climbing) made first place in the medal count.

"As key partner of the Austrian national team, we are delighted at the top performances of the athletes. We would like to congratulate them all on their medals. The national team and Lenzing are dedicated to high performance and being close to nature,” said Stefan Doboczky, Chairman of the Board of the Lenzing group.

The Lenzing Group equips the national team (junior team and adults) with sportswear enabled by TENCEL™ Modal fibers and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. Derived from renewable wood sources, TENCEL™ branded fibers offer natural comfort and versatility, which are particularly well suited to sportswear. An athlete can only give an excellent performance with the right equipment, and the optimum use of materials and perfect structure are some of the elements for winning. TENCEL™ branded fibers are naturally structured to support body temperature regulating properties through their moisture management. This brings positive impact towards performance as the body remains pleasantly cool and dry.

Lenzing joined forces with Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Istanbul (MBFWI) to not only be one of the main sponsors of MBFWI, but to also host a panel on sustainability. With their unique position within the textile industry due to their TENCEL™ high-quality fibers and environmentally friendly production processes, Lenzing was on hand to prove that style doesn’t need to be compromised in the pursuit of ethical and sustainable fashion.

In an exciting move representative of the fashion industry’s acceptance and inclusion of sustainable fashion, Lenzing hosted a Sustainability Panel, co-hosted by Lenzing Turkey Middle East and Africa Business Development and Marketing Manager, Hale Saraçoğlu and sustainability advocates Amanda Johnston from The Sustainable Angle and Simone Seisl from Textile Exchange under the moderation of brand ambassador and fashion consultant, Ferhan İstanbullu.

The panel served to discuss a range of issues, including problems surrounding sustainability alongside innovation and solutions in the textile industry. It was an insightful panel that discussed a range of issues such as sustainable production cycles and biodegradable and compostable fibers, alongside the need for environmentally conscious clothing and materials, such as TENCEL™ branded fibers which are admired not only for their high quality but also for their role in maintaining environmental balance. The pioneering REFIBRA™ technology – which is Lenzing’s first step to the circular economy of the textile industry was also discussed, especially in consideration of Turkey’s role in the production of global denim, and its future role in the successful recycling of denim.

Nothing like a few tongue-in-cheek puns to inject some warmth and personality into sustainable bedding! That’s what founders, Chris Kronus and Laura O’Connell, had in mind when they designed and founded Hoot. Hoot sheets are just about as sustainable and ethical as you can get. Not to mention soft, comfortable, and beautiful!

Hoot supports circular economy by using TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology. These incredibly sustainable fibers are made with renewable wood and upcycled cotton scraps in a closed loop process that is very environmentally responsible. At the end of their useful life, these botanic fibers are completely compostable and biodegradable in both earth and water.

We asked Laura and Chris to share the Hoot story.

Tell us a little more about the inspiration for Hoot.

Chris and Laura: We founded Hoot in 2018 out of our new apartment in Brooklyn, NY. We both have passion for the outdoors and deep respect for the environment. Through our travels, we have seen the terrible effects of environmental destruction in the beautiful places we visited. Together, we committed to lead more environmentally conscious lives and to make a positive impact on the world around us.

When we looked for environmentally responsible sheets for our new bedroom, we were challenged to find the products we wanted to buy. We knew we had to create them ourselves. And the idea for Hoot sheets was born.

How did you go about defining the Hoot concept?

Laura and Chris: Textiles have a surprisingly huge influence on the environment so our first objective was to consciously minimize Hoot’s impact. We found that many apparel brands like Patagonia were experimenting with reusable materials but no brands in the home textiles market were headed in that direction. We saw that as a huge gap with tremendous opportunity and started our work to fill it.

We wanted to partner with companies with similar goals of improving the state of the world right now, and also avoiding the problems of the future. We were inspired by Lenzing's botanic fibers, their work in the sustainability space, and their commitment to innovation and R&D in concepts that support circular economy for the textile industry.

We built the Hoot collection with the idea that people deserve a green night's sleep that feels good, and that they can feel good about. Lenzing's fibers are so important because not only do they provide the luxurious feel in a beautiful sheet that every customer wants, they provide the peace of mind that Hoot sheets are sustainably sourced and consume as few resources from the earth as possible.

How would you say that TENCEL™ Lyocell with Refibra™ technology fits with your ideas for Hoot?

Chris and Laura: We were so excited to find TENCEL™ Lyocell x REFIBRA™ fibers. The fact that the fiber is made with recycled cotton scraps from cutting rooms, reducing both industrial waste and the requirement for virgin raw materials, is perfectly in line with the Hoot promise.

Currently, we are working exclusively with Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Lyocell x REFIBRA™ in our Original sheet set line. We are working with our mill to increase the percentage of REFIBRA™ fibers in our fabric and are always on the lookout for innovative fibers to test. As we continue to perfect Hoot as the most luxurious and sustainable sheet set, we are looking forward to expanding to other areas of bed and bath, including crib sheets, duvet covers, and towels to extend our positive impact on the textile market.

Besides the Hoot sheets themselves, what makes the Hoot company most relevant for consumers looking to make a difference?

Laura and Chris: We believe that minimizing impact on the world is accomplished through a series of small choices people make each day. We strive to provide full transparency on our processes, so customers can get a good and green night’s sleep. We started our company to inspire environmental change, and encourage our customers to hold us accountable to that goal. In addition to our products, we make sure that all parts of our company are the most sustainable they can be, even if it impacts the bottom line in the short term:

Giving: We are proud members of 1% for the Planet, an organization that brings dollars and doers together to accelerate smart environmental giving. As members, we have committed to donating 1% of our annual sales to approved environmental nonprofits to help save our planet.

Transparency: We name all manufacturing partners on our website, so our customers can make the most informed decisions and avoid the confusion we experienced in the research process.

Shipping: Shipping is a strain on the environment, so we take a number of steps to reduce our impact. We offer free ground shipping across the United States to encourage people to avoid 2-day shipping by air, and we choose carbon neutral shipping to offset the carbon emissions from our shipments. Our packaging from Colorado-based company EcoEnclose is reusable and made from 100% recycled materials.

Recycling: We partnered with Brooklyn-based Wearable Collections to recycle old sheets and clothes from NYC customers. We are working on creating a nationwide take back program where customers can send their old sheets back in our Hoot packaging to be recycled. Through this partnership, sheets are repurposed into rags for industrial use, insulation for construction use, or stuffing for furniture.

Where do you see Hoot in 3-5 years?

Chris and Laura: We intend to become not just a leader in the direct-to-consumer bedding market, but also an industry leader in driving true environmental change. We see ourselves growing with Lenzing and expanding our product line to bring more reusable materials to customers that fit a need in their lives at home. We also see ourselves working with Lenzing to revolutionize the way customers recycle textiles and bring awareness to the goal of a circular textile economy.

Lenzing is proud to work with dedicated and clear-sighted companies like Hoot and look forward to enriching our partnership and generating even more positive environmental impact together.

After the successful collaboration with XiaoKe x ZiHan Contemporary Theatre in April this year, independent designer Zhang Na's Reclothing Bank continued to incorporate the allure of sustainability in her much anticipated 2019 Spring-Summer collaboration with TENCEL™.

The new collection was presented during the 2019 Shanghai Fashion Week, held at Xintiandi Exhibition Hall. Inspired by the concept of “Gifted Origins(天賜本源)”, and seeking to explore the act of recycling in the fashion industry, models took to the catwalk in a series of stylish designs. Created using environmentally friendly materials, and with an emphasis on sustainability, the show was well-received by the public.

As a supplier of raw materials, Lenzing stands up for innovative research which brings to life sustainable fabrics with various style and effects, while provides designers and brands with versatility. The concept of sustainability is fully incorporated in to all Lenzing’s product research, manufacturing processes and daily operations.

Following the show, Mr. Hu Jian, Senior Vice President (North Asia) of Lenzing Group, explained the key concepts of the collaboration, which was held at the Reclothing Bank X TENCEL™ brand experience zone.

“Explaining the partnership, Mr. Hu noted that "our second collaboration with Zhang Na stemmed from how our ideas and visions are in sync due to our shared passion for sustainable development and protection of the environment. Our creative beliefs also coincide in a remarkable way. While Zhang Na transforms old clothing into fashionable new items, Lenzing collects and upcycles cotton scraps from industrial production. The difference is at the stage of the value chain that the recycling process takes place, as the designer reuses clothing at the end of the value chain, Lenzing recycles materials from the very beginning of the chain. This collaboration demonstrates the concept of circularity throughout the fashion value chain.”

Mr. Hu added that all TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers are produced in environmentally responsible processes and created using sustainably sourced natural raw material wood. Because of this process, the fibers are biodegradable and compostable and can fully revert to nature. Known for their exceptional levels of comfort, breathability and softness, TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers are also extremely versatility. Mr. Hu noted that “they can be combined with a wide range of textile fibers to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of fabrics, providing inspirations for designs and facilitating their diverse needs.”

“Lenzing prides itself as a ‘pioneer’ who practices what it preaches. By creating positive awareness around sustainability, Lenzing aspires to attract more businesses, brands, designers and comsumers to join the green movement,” Mr. Hu concluded. “We look forward to more collaboration and interaction with brands and media in the future. Lenzing will continue to perfect our products and foster sustainable development in the industry.”

Lenzing headed back to school with EASE, an Indonesian fashion brand that utilises LENZING™ Viscose and TENCEL™ branded fibers in all designs, and the Binus Northumbria School of Design in Jakarta. The collaboration was part of a wider celebration of South Pacific Viscose’s 35 Anniversary in Indonesia, and recognition of not only the great history, but the importance of building upon the momentum of the sustainable fibre and fashion industry.

As a long-term advocate for sustainability within the fashion industry, Lenzing has been encouraging brands and designers to utilise sustainable fibers in their designs, which aligned with their partner, EASE’s company direction. Launched in 2017, EASE is a champion of stylish, ready-to-wear clothing that are kind to the environment. EASE is a pioneer of sustainable design, and is the first local brand in Indonesia to adopt sustainable TENCEL™ branded fibers in their entire collection. By going back to school and working with fashion students, Lenzing and EASE have opened the door to future designers inspired by sustainability.

Attended by Lenzing Group representative Hardian Wijayanto, the session began with an introduction to the fascinating history of the group, and the very real differences between TENCEL™ branded fibers, and other synthetic products that are harmful to the environment due to their manufacturing process. Speaking after his session with the students, Wijayanto stressed the importance of the initiative with EASE, indicating that “Lenzing Goes to School” has been a powerful tool for both partners on engagement around enabling the future of the fashion industry, and introducing them to sustainable fabrics and leading designers.

Following the workshop where students were introduced to both EASE and Lenzing, they expressed their interest in sustainable fashion, noting that they now feel more informed and are interested in creating an eco-fashion collection using TENCEL™ branded fibers. The success of the workshop was apparent from the enthusiastic feedback from students as well as academic staff at Binus Northumbria School of Design. Binus Fabrics and Materials lecturer, Almira noted that the program could be incorporated into the Binus curriculum, covering material introductions to advanced eco-fashion branding. She also hoped to implement the workshops as part of an expanded annual program.

The workshop was a success for many reasons, but chiefly due to introducing TENCEL™ branded fibers, to students in the fashion industry and highlighting the significance of sustainable fibers and their various uses. The collaboration between EASE Binus Northumbria School of Design has opened the door for future “Lenzing Goes To School” workshops with prominent design schools in Indonesia as well as other countries in the region, like Singapore. The “Lenzing Goes To School” initiative in Indonesia is just beginning of an ongoing support program that Lenzing offers to young fashion students, and is part of an initiative that began with the collaboration with talented designers at the fashion show commemorating the 35^th Anniversary of South Pacific Viscose. Most recently, TENCEL™ branded fibers were shown during Eco-Fashion Week in November, which continued to drive the concept of sustainable fashion in the industry, by showcasing the versatility of the fibers.

Synonymous with all things innerwear, Jockey has released Jockey Signature, a new line of premium underwear and tops. Launched exclusively at Dillard’s and available on the Jockey website, the iconic underwear and apparel brand looks to elevate the underwear and tops market with high-end, sustainable fabrics and refined designs.

"The Jockey Signature collection is an elevated product offering with supreme attention to detail," said Laetitia Lecigne, Jockey Creative Director. "The Signature brand is rooted in premium fabrics, superior design elements and Jockey quality craftsmanship. We are thrilled to deliver these exceptional collections and introduce Jockey to the Dillard's shopper."

(Image courtesy of Jockey.com)

Jockey’s lineup of premium fabrics feature TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ lyocell fibers. TENCEL™ branded fibers are sustainably sourced derived from FSC & PEFC wood pulp. Providing many premium attributes including enhanced breathability, long-lasting softness, color retention and strength resulting in a superior product.

(Image courtesy of Jockey.com)

Current styles available for men include four collections with premium fabrics, quality craftsmanship and smart technologies, in a range of silhouettes. Key fabric highlights from the collection consist of TENCEL’s Cotton Modal Stretch – a unique blend of cotton with the softness of modal for nonrestrictive comfort and ease of movement and Modal ComfortPro – exceptionally soft, light and luxurious modal/lyocell blend upgraded with Cool Tech and odor-control technology.

(Image courtesy of Jockey.com)

Shop the Jockey Signature collection now at Dillard’s or www.Jockey.com and experience firsthand the elevated line of premium underwear and tops.

Hanky Panky’s Co-founder and Creative Director was always passionate about fashion and design, even creating one of a kind clothing and accessories as a young girl. But it was in 1977 when Gale Epstein crafted a handmade lingerie set from antique embroidered handkerchiefs for her good friend, Lida Orzeck, that set the wheels in motion for a new brand that would change the way women shop for lingerie. 41 years later, Hanky Panky continues to challenge the status quo and influence trends with premium, made in the USA lingerie and sleepwear.

In addition to her creative vision and fervor for design, Epstein, together with Co-founder and CEO, Orzeck are passionate environmentalists. From the top down, Hanky Panky takes great pains to instill a sense of responsibility in the way it approaches its day-to-day business. From the workplace to product to sourcing, the company is determined to be as ethical and environmentally responsible as they can.

Not willing to sacrifice on style or comfort, Hanky Panky’s design team is exhaustive in its efforts to source premium fabrics that look and feel luxurious, and are produced with low environmental impact. Larrisa King, the brand’s senior designer, has been with the company for 15 years and has seen the growing interest in sustainable fashion and transparency from consumers. “It all boils down to education,” says King, “today’s consumers are mindful of the environmental challenges we are facing and expect companies and brands to be responsible in their approach to manufacturing. “ Which is why King looks to Lenzing’s TENCEL™ fibers for many of their styles.

TENCEL™ Intimate cellulosic fibers offer Hanky Panky a sustainable option that is not only ethically sourced from wood, but also enhances the end product with its premium properties. “Your lingerie should be an extension of your body, so it’s very important that the fabrics we use have a soft, luxurious feel against your skin and TENCEL™ branded modal fibers gives our products those qualities,” adds King.

From reducing its carbon footprint to educating consumers on caring for their products to extend life to its partnership with TENCEL™, Hank Panky strives to do better and do more to bring sustainability and transparency to the forefront of fashion.

Look good and feel good with Hanky Panky’s extensive offerings featuring TENCEL™ Modal fibers, shop the full collection at www.hankypanky.com

Operated by Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF), The Cocoon Space (TCS) is a co-working and event space that seeks to boost creativity, collaboration and community building. This co-working space, supported by Enterprise Singapore, will provide an interactive environment for both local and international, cross disciplinary designers to congregate, exchange ideas and connect with potential partners and talents. It intends to bring together industry players who are relevant to the fashion and design ecosystem such as value chain suppliers like fibre producers and textile manufacturers, beauty & lifestyle service providers such as photographers and make-up artists.

Housed at the top two levels of the newly opened Design Orchard, The Cocoon Space is designed to provide the community with networking and interaction opportunities, whilst also offering quiet corners and workstations to foster creativity and innovation. The open work area on level two, which includes, adaptable desk spaces at the Gallery, the Co-Lab, the Incubation Room and theatre space - The Cave is thoughtfully designed to cater to a variety of business needs by providing web-meeting and other high-tech facilities. TCS also caters to special fashion-centric requirements with The Makers Studio which is well equipped with industrial grade sewing machines and by providing a dedicated space which allows designers to exhibit their work. Adjacent to The Makers Studio is a Resource Wall that will feature different types of fabric and materials and a 3D Printer. On the top level, TENCEL™ Studio (the event hall) is set against a lush, green outdoor amphitheatre overlooking Orchard Road – a perfect space for designers to launch their collections, or for companies who intend to run workshops or fashion shows.

“The Cocoon Space has been designed with much support from TaFF’s partners; this includes colleagues from Singapore Furniture Industries Council who have provided advisory on suitable furniture and SGTech on tech infrastructure. TCS is indeed a project of shared effort and collaborations”, says Mr Wilson Teo, Vice-President, Executive Committee, TaFF.

In addition, TaFF is working with international partners such as The Mills Fabrica of Hong Kong to provide members of TCS with the use of their state-of-the-art prototyping lab and techstyle-focused (intersection of technology and style) workspace in Hong Kong. Such efforts will help TCS’s community to venture into international markets and to provide tangible benefits for those who have plans to take flight beyond the domestic market.

The First South-East Asia’s Fashion-Business Focused Incubation Programme

TaFF is also launching a programme called The Bridge Fashion Incubator (TBFI), supported by Enterprise Singapore, which will run at TCS.

TBFI is a 30-week long programme that equips and enables aspiring firms who are keen to launch and/or scale their business in the fashion industry. Applicants may include firms with fashion or accessories collections, fashion technology and textile related products or solutions. Applicants for the program will be curated by a panel of distinguished business veterans from both the fashion & textile and technology industry. Successful applicants will undergo mentorship in product portfolio development, business model structuring, pitching, and relevant exposure to technological innovations and sustainability.

It Is All About Collaboration

To help firms scale and internationalise, TaFF will increase efforts to raise knowledge and awareness in technology and innovation, sustainability and Asian craft. TaFF looks to broaden and deepen its network collaboration efforts with institutions, international brands and different communities.

The first partnership that TaFF has signed is a strategic collaboration with the Lenzing Group. The partnership includes supporting TCS community to have a better appreciation of and access to eco-friendly fabric. The partnership also provides an opportunity to share industry knowledge in areas that Lenzing Group is well-established in, such as sustainability and innovation.

The Lenzing Group will provide the Resource Wall at TCS with TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fabric and eco-friendly fibre information. The partnership will allow designers to tap onto their broad network from Fabric mills and suppliers, to connections with regional designers and experts in eco-fabric.

“We are happy to be part of the TCS community as our visions are aligned and we want TCS to be our regional hub for our network of experts, fashion designers and supply chain partners to congregate,” says Mr Vineet Singhal, SVP (Senior Vice-President, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Lenzing Group).

To provide designers with the latest technological tools, which can help differentiate and re-define craftmanship and design, TaFF is working with National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) and SIMTech to provide its tenants with the capability of 3D printing and wearable technology.

TaFF has also partnered up with Bernina for high-end domestic sewing machines, to provide artisanal sewing skills to craft makers. This serves to increase knowledge of the basics of fashion industries and access to quality equipment for small businesses and hobbyists.

With the opening of The Cocoon Space, TaFF seeks to collaborate with experts and partners to accelerate the learnings and development of local artisans and fashion entrepreneurs.

Events During the Launch Week (11 March -17 March)

During the launch week, visitors to TCS can expect to see:

1. 1. a projection installation inspired by Singapore history and local fashion at The Cave (Level 2);
2. 2. A fashion showcase by renowned Singapore designer Mr Thomas Wee (Level 2);
3. 3. At TENCEL™ Studio - an immersive exhibition on sustainability and innovation was presented by Lenzing Group (Rooftop).

Guests who came for the opening day on 11 March, were treated to an international fashion runway presented by the Lenzing Group featuring works on sustainable fabric by designers from Austria, India, Indonesia, Turkey, Hongkong and Singapore.

During the week-long launch, public who wish to view the space, installation and showcase within Level 2 may register at the reception counter for a visit during the office operating hours, Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm. Level 3 is accessible by public for all days from 11am – 8pm.

From 12 Mar 2019, facilities at TCS are available for bookings. Priority bookings will be given to designers, firms and freelancers who are in the fashion and textile industry and/or support the sustainable development of these markets.

Annex

Bernina - Founded in Switzerland in 1893, Bernina is the world's premier sewing machine manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering outstanding products.

Lenzing – Lenzing is a world-market leader in speciality fibres made from the renewable raw material wood. It produces viscose fibres, modal fibres, lyocell fibres and filament yarn, which are used in the textile industry - in clothing, home textiles and technical textiles - as well as in the nonwovens industry. The brand name for modal and lyocell specialty fibres used in textiles is TENCEL™.

NAMIC - A national programme initiative in Singapore, led by NTUitive, to translate upstream 3D printing into downstream commercial applications.

SGTech - Premier trade association for the tech industry in Singapore to create an ecosystem that develops sustainable initiatives to strengthen the community and growth of the industry.

Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) - Official representative body of Singapore’s furniture and furnishings industry to promote the interests of its members and of the local trade.

The Mills Fabrica – A business incubator, fund and space/lab/store for techstyle startups and strategic partners – cpmpanies at the intersection of technology and style

Facilities at The Cocoon Space

TENCEL™ Studio - The event hall at the rooftop that opens up to the lawn outside is great for launches, design installations, educational story pieces; usage of the space is only limited by imagination.

The Cave – A mini theatre fully equipped with projector and sound system with web conferencing capability; ideal for small workshops and seminars.

The Makers Studio - especially set up for fashion designers, this professional sewing studio is fitted with industrial sewing equipment. Aside from supporting independent designers, the space will also be an ideal training place.

Resource Library - A resource wall with fabric swatches and relevant equipment are made available for designers to experience and explore.

The Gallery / The Co-Lab/ The Incubation Room – Convertible work spaces serves as personal work tables, and can be adapted into discussion areas and meeting/ seminar rooms.

“The international multi-specialty chemical Group and the world-renowned specialist in fibers made from renewable wood sources, joined forces to create an innovative fabric made of TENCEL^™ branded lyocell and AMNI SOUL ECO^® polyamide.”

February 2019 – The new fabric together developed by Lenzing Group from Austria and the Belgian company Solvay marks a further and important step forward in the pursuit of an ever more responsible innovation, offering performance, durability and comfort all at once.

From the way fibers are made to how they affect the planet at the very end of their life cycle, this new product is as innovative as the technologies involved in its creation. The back of the new fabric is made of TENCEL™ Active lyocell fibers derived from renewable, responsibly managed wood sources. The fabric’s front is enhanced by Solvay’s award winning AMNI SOUL ECO^®, the first polyamide 6.6 fiber with improved biodegradability, as it stands out in the polyamide industry for its biodegradable properties. While other polyamide fibers take decades to decompose, AMNI SOUL ECO^® branded fibers are designed to biodegrade in around five years when disposed of in well-controlled landfills, as demonstrated by laboratory biodegradation tests in accordance with ASTM D5511 - Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions (equivalent to ISO 15985).

The new fabric is designed to further optimize the benefits the two fibers contribute. Being in direct contact with the skin, TENCEL™ Lyocell offers microscopic fibrils of cellulosic fibers with cross-sections structured to regulate the absorption and release of moisture, contributing to fabric breathability that supports the body’s natural thermal regulation. Moreover, it provides a less favorable environment for bacterial growth, enhancing the fabric with better hygienic qualities. On the fabric face, AMNI SOUL ECO^® polyamide provides better abrasion resistance while boasting great benefits in terms of dimensional stability, color retention, and drying speed.

“The combination of TENCEL™ Active fibers, which is derived from renewable wood sources using sustainable production processes, and Solvay´s AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide fibers enhances biodegradability results into a more sustainable, comfortable, easy care fabric that advances the concept of circular economy,” says Andreas Guertler, Head of Global Business Management Activewear at Lenzing. “Future collaborations with Solvay will focus on TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology, our newest fiber innovation made from upcycled cotton scraps and wood pulp, and AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide to further reduce our environmental impact.”

“There is a major need for sustainability, these days, especially in the fashion industry. It is an on-going process that has to start from the very beginning of the production chain, from the fibers involved in the creation of fabrics and, later on, garments. Both AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers have already proved they responsible character. Combined together they will lead to great results in terms of durability, comfort and performance, while helping to preserve the planet and its resources,” explained Daniela Antunes, Solvay Business Development Manager.

This innovative product premiered at ISPO Innovation Textrends Forum, both in ISPO Beijing (January 16^th-19^th) and ISPO Munich (February 3^rd-6^th).

Beverly Calvert Is Elevating The Sleepwear And Loungewear Markets With Her Sophisticated Collection Of Pajamas And Its Custom Fabrics Made With TENCEL™ branded fibers

While out shopping for pajamas for her partner Beverly Calvert grew frustrated at the lack of options in finding men’s pajamas that hit on all the prerequisites: well made, great design and comfort. So she did what any rational person would do, enroll in a fashion program at night school and launched Homebody, a premium line of men’s sleepwear.

Twenty years later the Homebody brand has grown into a collection of pajamas and loungewear for men, women and children. Handmade in the UK, Calvert, together with her business partner Susannah Manning have transformed the sleepwear and loungewear market with their attention to detail, simplistic designs and custom fabrics that feature TENCEL™ branded fibers. Their proprietary fabric, Modal Sens™, made from TENCEL™ modal fibers, feature premium characteristics such as long lasting softness, enhanced breathability and color retention, giving consumers a luxury experience.

The Lenzing™ team had the opportunity to sit down with Calvert for a first-hand account on what Homebody means to her and how the brand is changing the mindset of consumers shopping for pajamas and loungewear.

When and why did you launch Homebody?

BC: Homebody was launched in 1999 although for two years prior, we researched and developed the concept behind Homebody. Pre- millennium was an exciting time to imagine a new way of dressing for home. We believe we were the first to launch a luxury lifestyle collection, for men and women to wear, that could work both around the home and to sleep in.

Our philosophy centers around creating original & beautiful designs each season, that appeal to the wearer’s sense of style but also are beneficial to their well-being. When wearing Homebody there is a moment of calm and relaxation woven into the design!

Who is the Homebody customer?

BC: Our customer is very discerning; they appreciate exclusivity and quality. Travel is a big feature in their lives, often with multiple homes, that they literally stock with Homebody. Age is not of relevance, we believe that Homebody works for all – we place far more importance on quality of lifestyle. With our approach to design,

my partner Susie and I view making Homebody like a jigsaw: without the need to match top to bottom. We create multiple options for the wearer throughout, that are linked by using the same fabric but in different ways and colors. We will have several themes running through and we love to color block but always keep our designs fresh and interesting

How does Homebody differentiate itself in the marketplace?

BC: We make everything in the UK - both our fabric and our production is local and that means we keep a close eye on every step of the process which is what our customers are looking for and wait for our new styles that add to their existing collection. Finally we are a luxury brand focusing exclusively on sleepwear and loungewear, with the unique selling point of actually helping you get a better night’s sleep, and we have proven this with twenty years of customers who love what we make so much, they return each season.

Does sustainability play a role in the design and manufacturing of Homebody?

BC: Sustainability plays a vital role in our brand and has done so since the beginning. The way we make, is kept very close by in order that we can visit our factory often and ensure wastage and stock levels are kept to a minimum.

Image courtesy of Homebody, TENCEL™ Inimates sleep set

How long have you been using TENCEL™?

BC: We have been using TENCEL™ branded fibers since the very beginning of Homebody and we selected it for its beneficial qualities that work so well for what we make. Working with such a fine fiber, we have to work with carefully selected makers who are able to produce beautifully made garments from it because they have many years’ experience working with TENCEL™ Intimate.

What are some of the benefits to using TENCEL™ Intimate?

BC: The benefits are of course its silky soft feel; its thermo regulating qualities; the way it holds color and it is relatively easy maintenance compared to other luxury fabrics

Image courtesy of Homebody

How does TENCEL™ Intimate enhance the collections you are designing?

BC: TENCEL™ Intimate works brilliantly for making nightwear as it gives us so much flexibility and functional qualities, and most importantly it looks really good when made into our many different styles that we create for all the family. Each season we think to ourselves how we can possibly make more new ideas for the same TENCEL™ Intimate and each season we do come up with more! Homebody and TENCEL™ Intimate just get better and better – it’s the perfect partnership.

Shop the full collection of premium sleepwear and loungewear and receive free shipping anywhere in the world – www.homebody.co.uk

Mind, body, spirit. At its core the practice of yoga is about looking within ourselves for harmony and connecting with the energy of the world around us. So it’s no surprise that yoga and lifestyle brand VYAYAMA is rooted in those principles. Launched four years ago, VYAYAMA has been designing and manufacturing yoga wear with the belief that mindfulness should inspire quality, beauty and joy. The brand stays true to those values by offering a collection of yoga essentials with TENCEL™ lyocell made fabrics that are beautifully crafted and a natural alternative to the synthetic materials used in most yoga wear. Derived from renewable wood sources using sustainable production processes, TENCEL™ lyocell fibers offer many benefits to athletic apparel including: thermal regulation, efficient moisture absorption, enhanced breathability and color retention.

As VYAYAMA’s Director of Design and Innovative Sustainability, Anette Cantagallo is charged with ensuring that VYAYAMA sources natural, sustainable fabrics and partners with likeminded companies that adhere to the strictest policies in garment production, dying and working conditions.

It was Cantagallo’s past experience with Lenzing and their TENCEL™ Active collection of sustainable fibers that made an impression with the founder of VYAYAMA. Today VYAYAMA uses TENCEL™ branded lyocell extensively throughout its product line; “We have been working with TENCEL™ fibers since I joined the company and it aligned perfectly with the founder’s vision. We now develop our own custom TENCEL™ lyocell made fabrics,” says Cantagallo. As an example of the brands innovative design process, they collaborated with their fabric partners in Portugal for a year developing a TENCEL ™ lyocell made fabric that achieves a balance between softness and compression.

Cantagallo believes that being a sustainable company is something that should be the norm not the exception. In fact, it’s so important to VYAYAMA’s founder that the company is totally transparent with its supply chain and has been featured on sites such as Who Made My Activewear.

VYAYAMA currently offers four distinct collections of yoga wear and a small line of TENCEL™ Intimates. The brands approach to design is simple, to make the wearer feel good about herself. “It all starts with the material, we want to offer our customer something innovative and exciting as well as beautiful and thoughtfully designed,” Cantagallo exclaims. And who is the VYAYAMA customer? “She’s a woman who cares about fashion and style and acts mindfully toward the planet,” she adds.

Based on the company’s ecommerce sales and its partnership with Selfridges Department Store in London, the VYAYAMA brand is hitting its stride fusing fashion and performance with products that are sculpting, flattering and lightweight. “The fact that our workout clothes don’t smell bad after a class is just fascinating,” Cantagallo proclaims. From how the garments feel on your body to their incredibly soft touch VYAYAMA has created a unique position in the yoga market.

“TENCEL™ Active is making it possible for VYAYAMA to align fashion with ethical and environmental values without compromising beauty and that is long overdue in our industry,” states Cantagallo. The team at VYAYAMA believes it has been able to deliver something truly unique to the market by using TENCEL™ fibers and innovative knitting techniques. The brand delivers a product that looks fashion yet is high-performance, hypoallergenic and non-toxic as an alternative to synthetic activewear.

and use of fabrics engineered with TENCEL™ branded modal fibers.

Back in 2010, a Vancouver based company called MyPakage burst onto the underwear scene looking to change the way men shopped for underwear. Created by athletes for athletes, the company’s lift and support patented technology together with its bold prints brought men’s underwear to the forefront as a fashion accessory. With an eye towards evolving into a true lifestyle brand with global distribution, the founders decided to rebrand the company to Bn3th. Today, Bn3th offers a range of performance inspired underwear and apparel selling to over 1,000 retailers through North America, Europe, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

At the core of Bn3th’s business is the company’s commitment to crafting products with premium attributes that enhance the active lifestyle of their customer base. Nora Shaughnessy, Bn3th’s Director of Product, looks to quality fabrics as key ingredient in the brand’s product development. “A majority of our products feature fabrics made with TENCEL™ Modal fibers,” says Shaughnessy. “Our TENCEL™ Modal based fabrics have an incredibly soft hand, are extremely breathable and have no-shrink properties; all characteristics that today’s active men want.”

“Once someone tries our underwear they’re hooked for life,” says Adam Chuntz, Bn3th’s Director of Integrated Marketing. The brand’s mantra, Radically Better Underwear, couldn’t be more evident from the countless reviews and articles throughout mainstream media. From Men’s Health to The Chive to Golf Digest, Bn3th is lauded for its incredible fit and support. Chuntz adds, “Grassroots, word-of-mouth marketing is a big part of our success. Our customers feel connected to the brand and have no problems sharing our brand story with their friends.”

As the company continues its upward trajectory, the team at Bn3th strives to implement more sustainable business practices. They have eliminated the use of polybags, have transitioned from boxes to soft-pack and are using recycled materials for its packaging. “The active, outdoor lifestyle is such a big part of our company’s culture, so we understand the importance of limiting our impact on the environment,” states Chuntz. And it doesn’t end there; a large factor in using fabrics made with TENCEL™ Modal fiber is the fibers with botanic origin. Manufactured from the renewable source of raw material beach wood sourced from sustainable forests, makes the TENCEL™ Modal fiber an environmentally responsible choice when choosing fabrics. “We are not perfect, but we are trying really hard,” emphasizes Chuntz.

From everyday essentials to athletic based underwear and apparel, Bn3th offers a wide selection of styles that are engineered to perform and designed to celebrate individuality.

• Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Istanbul took place on 19-22 March at Zorlu PSM. TENCEL™ was one of the official sponsors of the event. The renowned designer Giray Sepin showcased his Fall-Winter 2019 Collection sponsored by TENCEL™ for the first time during this prestigious event, bringing together the fashion world.
• In his RE- named collection, the famous designer reinterprets classical menswear with fabrics containing TENCEL™ fibers with innovative REFIBRA™ technology. His collection got great recognition from the fashion lovers.
• “Fabrics containing TENCEL™ fibers with innovative REFIBRA™ technology will come together with Giray Sepin’s designs, bringing regeneration and innovation both to the next season and to sustainable fashion”, says Lenzing Turkey&Middle East and Africa Marketing Communication & Branding Manager Miray Demirer Acar.

The fashion industry was looking forward to the 13th season of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Istanbul, which took place on 19-22 March at Zorlu PSM. Leading 38 brands and designers from the fashion world joined this event sponsored by TENCEL™ brand. The brand focuses on feeling good with clothes thanks to its cellulose fibers of botanic origin from renewable wood sources. The renowned designer Giray Sepin brings an authentic style to menswear with his self-named brand. His Fall/ Winter 2019 fashion show sponsored by TENCEL™ was one of the highlights of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Istanbul.

REFIBRA™ technology adds a new dimension to sustainable fashion concept

Sepin is inspired by the clothes workers put on whether on the street, at the seaside or in the factory, reinterpreting these on his own way with the lines of corporate life at the plazas. In his collection, he also includes pieces containing TENCEL™ fibers with REFIBRA™ Technology. Lenzing Turkey & Middle East and Africa Marketing Communication & Branding Manager Miray Demirer Acar says it was a great pleasure to work again with Giray Sepin for such an important event and adds: “Today, eco-fashion is not a trend any more, it is on the way to become environmentally-conscious consumers' part of life. As Lenzing, we strive to let the consumers, who have adopted sustainable fashion, enjoy peace of mind with eco-friendly clothes containing our TENCEL™ branded fibers. We avoid wasting cotton straps derived from cloth production through blending them with wood pulp at certain ratios with our REFIBRA™ technology to produce TENCEL™ lyocell fibers. This helps us to contribute to the circular economy and offer benefits to the consumers who have adopted eco-friendly fashion”.

Make room for regeneration in the Fall-Winter season!

In his RE- named collection, Giray Sepin uses the prefix “RE” referring to “renewal and regeneration” and highlights regenerated interpretations instead of the pure new. Sepin picks up mainly impressive details from workers’ uniforms, combining accessories like belts and straps with bold colors like cherry, mustard, khaki and red in his collection.

Giray Sepin has preferred the following fabric brands containing TENCEL™ fibers of botanic origin for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Istanbul: Barutçu, Kipaş, Pagada, Söktaş, Gülipek, Dynamo Ekoten, Nuryıldız, KINGWHALE (Taiwan) and TEXONE (South Korea).

• Japanese celebrity Ryoko Hirosue once again joins the TENCEL™ brand to become the face of the campaign
• The consumer-focused campaign will be seen in metro stations across Tokyo starting April 1, 2019
• A bespoke TENCEL™ magazine featuring a guide to sustainability in Tokyo will also be available at select metro locations

The Lenzing Group, a world market leader in specialty fibers from wood, has partnered with Moririn Co. Ltd. and Toyoshima & Co., Ltd. to unveil the brand new TENCEL™ consumer-focused campaign on April 1^st, featuring longstanding brand partner - Ryoko Hirosue. The new campaign features prominent products made from TENCEL™ branded fibers, and comes to life across 16 Tokyo Metro stations with a distinct TENCEL™ sustainability focused editorial magazine available at major stations throughout the network. The new campaign will also be amplified across social media channels throughout the country, and featured on the widely read tourism website Enjoy Tokyo. Both of which serve to boost reach and enable heightened consumer engagement.

TENCEL™ brand has once again engaged cherished brand partner - Ryoko Hirosue, as the face of the campaign. Outfitted with TENCEL™ Luxe shirts by MADISONBLUE, TENCEL™ Denim by J BRAND , and TENCEL™ branded fibers blended shirts and dresses by R-ISM, Hirosue is the perfect representation of TENCEL™’s “Love It Naturally” aesthetic and suits the campaign’s style perfectly. Hirosue has previously worked with TENCEL™ on the widely successful “Feel So Right” campaign, which was also featured broadly across the Tokyo Metro Network, back in 2018.

In addition to prominent visibilities across Tokyo Metro, TENCEL™ brand will also produce a bespoke editorial magazine, Tokyo Trend Ranking, published by Gurunabi – one of Japan’s leading gourmet and restaurant publications, which will be available to commuters at major Tokyo stations such as Shinjuku, Akihabara and Shibuya among others. The editorial collection within the magazine features a guide to Tokyo’s sustainable lifestyle, fashion and food. Readers will follow three Tokyo women on a journey through their sustainable lifestyles in the city, with a focus on their wardrobes consisting of blended garments made with TENCEL™ branded fibers.

In early 2018, TENCEL™ brand underwent an audacious repositioning strategy to become the key textile brand under Lenzing. With unparalleled environmental consciousness, TENCEL™ brand has enhanced its product offerings and fostered closer and more meaningful connections with brands and consumers alike, to work towards sustainability goals as one. “TENCEL™ has become a unique consumer fiber brand, offering partners and customers the potential to live more sustainably, and with remarkable quality, comfortability and durability. As Japan is one of our important markets, launching this “Feel So Right” campaign celebrates our brand, partners and customers by communicating the joy each person feels whilst wearing pieces made with our TENCEL™ branded fibers,” says Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Brand Management of Lenzing.

“Globally, we also began to support the Make it Feel Right campaign in January this year, and now TENCEL™’s new Japan campaign follows our path of continued efforts to express gratitude for brands making a difference in fashion today, especially in such a dynamic market,” says Weghorst.

With the bold new campaign, TENCEL™ brand epitomizes its focus on sustainability for consumers, and intends to excite retailers and brands about the holistic benefits its botanic based fibers have to offer.

The Lenzing Group, world market leader in specialty fibers from wood, announced today the launch of the brand’s 2019 Earth Month Campaign entitled “From Trees, For Trees.” Lenzing’s TENCEL™ brand, along with seven of their U.S. retail partners, including BN3TH, BleuSalt, Triarchy Denim, Boyish Jeans, Bearaby, Hoot, and Malouf, will work with One Tree Planted, a U.S. based non-profit organization that plants trees across North America and around the world in areas affected by forest fires or floods. The brand collaboration supports the replanting of trees in the California forests recently devastated by last year’s wildfires that burned over 876,000 acres of forest.

From April 1^st to April 30^th, 2019, TENCEL™ brand invites the public to get involved in helping them donate trees by liking & sharing Earth Month related posts on the TENCEL™ branded Instagram page as well as on their retail partners’ Instagram pages. The success of the campaign is based on the social engagement accumulated; for every 50 “likes” and/or every 10 “shares” each post receives, one tree will be donated to the One Tree Planted organization. Additionally, each purchase of a product made with TENCEL™ Lyocell or Modal fibers through their retail partners’ websites during the month of April will result in TENCEL™ brand donating one tree to the One Tree Planted organization.

“Over the past few years, we’ve noticed an increase in consumer interest in environmental causes, not just around Earth Day, but year-round, and this interest extends to textiles. Consumers want clothing and textiles that not only feel good but that are also mindful of the environment. Because of this, it makes sense for us to take this opportunity to highlight Lenzing’s TENCEL™ sustainable Lyocell fibers and their connection to nature. TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers have less impact on the environment. We created a campaign to highlight our sustainable process, while also doing some additional good for the planet by donating and planting trees through One Tree Planted,” said Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development Denim at Lenzing.

Adam Chuntz, Director of Integrated Marketing of BN3TH, a partner of TENCEL™ brand, continued, “Here at BN3TH, we’re beyond stoked to have such a great brand partner like TENCEL™ in our corner. We feature TENCEL™ Modal fibers in 90 percent of our products and love the sustainability story it lends itself to. It’s core to our brand values to reduce our impact on this planet, and this is an important layer of our environmental initiative. This year’s TENCEL™ brand’s Earth Month Campaign allows us to contribute to another great cause, promote our game-changing products and highlight a few of our amazing Entourage members in the process. We can’t wait to watch the success of this project come to life and continue to do more for this planet.”

TENCEL™ brand’s “From Trees, For Trees” Earth Day campaign aligns with Lenzing Group’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal number 15: Life on Land. Together with the UN, Lenzing is committed to conserve and restore the use of terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, drylands and mountains by 2020. The wood, pulp and manufacturing site used to make TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are all certified with sustainable forest management certifications (FSC). This “From Trees, For Trees” Earth Day campaign is intended to bring more awareness to these types of causes and engage brand partners as well as their customers.

Direct monetary donations to the TENCEL™ brand’s “From Trees, For Trees” Earth Month Campaign, benefitting One Tree Planted, can be made at: http://bit.ly/TencelXOneTreePlanted

To make a tree donation to One Tree Planted by “liking” or “sharing” Earth Month posts on Instagram, you can visit the following participating Instagram pages starting April 1^st, 2019: TENCEL™ (@tencel_usa), BN3TH (@bn3thapparel), BleuSalt (@bleusalt), Triarchy Denim (@triarchy), Boyish Jeans (@boyishjeans), Bearaby (@mybearaby), Hoot (@sleephoot), and Malouf (@maloufsleep).

The “From Trees, For Trees” Earth Month Campaign will segue directly into TENCEL™ brand’s 2019 “Make It Feel Right” brand campaign, aiming to educate and empower consumers to join the environmental responsibility movement by making smart choices when it comes to their fashion and textile purchases.

At the Première Vision Lenzing presents TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers with Micro technology for enhanced comfort. Lenzing is with its fine fiber portfolio an expert in producing and marketing of Microfibers for the textile industry and gives this specialty fiber category a new boost.

Consumers want more comfort

An increasing number of consumers are choosing clothing for its feel-good factor. Comfort plays a key role. The parameters of the softness, lightness and smoothness of textiles are critical for the wearer’s well-being. With its fine fibers based on wood, Lenzing offers the solution for fashion with lots of comfort.

Specialist in fine fibers

Lenzing’s fiber portfolio boasts a wide range of fine fibers for the textile and fashion industry. Light and smooth fabrics can be designed with these fibers which are a major contributor towards the comfort of the clothing and the wearer’s well-being. TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers are produced in titers of 1.00 – 0.80 dtex using Micro technology and processed to lightweight fabrics. “The trend is clearly towards greater comfort. Our fibers produced with Micro technology are the ideal solution and support this trend. Textiles of fine TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers feel like a second skin. The fibers are frequently used in lingerie and luxurious homewear”, explains Andreas Dorner, Commercial Director Textiles Europe & Americas.

Softness, smoothness, lightness, more drape

Fine fibers ensure a silky and pleasant feeling on the skin. A clothing of TENCEL™ Lyocell or Modal fibers, produced with Micro technology, is light on the skin and has a flowing drape. It is defined by feel-good properties like silkiness, softness and long lasting suppleness. Softness is one of the determining parameters for well-being. The finer the fibers used in the textiles are, the softer they become. With TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers with Micro technology, comfort is supported in different products.

Furthermore TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers with Micro technology are naturally smooth and supple as tests¹ confirm. The combination of smoothness and softness is crucial for textiles that are gentle on the skin. Another characteristic of textiles made out of Lenzing’s fine fibers is a flowing drape, which gives an attractive appearance.

Lenzing’s fine fibers result in the finest of yarns which can be processed to very light knitted and woven fabrics. They are so light that one can barely feel the clothing.

Tested and retested

As softness is key for a comfortable textile, Lenzing is investigating in this parameter to prove this characteristic, which is going to make Lenzing an expert for softness assessments in textiles, applying instrumental as well as human hand feel panel with trained experts. The Lenzing panel, which consists of Lenzing employees with different expertises, provides precise evaluation of textile hand feel parameters such as softness, smoothness and drape. The panel is supported by physical measurement methods and comparative external expert and consumer evaluations. One of these panels can be seen at the Première Vision at the Lenzing booth.
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¹ handfeel panel

Lenzing has noticed a rise in demand for sustainable options when shopping, paired with an increased interest for transparency throughout the production process. This new era offers the perfect opportunity for Lenzing to further venture into the homes and interior sector.

The main innovation goal for the REFIBRA™ technology is to combine the eco-friendly, closed loop production process of TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers with the mass upcycling of cotton scraps. Combining wood pulp with scrap cotton pulp from cutting operations, new TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are produced and transformed into yarns and fabrics suitable for home furnishings. This innovative process begins an important journey for Lenzing in moving towards a fully circular economy.

With this ambition, TENCEL™ is further expanding into the home & interior sector by bringing REFIBRA™ technology to Heimtexil, and by awarding their “China premium brand partnership” to luxury home textile brand - Whinny.

In January 2019, Lenzing began this mission by showcasing REFIBRA™ technology. For the first time, Lenzing proudly presented home products made of TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology at Heimtextil 2019, in Frankfurt. This allowed TENCEL™ to differentiate fiber types with REFIBRA™ technology depending upon the desired final use, perfect for application in home textiles, such as towels and bed linen, which will all share enhanced smoothness, absorbency and quality standards.

To continue with this momentum, in March, TENCEL™ hosted a grand ceremony in Shanghai, announcing Whinny - China’s luxury home textile and furnishings brand, as Lenzing’s one of the first premium brand partnership in China under the TENCEL™ brand. For 2019 Summer/Spring, Whinny will be launching its “Summer Leisure Collection” blanket using TENCEL™ branded lyocell fiber as their flagship product. The collection is made to last with unbeatable comfort and high moisture absorption, while also allowing consumers to enter the pure "true" era with a clean conscience.

Consumers nowadays are more conscious about the environmental impact of their products, and to provide consumers with the utmost transparency and reassurance, Lenzing has developed an identification system that allows consumers to confirm that products are made with the sustainable TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers, even after the long supply chain process.

As Lenzing further ventures into the homes and interior sector, our TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers offer an incredible solution to the industry’s struggle for sustainability, without compromising quality standards or sacrificing comfort, and we are really excited about what the future will hold.

The United Nations (UN) has long spearheaded sustainability initiatives in the fashion industry, and this year seeks a more holistic and coordinated approach to change through their recently launched UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion. Launched on March 14 at the 4th UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, this new alliance is a collaboration between actors across the UN, and aims to partner with public and private sector actors in the coming months to address environmental harm across the entire fashion industry.

The alliance now has 8-member organizations including the International Labor Organization, the UNDP and the UN Economic Commission, however hopes to encourage more retailers, brands, and manufacturers across the supply chain, to partner in the coming months, and engage in the collaborative project.

Both private-sector and public-sector actors will be encouraged to come together within the scheme to identify whitespace between other UN agencies and shortfalls of global sustainability-focused fashion initiatives, where further efforts can be made to resolve fashion’s environmental concerns. The findings of these investigations will shape future green initiatives, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of current schemes and lobby governments across the world to implement protective policies aimed at fostering industry change.

The new collaborative alliance has already engaged with important fashion initiatives across the world. The Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Lakme Fashion Week in India, and Ellen MacArthur Foundation and among others, have all become important stakeholders for the alliance, and will assist in promoting the project’s message globally.

Consumers are also encouraged to engage with the initiative. The alliance is set to host a series of pop-up installations internationally, aimed to increase awareness around preferred sustainable alternatives, and showcase the latest environmentally mindful innovations.

UN Environment Assembly President Siim Kiisler said, “The fashion industry cuts across many sectors, and so to capture the full opportunity, the UN and its partners need an integrated approach to go beyond individual Sustainable Development Goals.”

This new alliance is not the first fashion based initiative that the United Nations has launched. Numerous, more targeted organizations, across the landscape have also played their part in promoting change. From the Food and Agricultural Organization, aimed at protecting arable land, to the Ethical Fashion Initiative, focused on promoting sustainable manufacturing methods, the UN has already been working across fashion to implement their Sustainable Development Goals.

This latest alliance however, represents a collaborative project that cuts across more targeted initiatives, to oversee a positive change in fashion, throughout supply chain and across the globe.

Lenzing is excited and proud to share the launch of a new fabric in collaboration with AKEMI. The collaborative fabric was presented during the special bedlinen collection launch event held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 2nd. Inspired by TENCEL™ brand’s reputation on driving sustainability initiatives, AKEMI collaborated with TENCEL™ brand to launch a collaborative fabric that feels good with a natural touch of softness while being environmental friendly at the same time. As an innovator in sustainability, Lenzing is thrilled to partner and share innovative research with brands that are ready to expand their knowledge on sustainable fabrics.

During the event, Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer of Lenzing, and Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Brand Management of Lenzing, both delivered a speech sharing TENCEL™’s latest updates and their keenness to collaborate with different partners across the globe. Robert shared Lenzing’s vision of bringing together global leaders in wood-based specialty fibers, explained TENCEL™’s new brand architecture and his excitement with the new AKEMI collaboration. Elaborating on the development of TENCEL™ brand, Harold presented to guests an in-depth outlook of TENCEL™ and what the brand has to offer.

Vincent Koay, CEO of Eastern Decorator Group, the company that is responsible for AKEMI brand, spoke on the partnership between AKEMI and TENCEL™. While sharing what started this partnership, Vincent said they were inspired by Lenzing’s trustable reputation for their sustainability initiatives, which had inspired AKEMI to build on this green initiative, to look for something beyond just fabric softness and to provide their customers with natural comfort while having a peace of mind of making an environmentally responsible choice.

Lenzing’s ongoing mission is to promote sustainability across the globe. While launching the latest collaboration with AKEMI, Lenzing was able to once again engage with a brand that has a constant drive for green innovation and deliverance. This partnership marks a historic cooperation between the two brands within the AMEA region and it will be exciting to see what’s going to come in the future.

This Earth Month, TENCEL™ is launching campaigns in the United States and Taiwan that align with the global “Make it Feel Right” campaign. In the United States, TENCEL™ is partnering with US-based non-profit organization One Tree Planted and seven US based retail partners to support the replanting of trees in the California forests recently devastated by crippling wildfires that burnt over 876,000 acres of forest. TENCEL™ is also partnering with sustainable farming initiative BlueMagpie Tea in Taiwan, to launch a new sustainable farm. Both campaigns are aimed at encouraging awareness around environmental fragility and the benefits of ecological protection in addition to both brands’ commitment to sustainable fiber production.

TENCEL™ and its US retail partners will leverage public interest to help with outreach across TENCEL™ and brand partner social media and has committed to donating one tree to One Tree Planted for every 50 likes or 10 shares each post receives. As a part of the “From Trees, For Trees,” campaign, TENCEL™ has also pledged to donate one tree for every purchase made with TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers through retail partners’ websites over the course of the month. In addition, each brand will pledge to make a minimum donation of 1,000 trees, a commitment that will be matched by TENCEL™ in honor of this year’s Earth Day on April 22.

Lenzing’s first Taiwanese focused campaign, “Green Earth, Green Taiwan,” boldly aims to mobilize the entire textile value chain to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. Mutual support of Taiwan Blue Magpie Tea, by Lenzing’s value chain partners, of a contractual farming system aimed at protecting the land and water is at the center of the initiative. One of the event’s major milestones will be the ability to trace the carbon footprint throughout the value chain process as the tea is produced. “Green Earth, Green Taiwan,” is just the beginning of a campaign envisioning a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the Taiwanese textiles industry.

“From Trees, For Trees” and “Green Earth, Green Taiwan,” is an extension of the environmental responsibility TENCEL™ brand and Lenzing already demonstrate, and augments the “Make it Feel Right” campaign that TENCEL™ brand is supporting. TENCEL™ brand and Lenzing hope the campaign will encourage broader awareness about the fragility of the environment and importance of using more environmentally friendly preferred fibers in addition to contributing to such an important cause. As TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers are produced from sustainably sourced wood-pulp, it is one of the brand’s highest priorities to ensure they do all they can to support the health of forests across the globe.

From the time he was cutting too-big vintage jeans down to stylish size to wear himself, Boyish Jeans creative director Jordan Nodarse knew he was a blueblood.

Since then, he’s been bringing that passion for denim to the world, leaving his touch on brands and businesses all around the world, showcasing jeans that are designed look good, feel good and do go for the environment.

Now his attention is focused on Boyish and making men’s style jeans made to fit women. The enhanced breathability, strength, smoothness and long-lasting softness offered by TENCEL™ branded fibers allow Jordan to work his jeans towards the ideal “boyish comfort wear”.

Besides this, the Boyish Jeans are also a fit for the environment with low carbon footprints. Made of botanic materials, TENCEL™ branded fibers used in the production of denim fabrics have gained a commendable reputation for their environmentally responsible closed loop production process, which transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with high resource efficiency and low environmental impact.

Let’s catch up with Jordan to get a glimpse into his indigo world.

Q: How did Boyish Jeans start?

Jordan: Boyish was an idea that sparked from girls wearing men’s jeans but still looked cute and sexy. We wanted women to not just have their butt feel amazing in our jeans but also have jeans that made you feel good for supporting in respect to our social and environmental efforts.

Q: What’s the latest that Boyish Jeans is working on?

Jordan: Currently, we are taking our technology of blending recycled cotton and spinning it with TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology to create the world’s most sustainable and circular yarn. We recycle all our cutting scraps back into our fabrics when we remake them.

Q: What’s the appeal in vintage silhouettes?

Jordan: The last 15 years of jeans has been stretch and these materials that feel more like sweatpants than denim. We wanted to make authentic jeans that made girls booties look and feel amazing! All our fits are inspired by vintage jeans we find at flea markets from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA to the Rag Houses in South LA to the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok. Another big reason for us looking to vintage garments for inspiration was the sustainability of denim prior to plastics entering the yarn. We focus on 60+ percent of our collection being 100 percent natural and cellulosic fibers. We look to make seasonless, well made, long lasting denim that can one day be recycled back into new jeans.

Q: How important is sustainability to what you’re doing?

Jordan: Very important! However, design is always at the forefront of our ethos. We will never made a product that isn’t sustainable and eco-conscious but we also won’t make a product that is sustainable and eco-conscious without it looking and performing well. Our mission is to make great jeans and be as transparent as possible about everything we do so other brands can learn to make their jeans better. We hope that our customer learns from us and hold other brands accountable to make similar efforts.

Q: What’s next for Boyish jeans?

Jordan: We are currently working on some of the softest, sustainable eco-conscious knits. We will be launching T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants and dresses in our new knit fabric that is composed of recycled cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology.

Q: What was your first pair of jeans?

Jordan: My first pair of jeans was probably Baby Gap jeans but my first pair of jeans that I remember falling in love with was a pair of Levi’s medium stonewash jeans. Wore them to death!

Q: When did you first know you were a blueblood?

Jordan: Probably at the point that I went to the extent of going down to the Goodwill and Plato’s Closet to buy $5 Levis jeans then cut and sew them to fit like tight fitting Bruce Springsteen jeans.

Q: What’s one trend in denim you’d like to see go away?

Jordan: Plastic based fibers (nylon, polyester, etc.) so that we can stop all the microfiber pollution. There is currently 1 ton of micro-plastics in the ocean per person on the planet. That’s ridiculous. All because consumers would rather spend a few dollars less on their clothes they will only wear for one season.

Q: What’s missing from the denim industry today?

Jordan: Conscious consumerism and one non-bias, non-profit agency to fully inspect a products entire supply chain back to the ground that the fiber was grown.

Denim brands are certainly not all created equal.

reDEW8, for one, has chosen to work together with TENCEL™ to create inclusive denim products which champion style and sustainability.

In terms of style, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are versatile and can be combined with different textile fibers to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of fabrics. At the same time, these fibers come with the full package of strength, smoothness and breathability, which are ideal for all sorts of denim designs.

To put the brand’s ethos into perspective, we only have to look so far as its co-owner Peter Lantz to understand why reDEW8 does what it does.

“We share this only planet of ours with about 8.7 million other species and one of the weaknesses humans have, in the society we have built for ourselves, is our urge for newness and our willingness to buy cheap,” Lantz said. “In short, while fashion can be creatively inspiring and arguably help people to improve their self-esteem within the social norms, it is ultimately evil. In the last century, fashion has gone from embracing high-quality fabrics paired with sartorial skills to fast and disposable garments of highly questionable quality and make. We used to wear a garment for years, whereas today it’s closer to a few times before disposing of it.”

Check out the following interview with Lantz to learn more about the do-gooder brand.

Q: reDEW8 focuses on style, sustainability and technology—can you tell us how each plays into what you do?

Peter: The answer to these three questions can be reduced into a single word: React!

Our very existence is under threat and if we don’t pull ourselves together and react now, our children won’t be able to see all the beauty around us, nevertheless have time to appreciate it, ’cause they will be busy trying to solve the problems of flooding and drought, food and water, migration and war…It may seem like a pessimistic view on our future, but it’s very much a possible, even likely future.

reDEW8 has chosen to address this in several ways. Style-wise by aiming to be contemporary, not cutting edge. In other words, to make jeans based on contemporary styling (as opposed to disposable fashion) using the highest quality fabrics and taking advantage of both the latest technologies and forgotten skills.

As an example, on the fabric side, we’ve been using organic cotton and post-consumer recycled PET-bottles (polyester) from the start and we’re about to launch the world’s first real jeans which not only looks, feels and wears like cotton, but which is also possible to recycle into new jeans of the same quality (as opposed to downcycling). This is only possible thanks to the latest technologies and we’re very thankful that our partners in this specific project, Lenzing and ISKO, are investing heavily in R&D, showing the sustainable way forward in the evolution of denim with TENCEL™ Lyocell.

Another example is our button, which is made from pure copper without galvanization or other chemical treatments. It’s a technique which dates back many thousand years and which our partner MetalBottoni reinvented in a recent collaboration with reDEW8.

Q: How important is sustainability to what you’re doing?

Peter: Speaking of sustainability, it’s a word which unfortunately has lost some of its meaning, so today we always combine it with transparency. Without transparency, sustainability means nothing. reDEW8 aims to offer total transparency. Not only about who made your jeans, how, where and from what, but even down to financial details.

reDEW8 gives 25 percent of the profit back to Earth through the reDEW Foundation to benefit endangered animals and their natural habitat. That means that we offer total transparency also when it comes to profit. As of today, reDEW8 didn’t make any profit (as we just launched the Brand), but we still held two reDEW Earth Prize awards and gave back a total of 500,000 Swedish krona [$55,278]. It’s just to show that we’re in this for real.

reDEW8 has one foot in outdoor and the other in craftsmanship. While the process behind a pair of reDEW8 jeans always starts with style, sustainability and technology are equally important ingredients. A journalist once called us “the Tesla of jeans.” While electric cars may have their flaws, we are flattered to be seen this way.

Q: A little about you now—what’s your first denim memory?

Peter: I guess there are two strong denim memories from my childhood. The first is a pair of jeans which I loved. They were most probably from a Swedish brand and they had a very distinctive 4-pocket look with rectangular patch pockets. It was not unlike the Japanese/American workwear trousers which we’ve seen so much of during the last few years, but these were indigo dyed. At the very end, they had big orange patches on the knees (at least this is how I remember it). Ultimately, they just became too small for me. I always wondered what happened to them. I would have loved to have them still.

The other is not wanting to wear a denim jacket. I’ve had a few denim jackets, but only in the last 10 years or so. My parents were offering to buy denim jackets for me as a child. However, I just never felt comfortable wearing it. I guess I was already craving for function, although I wasn’t able to put it into words at the time.

Q: What’s missing from the denim industry today?

Peter: In my humble opinion, it’s not firstly the denim industry that needs to be addressed. It’s rather the social structure and the norms of society. Still, I would love to see less greed in the denim industry. Profit is a must. That’s still the best way to drive innovation, in my humble opinion.

However, I wish that more people would channel more investments into a focus on the coming generations. To me, it’s unbelievable the way so many in the industry are eager to talk the talk, but not to walk the walk. At any given denim fair, it’s all about sustainability. That should be a great thing, but this competition of “who can make the biggest hang-tag” is not pushing the industry forward.

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers used in reDEW8 jeans are certified as biodegradable and manufactured in sustainable production processes. The pioneering REFIBRA™ technology used to produce these fibers enables the upcycling of cotton scraps which are traditionally treated as waste from garment production. The upcycling process involves adding wood pulps into shreds of cotton scraps, where the raw materials are transformed to produce new virgin lyocell fibers. Low amounts of water are used across the closed-loop production cycle, with the adoption of a solvent-pinning process that reuses the solvent at 99% recovery rate, ensuring minimal carbon emission. In addition to the impeccable sense of style, reDEW8 customers are also assured that their fashion choices are not contributing to an adverse impact on the environment.

Note: reDEW8 was awarded “Best in Show” at Outdoor Retailer Jan 2019 by The Gear Junkie for their TENCEL™ Denim.

In January, and as a part of the brand’s broader sustainability initiative, TENCEL™ has become a central supporter of the “Make It Feel Right” campaign to raise awareness around the use of preferred fibers, and encourage all of us to make positive changes to consume fashion in a more environmentally friendly way.

The impacts of the fashion industry on our ecosystem have been well documented, and we are now more aware than ever about the harm our consumption habits have been causing. However, many consumers still find it challenging to ensure they are purchasing environmentally friendly garments, from brands with proven track records with sustainability. The movement empowers consumers by detailing how simple it can be to reduce their environmental impact from the purchasing stage, to the caring and end of life stages of each garment. The “Make it Feel Right” website, has already enticed awareness around reading clothing tags and understanding sustainable materials. The website has armed customers with the knowledge that they are selecting preferred fibers with ecolabel guarantees, and washing the garments in an appropriate way to reduce wear and tear and avoid polluting the world’s waterways.

Influential fashion advocacy groups and influencers have become valuable supporters of the movement, and have spread the campaign’s message across the globe. Global NGOs such as Textile Exchange, are assisting the campaign to push for visible and positive industry change in addition to providing awareness for their own brand partners and consumers. Influencers from across the fashion industry have provided their support for the campaign, promoting its message and educating all of us that the little changes we make today can make a big difference to our planet tomorrow. Well-known influencers, such as Marci Zaroff, Jenny Mustard and Mehmet Kurtulus have lent their voices to the campaign, by reaching out and mobilizing their fanbases, pushing a greater force for industry change.

Brands have also become important supporters of the campaign. International fashion retailer H&M, fashion icon Mara Hoffman, and Australia’s lifestyle brand Country Road, are just a few of the brands who have dedicated themselves to providing environmentally friendly and sustainable products and furthering the “Make it Feel Right” vision. Each with their own sustainability pledges, the addition of these brands to the campaign will provide consumers with a great point of reference for sustainable purchases in the future.

“With the knowledge that sustainability can still be a challenging endeavor for many, the ‘Make It Feel Right’ campaign has been designed to raise awareness around the importance of checking garment labels and educating consumers about the benefits of purchasing clothing made from more environmentally friendly fibers. The movement of make it feel right is occurring at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking environmental responsibility from both brands and within their own purchasing practices and through our support, we intend to promote best practice and guide consumers and brands alike toward a sustainable future,” says Harold Weghorst, Vice President of global brand management at Lenzing.

With such encouraging change already taking place in the industry, the “Make it Feel Right” campaign promises to drive even more awareness to consumers in addition to the wider fashion industry over the coming year.

The TENCEL® fiber is demonstrating its worth in the hotel business in bed linens. TENCEL® fiber has no problem meeting the highest standards in bed linens. Years of product developments with international partners in industrial linens and bed linens manufacturers have led to success. The results were presented at Heimtextil 2017 in Frankfurt for the first time.

Bed linens of TENCEL® are not only for home use

"Following intensive effort on our part, we have developed excellent bed linens for the hotel trade. Now business travelers or wellness guests can also experience TENCEL® bed linens," Susanne Jary, Home & Interior Director at Lenzing, comments. "It was no easy task to get TENCEL® fit for industrial laundries. After years of cooperation with partners in industry, technical recommendations have been developed for cleaning hotel bed linens in industrial laundries," Jary explains.

International partners are ecstatic

"The properties of the TENCEL® fiber, such as high dry and wet strengths, make it possible to use the fiber in industrial laundries. As a result of the softness and high moisture absorption, it is possible to process the TENCEL® bed linens faster and save more CO2 than bed linens of other materials," Textilpflege Leitgeb, a rental service provider from Austria, comments.

The German rental service providers Dibella are well known for the responsible way they handle hotel textiles and constantly search for new eco-compatible materials. "With the TENCEL® fiber we have found a material that has a lower eco footprint and a high textile resistance, which is again extremely important for the hotel industry," Dibella explains. "After three years of development work, we have found the right fiber blend that meets our demands and the demands of our customers," Dibella continues. The first bed linen suitable for leasing is made of 60% TENCEL® and 40% cotton and has surpassed Dibella's expectations.

The American manufacturer, Valley Forge Fabric, works with internationally renowned hotel chains and specializes in TENCEL® in the segment of furniture fabrics and bed linens. "We are convinced that we have changed the way that our customers see textiles in the hotel sector. Ecological compatibility and health aspects now have an influence on their purchase decisions. For us it is important to tell this unique TENCEL® fiber story," Valley Forge Fabrics explain in one statement.

The Austrian company HEFEL Textil is a pioneer in the field of production of TENCEL® bed linens. HEFEL Textil started to use the TENCEL® fiber in their bed linens as early as 1998. "Many of our customers are exclusive hotels thus it was natural to use TENCEL® in the hotel sector as well. The bed linens are characterized by the unique combination of skin-friendly and easy-care properties," Hefel comments. A pilot project convinced HEFEL Textil and confirmed TENCEL® as a fixed feature in the hotel industry. "Mostly, however, the hotel guests will enjoy bed linens of TENCEL®," HEFEL Textil is sure.

The future in the hotel industry

Lenzing is continuing to expand applications for TENCEL® fibers in the hotel business. "First and foremost, it is a stable business and in which we can reach end consumers directly in partnership with the hotels," Jary explains. "Guests can experience TENCEL® directly at hotels and can then acquire the feel-good fiber for their use at home. The possibilities in this sector are interesting both for the hotel business as well as for final consumer marketing," Jary is convinced.

Development partners:

• Textilpflege Leitgeb GmbH, Austria www.leitgeb.at
• Damino GmbH, Germany www.damino.de
• Dibella GmbH, Germany www.dibella.de
• HEFEL Textil GmbH, Austria www.hefel.com
• Hotel Attersee, Austria www.hotelattersee.com
• Valley Forge Fabrics, Inc., USA www.valleyforge.com

Download link for photos, PIN: 93WN7 https://mediadb.lenzing.com/pi...

The need for clothing will have doubled by the year 2025. This amount of clothing signals a major burden for our environment. 80% of the clothing we throw away ends up in landfills. An estimated 50 million tons of clothing are thrown away every year. Refibra™, the new TENCEL® innovation, is the solution and enables circular economy for the textile industry.

From left to right: A. Gautam, S. Perez, A. Dorner, S. Zak, R. van de Kerkhof

Milestone in circular economy Lenzing achieved another milestone in its innovation heritage in the textile industry by developing a new fiber based on cotton scraps and wood. Refibra™ is the first cellulose fiber featuring recycled material on a commercial scale. The fiber is produced in the TENCEL® production process. TENCEL®, already a market success as an eco-friendly fiber, is now achieving another key milestone by creating from natural resources what is likely the most sustainable fiber. Refibra™ from cotton scraps and wood will further build Lenzing's reputation as a leader in the field of environmental fiber technology and will push new solutions in the textile industry towards circular economy by recycling production waste. "For Lenzing, developing circular business models in the fashion industry ensures the decoupling of business growth from pressure on ecological resource consumption. It reduces the need to extract additional virgin resources from nature, and reduces the net impact on ecological resources," says Robert van de Kerkhof, CCO of Lenzing.

From left to right: R. van de Kerkhof, CCO Lenzing AG; A. Gautam, VP Global BM Textiles

R. van de Kerkhof, CCO Lenzing AG

A. Gautam, VP Global BM Textiles

Refibra™ - Reborn TENCEL® fiber The new TENCEL® generation Refibra™ stands for "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle". "The brand name Refibra™ and the claim 'Reborn TENCEL® fiber' illustrate immediately that this new kind of fiber is made of recycled materials promising reduced reliance on natural raw materials. Because Refibra™ is based on the TENCEL® fiber, which has been internationally recognized for its environmentally responsible closed loop production process, Refibra™ offers a deep sustainability profile that clearly contributes to circular economy," van de Kerkhof explains.

Refibra™ with fiber identification Transparency becomes more and more an issue in the textile industry to prove for example material origin. To assure customers that the fiber, made from recycled material, is really in the textiles, Lenzing has developed a new identification system. The system makes it possible to identify the Refibra™ fiber in the finished textile. This guarantees transparency in the overall processing chain. The Refibra™ fiber itself is part of the global Lenzing Branding Service and the brand is licensed once the textile has undergone a certification process.

© Lenzing/Grebe

© Lenzing/Grebe

© Lenzing/Grebe

International partnerships for circular economy "Close cooperation with leading companies who attach particular importance to sustainability is a pre-requisite for a successful market launch," van de Kerkhof comments. "These pioneering companies offer the possibility of jointly developing concepts that contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry and promote the circular economy in this sector as well."

For a better planet "TENCEL® itself is an environmentally responsible fiber of botanic origin. With Refibra™, we add to the future of manufacturing and start to reassess waste as resource. The target is to close the loop. We will not stop our innovation before we are there," van de Kerkhof said. "Lenzing is working for a better planet."

Downloadlink for pictures, PIN: YCN97

TENCEL® branded lyocell fibers put to the test for use in pillows. Studies have shown that fillings of TENCEL® fibers are the perfect botanic alternative. The tests conducted have revealed that pillows filled with TENCEL® fibers score when it comes to moisture management, volume and ease of care.

Pillows of TENCEL® fibers - a contribution towards the botanic bed TENCEL® fibers are in use in almost every area to do with sleeping - starting with components for mattresses and mattress pads through to bed covers and linens. Another application in the bed segment is obvious: pillows with enhanced comfort.

© E.Grebe/Lenzing AG; From left to right: Dr. Jan Beringer - Head of Development at Hohenstein Institute; M. Sc. Miriam Scheffelmeier - Projectmanager Comfort, Protection & Care at Hohenstein Institute; Dr. Susanne Jary - Head of Global BD Home & Interiors at Lenzing AG; DI. Marco Schlimpert - SVP Europe & Americas at Lenzing AG

TENCEL® fibers scientifically tested using "Sherlock" for the very first time Meet "Sherlock", a sweating, thermal manikin test device for clothing physiology from the Hohenstein Institutes. He was used for the first time to test pillows with fillings of TENCEL® fibers. Sherlock is used to test the wear comfort of different kinds of textile products. "Sherlock was deployed for this product category for the first time ever to test pillows of TENCEL® fibers", Miriam Scheffelmeier, project manager at the Hohenstein Institutes, explains. "Sherlock works in precisely defined conditions in a climatic chamber", Scheffelmeier continues. The tests using Sherlock indicate that in pillows, TENCEL® fibers are leading the way to perfect moisture management. When used as a blending partner with polyester, TENCEL® fibers help to improve moisture absorption. It was revealed that the higher the share of TENCEL® fibers in the pillow, the better the moisture regulation becomes.

Easy-care and full-bodied Further research at Lenzing in relation to volume and washing tests has shown that TENCEL® fibers produce very good results when combined with polyester. Pillows with this fiber combination recover quickly after exposure to weight and moisture. Of all the pillows tested, the one with a filling of down and feathers came in last since the volume recovered only very slowly. Even after washing, the pillows with TENCEL® fibers performed well and are therefore ideally suited to household washing.

Pillows for individuals With pillows of TENCEL® fibers, different filling levels are possible - from soft to solid and from flat to voluminous. Pillows can be designed to suit customers' wishes in terms of the size, material and shape. A pillow for individualists that adapts to the sleeper. Say goodbye to the tension and headaches caused by non-optimized pillows!

^{Testresults based on: Danijela Cafuta, PhD Thesis, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering; Manuscript in preparation}

Photo download: https://mediadb.lenzing.com/pi...

Inspired by nature and made with sustainable TENCEL^TM Luxe branded filament, the “guilt-free” lounge dress addresses blurring dividing line between underwear and outerwear

Paris – 30 January 2018 – Lenzing announced today that it has teamed up with renowned lingerie master, Jos Berry, Founder and Creative Director of Concepts Paris, to introduce a nature-inspired lounge dress made with 100 percent TENCEL™ Luxe, a breakthrough sustainable cellulosic filament yarn specifically for the luxury fashion market. Featuring liquid-like drape and a silky-smooth hand feel, the lounge dress was recently showcased at the Nature Moves Us Exhibition at Interfilière Paris and would be showcased in Hong Kong during Interfilière Hong Kong, which will be held on 27-28 March 2018.

Themed “Nature Moves Us”, Interfilière Paris and Interfilière Hong Kong are global platforms for industry professionals to share progressive ideas and trends around the lingerie, activewear material and accessories sector. A key focus of the Nature Moves Us Forum is on the innovation in the usage of sustainable cellulosic fiber in lingerie or beachwear.

“Nature has given us never-ending inspiration for design and nature-inspired designs come in all shapes and forms. The Nature Moves Us Forum is our appreciation to nature and is aimed to drive discussions of new development of cellulosic fibers and recycled stretch yarns in the industry,” said Jos Berry, Founder and Creative Director of design and consultancy group Concepts Paris. “With a change in lifestyles, the dividing line between underwear and outerwear is becoming blurry, leading to growing importance of loungewear in the fashion industry, and the TENCEL™ Luxe lounge dress is a perfect fit to the narrative. Given TENCEL™ Luxe is designed for sensuality and engineered for sustainability, we hope to showcase inspirational designs of nature beyond flowers.”

“We are honored to team up with renowned lingerie master, Jos Berry, to take part at Nature Moves Us Exhibition,” said Amit Gautam, VP of Global Business Management in Textile, Lenzing Group. “TENCEL™ Luxe is another milestone of Lenzing‘s commitment to eco-couture. By working with Jos Berry and her Nature Moves Us Project, we hope to bring a different dimension to eco-couture and eco-lingerie, and raise awareness of the importance of sustainability in all aspects of the fashion industry value chain.”

Launched in October 2017, TENCEL™ Luxe is a breakthrough sustainable cellulosic filament designed specifically for the premium fashion market. Made with dissolving wood pulp sourced from sustainable wood, TENCEL™ Luxe features fluid-like drape, smoothness, breathability and color vibrancy with superior aesthetics and comfort level that allow it to be the ideal material for the luxury fashion market or for blending with other noble fibers such as silk, cashmere or wool. TENCEL™ Luxe is produced in Austria using Lenzing’s pioneering closed-loop lyocell production process which won the “European Award for the Environment” from the European Union.

“The Tencel^TM Luxe lounge dress by Jos Berry is a great example of how comfort and sustainability can be integrated with high-end fashion and lingerie,” added Judy Chen, director of Global Business Development, innerwear, Lenzing Group. “Since there are virtually unlimited possibilities for using Tencel^TM Luxe in fashion, we look forward to seeing more integration of sustainability in the innerwear and lingerie sector through this innovative cellulosic filament yarn.”

Images of TENCEL™ Luxe and the TENCEL™ Luxe lounge dress designed by Jos Berry can be downloaded from: Jos Berry x Lenzing (PIN: 8k1d3uXInGko)

For more information about TENCEL^TM Luxe, please visit: http://www.tencel-luxe.com/.

• New TENCEL™ brand architecture enables textile industry partners, retailers and consumers to “Feel so right” with TENCEL™ apparel and home offerings
• Consumer-focused TENCEL™ brand portfolio moves beyond fiber to everyday use or application - TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Denim, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Intimate and TENCEL™ Luxe

February 13, 2018, Paris/Lenzing – The Lenzing Group (Lenzing) today redefined TENCEL™, as its textile premium brand at Première Vision Paris. The redefining of the TENCEL™ brand is a key milestone of Lenzing’s new brand strategy to enhance product brand offerings, foster connection with customers and consumers, and drive consumer demand. TENCEL™ is well positioned to be a major growth engine in the textile sector, with a brand portfolio that caters for distinctive usage – TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Denim, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Intimate, and TENCEL™ Luxe, all enabled by two versatile and highly compatible fibers, TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell.

Designed and based on the findings and insights of an extensive market research, the brand architecture is an important step for Lenzing to transform from a business-to-business (B2B) fiber producer to a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) brand. The brand architecture not only addresses the growing trend amongst retail brands and consumers to seek out for products that make them look good and feel good, but also do good via sustainable and transparent production processes, like the processes used for producing TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. According to research findings, while LENZING™ Modal is known as a fiber with good quality and long-lasting exquisite softness, TENCEL™ is a well-recognized and appreciated brand name among stakeholders, customers and consumers in key target regions of Lenzing. Hence, TENCEL™ is adopted as Lenzing’s textile specialty brand for apparel and home applications, and is aimed to help create a unique and differentiating brand in the Modal and Lyocell fiber markets. The redefined TENCEL™ product brand, along with the tagline “Feels so right”, will enable Lenzing to embark on communication around messages that move beyond fiber types and characteristics towards everyday use and benefits that brands and consumers value.

“With a longer-term strategy to enhance connection with customers and consumers, 2018 will be a game changer year for Lenzing,” said Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer of Lenzing Group. “Since rolling out our sCore TEN business strategy in 2015, Lenzing has been migrating into a specialty fiber business with a strong focus on innovation, quality and sustainability. The redefined TENCEL^TM brand underlines our core principles of trust, transparency, reliability and amicability, and by leading technology innovation in the textile sector, we will continue to enable our industry partners and consumers to feel good, look good and do good.”

Under the new brand strategy, TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers will be key ingredients in the TENCEL™ branded product portfolio. Derived from certified and controlled wood sources, both TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell standard fibers are produced via responsible production processes and are compostable and biodegradable under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions. Enabled by industry innovations, including REFIBRA™ technology, Eco Soft technology, Eco filament technology and Micro technology, textiles produced under the TENCEL™ brand offer premium standards of sustainability and natural comfort to meet evolving consumer demand.

“We are charting a bold new course to simplify our product portfolio and elevate our brand to bring more value to consumers and industry partners,” said Harold Weghorst, director of Global Brand Management. “As Lenzing’s flagship brand in the textile sector, TENCEL™ will grow beyond fiber types and functional characteristics, it will become a true consumer-focused brand with a promise of something more functional and emotional. By elevating TENCEL™ to a promise to the consumer rather than a product message to the value chain, we can start to excite consumers, retailers and brands about the holistic benefits of botanic fibers. Guided by the brand promise of ‘Feels so right’, TENCEL™ brings greater degree of comfort and higher performance to consumers while making them feel good about the choices they make. We hope to create a stronger connection with the industry value chain and consumers through our expertise around sustainability, especially in TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. In the long run, we plan to build TENCEL™ not only into a trusted B2B brand, but also a preferred consumer brand, which provides B2B customers with ease to maximize marketing effectiveness and enables consumers to identify ‘feel-good’ products made with sustainable materials.”

Moving beyond fiber to distinctive everyday usage or application in consumer-focused–branded offer, TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Denim, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Intimate and TENCEL™ Luxe have been created under the TENCEL™ portfolio. New swing tags and marketing materials will be launched on a retail level to provide clarity on product benefit claims containing TENCEL™ branded fibers. The swing tags, along with more detailed guidelines on B2B and B2C usage, are now available on Lenzing’s new e-branding service platform, which caters to B2B customers and retail partners, offering faster, more sustainable and more user-friendly solutions for certification and licensing.

“By applying the new brand strategy, we will take a more personalized and targeted approach to reflect the TENCEL™ brand essence of ‘softness’ and ‘feeling good with a natural touch’ with B2B customers, retail partners and consumers,” added Amit Gautam, vice president of Global Business Management in Textile. “We will work closely with the industry value chain and retail brands to educate consumers about TENCEL™ featured value propositions like product quality, functional benefits and sustainability. Co-branding programs such as swing tags or packaging, and co-marketing campaigns with retail brands will enable us to reach out to consumers directly. With more brand exposure and ongoing consumer education from this year onwards, consumers will see more of us through the TENCEL™ brand in apparel and home textiles and/or in our partners’ retail outlets in different regions.”

The redefining of TENCEL™ as Lenzing’s textile flagship brand will be effective from today onwards. This will be the first step of Lenzing’s new brand exercise, where the same approach will also apply to nonwoven and industrial applications, which will be announced at a later stage.

For more details about TENCEL™, TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Denim, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Intimate and TENCEL™ Luxe please visit www.tencel.com.

About TENCEL™

TENCEL™ is the textile specialty brand under The Lenzing Group that covers textile specialty product offerings for apparel and home. The TENCEL™ product brand portfolio defines a new evolutionary step in terms of sustainability, functional benefits, natural comfort and caters for distinctive everyday usage or application. Product brands under TENCEL™ includes TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Denim, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Intimate and TENCEL™ Luxe.

Featuring botanic origin and biodegradable quality, TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers can enhance breathability of fabrics and have minimal static charge when used in fabrics. Fabrics made of TENCEL™ Modal and Lyocell fibers are also gentle on skin with smooth, long-lasting softness, color vibrancy and color retention features. Through moisture management, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers absorb moisture efficiently. With less available moisture formed on the surface of the fiber for bacteria to grow, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers provide a less favorable environment for bacterial growth, offering better hygienic qualities. Moisture management and thermal regulation fiber properties can be found in TENCEL™ Home and TENCEL™ Active branded fabrics.

Fibers used under the TENCEL™ brand are derived from certified and controlled sources following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. Namely TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell, both cellulosic fibers are produced via responsible production processes and are compostable and biodegradable. TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell are designated by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) BioPreferred^® Program.

About the Lenzing Group

The Lenzing Group is a world market leader which supplies the global textile and nonwovens industry with high-quality, botanic cellulose fibers. Headquartered in Austria, Lenzing operates production sites in all major markets as well as a worldwide network of sales and marketing offices. Lenzing’s portfolio ranges from dissolving wood pulp to standard and specialty cellulose fibers.

Lenzing’s quality and innovative strength set global standards for cellulose fibers. With 80 years of experience in fiber production, the Lenzing Group is the only company in the world which is able to produce significant volumes of all three cellulose fiber generations– LENZING™ Lyocell fibers, LENZING™ Modal fibers, and LENZING™ Viscose fibers. Lenzing also set new industry standards with the introduction of LENZING™ Lyocell RB by REFIBRA™ technology, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ eco-friendly viscose, as well as the innovative LENZING™ Lyocell Filament which caters for the luxury textile market.

The Lenzing Group’s success is based on consistent customer orientation combined with innovation, technology and quality leadership. Lenzing is committed to the principles of sustainable management with very high environmental standards and can underscore this commitment with numerous international sustainability certifications for its business processes as a leading sustainable company in the sector. In addition to fibers, which form the core business, the Lenzing Group is also active in the fields of engineering and plant construction.

Key Facts & Figures Lenzing Group 2016

Revenue: EUR 2.13 bn

Fiber sales volumes: 978,000 tons

Employees: 6,218

TENCEL™, REFIBRA^TM and LENZING™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.

This spring, Lenzing held a series of “Feel So Right” themed customer and consumer events in Europe and Asia to celebrate the launch of the TENCEL™ brand

The celebrations began in Paris, where the TENCEL™ brand was announced globally at Première Vision Paris on February 13. A dedicated area was set up at Lenzing’s booth to showcase the TENCEL™ brand, its identity, and how the new brand fits into Lenzing’s overall business. More than 500 customers and partners joined Lenzing’s executives at an exclusive event held at Palais Brongniart, which was transformed into a nature-inspired haven with plants and wooden elements. Over dinner, Lenzing executives shared with industry peers the motivations behind Lenzing’s new brand strategy and the company’s new communications direction that focuses on establishing a strong emotional connection with consumers. To bring the TENCEL™ brand’s ethos to life, dancers wearing TENCEL™- enabled fabrics appeared in a “ballet catwalk” to express through ballet and modern dance the gentleness, silky smoothness, strength and versatility of fibers from TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Denim, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Intimate, and TENCEL™ Luxe. A similar event was held in Shanghai on March 13^th for Lenzing’s customers and partners in the Greater China region.

In Japan, Lenzing launched the company’s first TENCEL™ brand activation program in Asia Pacific with renowned retail brands AG Jeans, Wacoal and Danskin. Featuring Japanese actress Ryoko Hirosue, the co-branding campaign emphasizes on purity, nature, and care, and captures the “Feel So Right” moments in everyday life. The campaign involves a series of online and offline advertising and instore promotions that are being implemented throughout Japan from March to May 2018.

More activities to promote the TENCEL™ brand continue to be rolled out worldwide including events for customers, partners, media, and other industry peers in markets such as Tokyo and Istanbul.

• Strong demand for eco-responsible viscose
• Production expanded to China
• Strong commitment to specialty strategy

The Lenzing Group marks a new milestone in its sustainability journey: It is introducing the eco-responsible process for the production of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers, which were first launched by Lenzing in autumn 2017, also at its Chinese location Lenzing Nanjing Fibers (LNF). As of now, the Lenzing Group is able to produce LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers not solely at the site in Lenzing (Austria) but also in China and, hence, even better meet the strong demand for eco-responsible products.

The environmental awareness of consumers has been growing steadily over the last decade, more recently in the fashion and textile industry. Textile consumption is expected to double by 2025, and the industry is anxiously looking for more sustainable solutions with low environmental impact. The Lenzing Group addresses this market need for more eco-responsible products by offering LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers that mark a new milestone in Lenzing’s sustainable viscose production based on three pillars:

1. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibers are derived from sustainable wood and pulp, coming from certified and controlled sources (FSC® or PEFCTM certified) following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy.
2. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers have been certified with the EU Ecolabel, a label of environmental excellence.
3. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers can be robustly identified in the final product.

Greater transparency in the fashion industry

A special manufacturing system enables LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers to be identified in the final product, even after long textile processing and conversion steps through the value chain. Thus the retailers and brands are assured that they are incorporating LENZING™ ECOVERO™ eco-responsible viscose in their products. “LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are the answer to a burning issue in the fashion industry, namely to robustly identify eco-responsible fibers from the producer to the consumer. With LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers, one thing is clear: If Lenzing is on the outside, Lenzing is also on the inside”, says Hu Jian, Senior Vice President North Asia of the Lenzing Group.

“Thanks to this special manufacturing system, we are supporting the trend in the fashion industry towards greater transparency. It is becoming increasingly important to know where the products come from and which path they have covered”, Hu Jian explains further. “By now, Lenzing Nanjing Fibers is one of only two locations worldwide to produce LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers and this is something we are particularly proud of”, he adds.

Lenzing enforces strict environmental standards during viscose production and has invested millions over the years to achieve an eco-responsible production process. Both the Lenzing site as well as the production location in Nanjing comply with the stringent guidelines of the EU Ecolabel. The label of environmental excellence is only awarded to products and services which have a significantly lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle: from raw material extraction, to production, distribution and disposal.

Long-term growth with specialty fibers

The expansion of the production of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers emphasizes the focus of the Lenzing Group on specialty fibers. In line with the corporate strategy sCore TEN, the Lenzing Group follows the goal to raise the share of specialty fibers in revenue to 50 percent by 2020 – from currently 42 percent.

• Market success above expectations
• Product and market development accelerated
• Investment up to EUR 30 mn

The Lenzing Group is setting another milestone as a specialist for extremely high-quality products made of the renewable raw material wood. Capacities will be significantly expanded due to strong demand for Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Luxe filament yarn which was first launched on the market just a few months ago. Lenzing will invest up to EUR 30 mn in a further pilot line at the Lenzing site. Basic engineering for construction of the new facility has already been initiated.

“Thanks to TENCEL™ Luxe, Lenzing is currently positioning itself in the premium luxury market and is embedding the issue of sustainability there in combination with superior aesthetics”, says Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lenzing Group. “The fine filament yarn is comparable to natural silk due to its airy feeling on the skin and the matte finish. It is perfectly suited for very fine fabrics made exclusively from this yarn and as a blending partner with silk, cashmere and wool”, he adds.

“On the occasion of the launch of TENCEL™ Luxe filaments, the luxury brands already realized what opportunities they would have by using this yarn made of the renewable raw material wood. For this reason, demand is already so high that we have decided to take an intermediate step to expand capacities before building a large commercial production plant. The decision to construct a new line will serve as the basis for generating a three-fold increase in capacity compared to the previous volume. The additional capacity will be available to customers at the end of next year”, states Stefan Doboczky, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Board of the Lenzing Group. “The Lenzing site was selected because research and technological know-how in plant construction are connected in a special way, which will in turn enable us to further develop this special product”, Doboczky adds.

The new capacities will enable Lenzing to more effectively fulfil the needs of customers for TENCEL™ Luxe filament yarn than in the past. At the same time, Lenzing will press ahead with technical planning for a large-scale commercial line at the Lenzing site.

This strong level of demand is further evidence of the Lenzing Group’s innovative strength. The yarn is opening up new markets for the company in the eco-couture segment, thus contributing to the successful implementation of the sCore TEN strategy.

Reducing the industry’s carbon footprint is not a single company effort, and Planet Textiles wants to be the conversation starter that initiates collaborative change.

The sustainable textiles summit, which made its debut in Hong Kong nine years back, serves as a place for textile industry members to work together on scaling sustainable innovations, reducing the negative impact of microfiber pollution and developing best practices for chemical management.

This year at the summit, which will take place in Vancouver, Canada on May 22nd, there will be breakout sessions and discussions focused on the sustainable goals above, and efforts to prep industry members to shift to a more circular model in coming years. Lenzing is a sponsor of the Planet Textiles Summit.

Denim makers will also have access to the latest information on dyeing, laundering and water saving techniques to make their supply chains more sustainable. Organizations set to attend the summit include Fashion For Good, a global initiative that aims to improve the industry’s carbon footprint, and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), an organization that provides the industry with uniform environmental progress tools.

The goal, for Planet Textiles, is to help the textile industry find more harmonized sustainable solutions, as now more than ever, the industry—and the consumer—are calling for transparency and what to buy products made more sustainably.

Carved in Blue caught up with Planet Textiles founder John Mowbray, to talk about environmental challenges for the textile industry, the importance of closing the loop, and why improving the planet will require the efforts of all key brands, producers, suppliers and stakeholders.

Carved in Blue: Can you tell us a little about the Planet Textiles event?

John: This year’s Planet Textiles takes place in Vancouver and will look at how small start-up companies can scale sustainable innovations in our industry from the lab to commercial reality. We will hold a special session on this in collaboration with Fashion For Good, as well as breakout sessions on financing innovation with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC).

Other themes include textile microfibers in relation to the growing problem of microplastics pollution. Here, we have world leading scientist Dr. Peter Ross from OceanWise Canada who will provide the latest science on textile microfibers and their release, fate and implications for marine eco-systems.

Deforestation in relation to the manmade cellulosic fiber sector will also be high on the agenda – along with the harmonization of textile chemical management and wastewater guidelines.

You can see the full agenda here.

Carved in Blue: Why did you start Planet Textiles?

John: MCL News & Media started Planet Textiles back in 2009 in Hong Kong—then in partnership with Messe Frankfurt, although Planet Textiles has always been an MCL brand.

At the time, I started it because there was no annual event on textile sustainability in Asia, where most of the world’s textile originate and I thought these manufacturers were a big missing part of the overall conversation on sustainability. Many of the other events at the time were mainly held for brands and retailers in developed regions and it seemed that the conversation was a bit of a closed shop.

We held the event exclusively in Hong Kong and Shanghai with Messe Frankfurt until we were invited to branch out in 2016 and held it at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, which at that point was a biannual event. Last year it was held in Bangalore together with the SAC and this year it’s Vancouver – again held alongside the SAC member meeting.

Carved in Blue: Why do you collaborate with SAC?

John: Great question. We started working with the SAC since we wanted Planet Textiles to live up to its name and become more of a global event given that we’d been successful in spreading the message in China with Messe Frankfurt, which is still carrying on some great work in the region through its Intertextile sourcing show.

We still have great links with Messe Frankfurt, but after a meeting with Jason Kibbey, SAC’s CEO, in February 2015 in London, we decided that because our organizations were pretty much aligned in terms of aims and objectives, we decided to partner on the production of a truly independent environmental event to run alongside their annual member meetings. So far, it’s been a huge success.

Carved in Blue: What do you think are the greatest challenges our industry faces with regards to sustainability?

John: The greatest challenge at the moment is the lack of implementation by brands of existing sustainability initiatives across their supply chains. This is happening too slowly in most instances or even not at all. Most alarmingly, some brands/retailers appear to be trying to control and ‘own’ the message of sustainability in our industry, with respect to news reporting. The last thing our industry needs is fake news and greenwash.

I won’t name names here, but I was recently invited to a press event by a leading clothing brand who wanted to provide a ‘masterclass’ on the complexities of sustainability reporting. Needless to say, we didn’t attend. It would rather be like MCL putting on a ‘masterclass’ for brands on how best to avoid greenwash? I wonder if they would show up?

Transnational corporations do this all the time in other industries – where NGO’s find it difficult to criticize the brands they are being funded by. Let’s hope our own industry does not go down this path.

Carved in Blue: What kind of impact do you hope the summit has on attendees? What do you want them to leave with?

John: A big impact. Delegates should leave Planet Textiles enthused to take meaningful and easily actionable steps to make a big difference to supply chains in the areas in which they operate. Above all, we are calling for more collaboration and industry harmonization to accelerate these efforts.

Too often, over the past 12 years, I’ve seen people trying to re-invent the wheel and try to carve out their own environmental niche within our industry when a solution already exists. It’s now time for the industry to come together behind a small number of key initiatives if we are to make more rapid progress to reducing the impact of textiles on our planet.

Carved in Blue: The denim industry is known as “a filthy business,” how do you think brands can reduce their environmental footprint?

John: I suppose one way for denim brands to do this is to invest in the latest available technology and implement best practice in denim production. However, brands need to recognize there is a price to pay for such innovation and they need to reward suppliers accordingly if we are to see widespread investment and upgrades.

Thankfully, that is happening in denim laundering for example, and in the indigo dyeing process where there have been very promising new advances this year in water saving techniques and the removal of key, hazardous impurities from indigo dyes. One of these will be unveiled at Planet Textiles.

Carved in Blue: Your title refers to you as, “Environmentalist and Founder.” What sparked your interest in sustainability?

John: As a small boy my local river in Yorkshire was often turned blue, red and green by the dye house effluent from a local shirt manufacturer, which decimated the freshwater eco-system and killed virtually all the fish in the river. Back then, I used to go fishing and the state of the river upset me since it was nearby, but I could never enjoy it. This really piqued by interest in environmental issues from an early age.

Later on, I enrolled to read Environmental Biology at the University of Manchester at a time when acid rain was a big problem in Europe during the 1980s. It was the first honors degree in environmental biology in the U.K. Since graduating, I’ve written on environmental issues since 1992, first at Elsevier Science in Oxford. I’ve been writing about textiles since 1999 and founded Ecotextile News in my spare room back in 2006.

Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?

John: For me I suppose Carved in Blue is all about best practice in the denim sector. This is not just about fibers either, it’s about wet processing and flagging up the potential environmental impacts of the denim sector through new innovative solutions and real-world examples. It is a credit to Lenzing, as a fiber supplier, that it has chosen to highlight these important innovations and put them on record to widen the horizons of everyone involved in denim.

For more stories on our TENCEL™ Denim, be sure to follow our Carved in Blue blog!

There is a surging demand for sustainable products over the past decade as consumers, especially the millennials, are more mindful of their ecological footprint. When it comes to household textile products, there is also an increasing interest in usage of sustainable raw materials as well as eco-responsible production processes.

While Lenzing is at the forefront of leading the sustainable dialogue in the textile industry, the company has taken one step further through partnering with China Oriental Carpet (COC) to develop the TENCEL™ branded Lyocell carpet that looks like silk woven carpets with machine made tech. Lenzing has successfully reached a new milestone with the TENCEL^TM Lyocell carpet and redefined the meaning of sustainable carpets in the Chinese market.

TENCEL^TM Lyocell carpet is revolutionary as it combines Lenzing’s longstanding commitment to the environment with the many benefits of the TENCEL^TM Lyocell fibers. Compared to the other fibers, TENCEL^TM Lyocell fiber has a more superior moisture absorption and humidity control – meaning it is harder for bacteria to survive and thus, bringing a more hygienic and odourless carpet to consumers. What’s more, the dyeing quality of TENCEL^TM lyocell carpet is significantly enhanced, making it looks more colourful, lustrous and shiny.

With this remarkable success, Lenzing will continue to breakthrough and deliver more options for consumers who look for sustainable household textile products.

April was another fruitful month for Lenzing as the company continues to chart a bold new course to simplify its product portfolio and elevate the brand to bring more value to consumers and industry partners. In April, Lenzing presented the TENCEL™ brand to industry partners and customers at the 2018 Fibers & Yarns by Tecoya Group in Mumbai India. The launch of the TENCEL™ brand is a key milestone of Lenzing’s new brand strategy to foster a stronger connection with customers and consumers in the region.

In Indonesia, Lenzing joined Indo Intertex, the biggest B2B2C Textile and Nonwoven trade fair in the country. With a more dazzling booth this year, visitors from all over the world were amazed by Lenzing’s offerings, in particular its brand new TENCEL™ brand. During Indo Intertex, Lenzing participated in the IndoProject Runway fashion design competition and provided a variety of textile materials such as TENCEL™ woven fabric to participants of the competition. Lenzing also equipped participants with additional knowledge about the botanic origin and sustainable features of fibers under the TENCEL™ brand. Lenzing has collaborated with local TV station (JakTV) in Indonesia during the Ramadan month by providing the TV moderators with sustainable fashion made from TENCEL™ fibers.

This is just a part of the TENCEL™ story in AMEA region. The TENCEL™ brand will continue to lead the way in producing environmentally friendly products and providing consumers ‘feel-good’ products that also enable them to “do good and do right” to the environment.

Here at Lenzing, we are always looking at new and innovative ways to create greater value for our customers and partners.

In a world where consumers are increasingly demanding goods that are ethically produced, sustainable and transparent, it is more important than ever that brands can communicate exactly where their products come from.

Research shows that customers are willing to pay a price premium for brands that share their strong ethical values[1].

The Lenzing brand is synonymous with these values. For over 80 years, Lenzing has built a reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability and an ethical brand of choice. Our products are known for being responsibly sourced and produced and we have demonstrated a commitment to transparency in everything we do.

It is important that our customers and partners can leverage Lenzing’s strong reputation and benefit from the increased value that customers place on sustainable, high quality, ethical products.

That is why we are excited to introduce the new Lenzing E-Branding Service Platform.

The E-Branding Service allows producers, retailers and brand owners to showcase their use of Lenzing fibers and develop co-branding campaigns that improve the value of their products.

The Lenzing E-Branding Service platform is fast and simple to use. Because everything is done online, retail and brand partners can obtain a license in a matter of hours, and it’s all paperless. That means no more messy paperwork, printouts or scans.

Producers and retailers work hard to make their brands stand out from the crowd. Lenzing’s E-Branding Service provides a fast and easy way to increase the value of your products by showcasing your brands use of sustainable, high quality and ethically sourced materials.

So what are you waiting for? Register with the Lenzing E-Branding Service and increase the value of your products today!

[1] https://www.retailtimes.co.uk/corporate-values-matter-consumers-are-willing-to-spend-more-with-brands-that-give-back/

Fashion trends come and go, but the zeitgeist of savvy consumers who see the clothes they wear as an extension of their lives and values is here to stay.

It’s also bound to change the face of the industry, as gone are the days when one’s choice of clothes is shaped purely by fads or the desire to look good. In contrast, today’s consumers feel an affinity with brands that embody their values and complement their lifestyles.

Just like the busy and aspirational lives they lead, consumers want clothes that work as hard as they do, in being durable, comfortable, as well as future and eco-friendly. And, ticking these checkboxes is TENCEL™, the natural fibre option loved by brands and consumers alike for defining the standards of sustainability and natural comfort.

They’re spending more time at home, and they want to get comfy

Four billion people around the world are now connected to the internet, and many of them use the internet for more than just browsing. The convenience of online shopping has heralded a huge increase in online retail, with web-based shopping platforms from Amazon to Zalora accounting for 12.1% of retail sales in the Asia-Pacific region in 2017, and the global e-retail market estimated to be worth US$2.3 trillion.

With online stores delivering everything from furniture to clothing to groceries, consumers have less reason to step outside. According to entrepreneur.com, 51% of all Americans, and 67% of millennials prefer online to offline shopping.

It may not be a coincidence that at the same time, sales of comfortable yet chic home clothes, or luxury loungewear, have grown.

“It’s a lifestyle choice; a statement that consumers are practical and busy, but beautiful and extravagant at the same time,” says British knitwear designer Madeleine Thompson.

The rise of luxury loungewear is also seen as a response to the varied lifestyle of the modern consumer, who expects clothing to be comfortable and versatile enough to accommodate his or her hectic schedules, without compromising on style.

In 2017, cashmere joggers continued to be best-sellers at luxury department store Harrods. At MatchesFashion.com, sales of sweatpants are up more than 300 per cent year-on-year. British retailer Selfridges has seen sales of premium loungewear grow 30 per cent year-on-year, while sales of cashmere loungewear pieces have doubled.

Marrying style with comfort, clothes that are made using TENCEL™ are known for looking and feeling luxe. They up the style factor by exhibiting a sleek, luxurious sheen and deeper, richer colour compared to other fabrics. More absorbent than cotton, softer than silk and cooler than linen, TENCEL™ also feels good, providing long-lasting softness to help skin feel pleasantly cool and dry through the day and night.

They have high expectations of themselves, and of what they wear

Fashion is getting next-level functional. Consumers want comfortable, fuss-free styles that adapt to the moment and can go anywhere.

People are trying to accomplish things at such a rapid speed that everything is playing into function. Consumers today live in busier cities, travel more and have increasingly varied and flexible work lives.

As the clothing industry innovates and consumers become more informed on health and wellness, it follows naturally that consumers will demand more from their apparel, much like how the versatility of activewear has given rise to athleisure fashion.

TENCEL™ is built with strong and durable qualities, while being naturally smooth and exquisitely soft. It glides lightly over skin, and can even create body-flattering drapes and fits, which makes it incredibly versatile as a clothing fabric. TENCEL™ also has unique moisture absorption abilities, which in turn make it breathable, and softer. Its efficient moisture absorption also averts bacterial growth better as compared to synthetic fabrics like polyester and synthetics.

For the modern person who’s always on the go, whether they’re at home, running off to the gym, travelling, on a plane, or working, TENCEL™ is always up to the task, and helping them get through in comfort and style.

They’re going green with their clothes and embracing ethical fashion

As more consumers awaken their eco-consciousness, shoppers no longer just buy a product; they buy its entire history and everything it represents.

And they can feel limited by choice in a clothing industry that produces some 100 million tonnes of fibres each year, and is expected to produce synthetics as more than 98 per cent of future fibre production, according to petrochemical analytics firm Tecnon Orbichem.

With the war on plastics today, consumers who seek style and comfort that don’t come at the expense of the environment can find their stride with TENCEL™ - made clothing. As a fibre of botanic origin, TENCEL™ is extracted from the cellulose found in wood pulp, and its production process is more eco-friendly than other fabrics in terms of water, land and chemical output.

Using a special ‘closed-loop system’ that was recognised by the European Union with an European Award for the Environment, 99.7 per cent of the chemicals and solvents used in the process of making TENCEL™ fabrics are recovered and recycled with minimal waste and very low emissions. To complete the regenerative circular economy system, these fabrics are also fully biodegradable, and pose no harm to the environment at the end of its life cycle, whether on land or in the ocean.

With sustainability in its very DNA, TENCEL™ is the natural choice for eco-conscious fashionistas who wish to make an impression with their values, as much as what they wear.

So, in complementing changing preferences and lifestyles, TENCEL™ fabrics are a brand’s choice to make in staying relevant by fulfilling all the basic requirements that matter to today’s consumers - from form and function, to comfort and eco-friendliness.

Original article: https://sourcingjournal.com/to...

Always a leader, Cone Denim has now taken denim sustainability a step further by making the beloved fabric more sustainable.

This week, Cone Denim announced that its denim fabrics will be made with sustainable TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ branded lyocell fibers. The move means Cone Denim is the first fabric producer in North America to use these fibers for denim.

With TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell being the only commercially available fibers made from recycled cotton and wood pulp, the inclusion of these inputs means Cone Denim gets to improve denim’s sustainability without losing any of its appeal.

“Denim consumers want authentic yet innovative products that maximize comfort, style, and performance,” says Kara Nicholas, Vice President Product Design + Marketing for Cone Denim. “They also want to know that their favorite jeans are responsibly made and remain sustainable at the end of their lifecycle when finally discarded. Our Cone® 3D R&D team continues to explore and push the boundaries in developing the next evolution of sustainable denims.”

The aim, for Cone Denim, is to tap into its experience in science and innovation to curb denim’s adverse impact throughout its entire lifecycle, from production through to end of life. This has become key, particularly at a time when global populations are growing and denim consumption is increasing with it. And with TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell being biodegradable in soil and seawater, with the ability to convert back to the elements that created them, their inclusion in denim helps facilitate this aim of minimizing the fabric’s impact. What’s more, the fabrics will have a traceable fiber ID, so that brands and retailers will be able to verify that their products contain genuine TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers for complete transparency.

Cone Denim’s new fabrics will be made in its North America mills, and Cone Denim will feature its new denim collection at Kingpins New York June 6-7.

“The new fabrics from Cone clearly demonstrate that sustainability and denim are beautifully compatible concepts,” said Tricia Carey, director of global business development for denim at Lenzing. “When responsible denim manufacturers, like Cone Denim, create more environmentally considerate products that still address consumer demands, the entire apparel industry moves closer to a circular economy that benefits us all.”

Textiles are more than just fashion in the athleisure or sports segment. Fabrics, fibers and accessories such as zippers form the basis of modern functional wear for outdoor or sports activities. The technologies and functionalities of textiles specially catered for sport are playing an increasing role from the base layer, second layer to the outer layer.

Among all preferred qualities of textiles, companies have been placing more emphasis on raw materials and efficient production processes, from upcycling natural and synthetic yarns to reduced water and energy consumption during production processes. This smart approach is not only appealing, but also offers high performance fabrics that are aligned with the consumer preference for sustainable products.

Embracing the mega trend of sustainability in the textile industry, Yadong (Changzhou) Science & Technology Co., Ltd (Yadong) adopted TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fiber with REFIBRA™ technology under the TENCEL™ Active brand in their Twill fabric production. Gentle on skin, breathable and made of sustainable materials, Yadong’s Twill fabric was named as the Best Product in the second layer category during the recent ISPO Textrends for 2020 Spring/Summer season.

REFIBRA™ technology involves upcycling a substantial proportion of cotton scraps e.g. from garment production, in addition to wood pulp, where the raw material is transformed to produce new virgin TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fibers for the production of fabrics and garments that enable sports lovers to feel pleasantly cool and dry, experience natural comfort and versatility.

With 50 million tons of clothing being thrown as trash every year and much of it destined for landfill, REFIBRA™ technology is Lenzing’s first step to contribute to the circular economy in the textile industry. REFIBRA™ technology based on the lyocell production process developed by Lenzing has been internationally recognized for its environmentally responsible closed-loop production process.

Active people often spend time enjoying the ‘great outdoors’, and take advantage of all that nature has to offer. They want to minimize their impact on the environment so that future generations can enjoy those same outdoor activities. Lenzing shares this commitment to sustainability through production of cellulose fibers which are derived from renewable wood sources following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. Fibers used in the TENCEL™ Active brand are produced via responsible production processes and are compostable and biodegradable, providing consumers with the peace of mind that are contributing to a sustainable future.

Sustainability is gradually transforming from a mere trend in the fashion industry to mainstream discussion. Consumers nowadays are more interested in sustainable fashion, and according to Google Trend, the number of Google searches using the keywords “sustainable brands” have increased by over 130% between July 2017 and August 2018. With the rise in consumer interest, instead of viewing sustainability as an added fringe benefit to beautiful clothes and accessories, sustainability has slowly become one of the key elements that designers and labels look out for when designing or creating new collections.

The trend of sustainability is not only limited to mainstream consumer brands. Designer labels and premier fashion brands have also been on the lookout for more sustainable options for their creations. For instance, following the introduction of TENCEL™ Luxe last October, the demand for the sustainable lyocell filaments yarn has increased so rapidly that, to cater for popular demand, an additional investment of up to EUR 30 million has been made for a further pilot line at the Lenzing site, a true testament to the movement in eco-couture fashion and Lenzing’s contribution to the future of sustainable fabrics. Basic engineering for construction of the new facility has already been initiated since May and the new capacities will enable Lenzing to more effectively fulfil the needs of customers for TENCEL™ Luxe filament yarn. In the meantime, Lenzing will press ahead with the technical planning for a large-scale commercial line at the Lenzing site.

Such development does not only embody the growing emphasis of sustainability in eco-couture, but also echoes the recommendations of the “Disrupting Luxury Report” published by BSR on how premier or luxury brands can create a more resilient business. According to the report, the key challenges faced by luxury brands include climate change, loss of biodiversity of precious resources, the impact of technology and automation on manufacturing and retail experience and rising economic inequality. To address such challenges, a few recommended actions for luxury brands are to engage in circular economy, expand product life cycles and spur the innovation of new materials and processes. Other important steps include enhancing the brand by contributing to the positive impact on society and building trust and transparency with stakeholders.

Derived from renewable wood sources in a closed loop process, TENCEL™ Luxe branded lyocell filament yarn has long been renowned for its natural comfort and environmentally friendly production process. It defines the landscape of luxury fashion with its silky smooth, liquid-like drape and color vibrancy. With such a core sustainability feature, luxury brands will be able to live up to their quest for enhanced product quality while enjoying supply chain transparency, and sustainability features of the filament yarn. Fashioned to be astoundingly versatile, TENCEL™ Luxe filaments also blend superbly with other noble fibers such as silk, cashmere or wool.

Lenzing is at the forefront of sustainable fashion, gearing up to be the future of eco couture. A testament to Lenzing’s sustainable creation is designers such as Mara Hoffman who are already adopting TENCEL™ Luxe branded Lyocell filament yarns into her collections. Her company is amongst the first to incorporate these materials as a cruelty-free replacement for silk. She will also feature garments made with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology, some of the most sustainable fibers in the world which incorporate recycled raw materials and reducing carbon footprint, for her Fall 2018 collection.

Lenzing recently collaborated with influential designers, manufacturers and suppliers around the world to produce Forever Young, an exciting collection of intimates, activewear and outerwear. This versatility provides unprecedented value for the wearer. The collection was produced with cutting-edge, seamless technology and uses soft natural TENCEL™ branded fibers that are environmentally friendly. Intelligent design has been used to produce pieces that not only encourage the wearer to exercise, but also bring powerful benefits to the body.

Inspiration for Forever Young

The healthy living movement has grown hugely in recent years and exercise is now widely acknowledged as being crucial for wellbeing. As a result, textiles now need to work harder than ever. There is a growing demand for textiles that enhance our bodies’ movement and encourage us to be active in the first place. The concept is simple: exercising causes the body to produce endorphins that makes us feel young, happy and energised. Forever Young is a collection of garments that subconsciously creates the desire to be active, invigorated and enriched in our daily lives. The collection, enabled by TENCEL™ branded fibers, was recently exhibited at Interfiliere Paris where it was enjoyed by a large audience of industry leaders.

Forever Young is a fascinating example of how TENCEL™ branded fibers can be used to create innovative, cutting-edge products.

Fibers That Feel So Right

Producing a collection of this calibre depends heavily on finding the right combination of product, knit technology and yarn. For this project, natural functional fibers were the smartest solution, due to their unique properties. TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers (with Eco Soft and Micro technologies) are blended with Merino, Umorfil, Coolmax or Celliant to produce the most comfortable active wear.

Lenzing’s TENCEL™ branded fibers are perfectly suited to this type of apparel for several reasons:

• They are soft and smooth, making them extremely comfortable.
• They are soothing and cooling when worn against the skin, making them incredibly useful for activewear.
• They are also breathable, with an amazing ability to absorb and release moisture, thereby providing athletes with excellent thermal regulation.

Sustainable and Ethical

TENCEL™ branded fibers enable wearers to “feel so right”. Feeling right also means doing right by the planet, and these fibers are no exception. Both TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers are produced using wood from sustainably managed plantations and renewable forests. They are ethically produced, with responsible use of chemicals and a low water footprint. This approach means clothing produced are not only intelligent but also eco-responsible.

Earlier this year, Indonesian textile mill, PT Lakumas partnered with Lenzing to incorporate TENCEL™ botanic fibers in the production of handmade Sarung Goyor’s, an iconic local heritage product in the Central Javanese regions of Tegal and Pemalang.

This partnership now means that TENCEL™ brand Lyocell fibers will serve as the main component of the sarungs, offering a sustainable element to a much-loved local heritage item. The news was covered by local Indonesian TV station, Jak TV, who visited the mill, and spoke with members of the community now working with TENCEL™ fibers, alongside representatives from Lenzing and PT Lakumas.

The coverage noted that the production of the sarung has proved to be a boom for the local economy, supporting residents and in turn reducing unemployment numbers. This is due to the weaving process of the sarung’s - as they are traditionally woven by hand, each Sarung Goyor requires the work of at least 12 people to produce.

In addition to discussing the impact the partnership between Lenzing and PT Lakumas has had on the local area, the coverage also included an interview with Lenzing Indonesia representative, Winston A. Mulyadi, Commercial Head (SEA Region). Winston used this opportunity to sit down with the media and discuss the wide range of benefits that come from incorporating TENCEL™ fibers into the production of the Sarung Goyor, not only in terms of the high quality of the yarn and resulting durability of the fabric and lasting color.

As all TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fibers are derived from certified sustainable and renewable wood sources, the use of these fibers combines the integration of style, comfort and sustainability with eco-responsible and sustainable production processes, ensuring sustainable alternatives to consumers, which are just some of the reasons that PT Lakumas selected TENCEL™ brand fibers as their main producer of yarn.

Lenzing Northeast Asia Summit 2018 was held at Taipei Marriott Hotel on 1-3 October, hosting up to 300 registered guests and 25 partners. Previously held in Vietnam (2016) and Korea (2017), the event was the first and only regional event held by Lenzing which integrated vertical and horizontal value chain across the textile market. By creating opportunities of value chain connection between customers and buyers or brand and awarding creativity in the industry, Lenzing continued to manifest awareness in sustainability and innovation through the concept of “Connecting People, Bridging Countries.”

During the event, stakeholders across the industry gathered around 25 booths set up by Lenzing partners from Taiwan, Japan and Korea, including a booth on the AIC. Along with the Innovation Corner which showcased fabric highlights and latest trends and innovations in sustainable fabric production, guests were provided with a platform to connect and exchange sourcing information. During the event, hot topics and trends in sustainable fashion, innovation and environmental economy were presented by various speakers such as Patagonia, Trend Consultant and Brand Master. Concepts of sustainability and innovation were constantly highlighted across the event, with Lenzing showcasing its commitment and leadership in the field. Moreover, fashion catwalk was organized which the fashion pieces were provided by 25 sponsors and exhibitors.

Newest innovations from Lenzing were also presented at the innovation corner during the event. TENCEL™ branded fibers, including TENCEL™ Luxe products were showcased in the event, demonstrating how sustainable fibers could fulfill various production needs. Sourcing from botanic origin and producing in a closed loop process, TENCEL™ branded fibers assimilated environmental consciousness with practicalities. In order to extend the concept to other stages of production in the textile industry, the Lenzing Innovation Award was set up to encourage the use of sustainable fibers in fabric production.

Winners of the 2^nd Lenzing Innovation Award were announced in the evening on 2^nd October. Weavers, knitters and converters from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Hong Kong competed in terms of aesthetics, sustainability and innovation under TENCEL™ product categories from Active, Denim, General and Home to Intimate. With over 450 submissions, winning works were presented with bronze, silver and gold awards in each category. The Great Ideas award was also presented to three exceptional works which integrate creativity with sustainability. For instance, the KnitWarm EyeMask presented by Fung Fat Knitting MFY Ltd. was made with TENCEL™ branded fibers, showcasing a balance between pragmatic use, comfort and sustainability. The Passion award winner went to Textile Tech Enterprise Co. Ltd also, who is the only company that their fabrics were entered three nominated categories – TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Active and TENCEL™ General.

The event was closed with a positive note on 3^rd October, marking a successful end to the 3^rdLenzing Northeast Asia Summit.

TENCEL™ Bridge is a premium service for our value chain customers. It links global value chains to end buyers, inspiring the creation and generation of more business opportunities. “With expertise and passion, we are your partners, your external team, and we win the market together!” a quote from Judy Chen, Director of Business Development – inner wear, she has also been the initiator of Bridge for the past 3 years.

The TENCEL™ Bridge Project is a biannual workshop focused on helping companies solve the eternal predicament of making sense of the many trend reports they receive by using an integrated, trend-focused discussion. This project aims to close the gap between consumer demand and real production by linking business and trend markets, consequently turning trends into reality seamlessly.

“The TENCEL™ Bridge Project benefits the active and outerwear segment through encouraging our mill partners to develop new fabrics based on the latest industry and fashion trends. Through inspiring outerwear designs with functional Active sportswear elements, we enable the rise of a brand new exciting interpretation of Athleisurewear,” said Andreas Wilhelm Gürtler, Head of Global Business Development.

From Trends to Textiles “What’s next? What’s new? No more difficulties!”

The TENCEL™ Bridge team consists of a professional trend consultant, a global segment business development manager, professional technicians and a regional business development manager. With reliable solution concepts and decades of experience, the Bridge team is adept at navigating the season’s mega trends, and micro-trends such as color, seasonal fabric highlights and garment style. The Bridge Project inspires the creation and innovation, no more difficulties in developing new ideas for next season!

One of the great benefits of the TENCEL™ Bridge Project is how they assist companies in differentiating their products, increasing their product’s value and ensure their success in the market. The TENCEL™ Bridge team also provides market insights and product analyses from raw materials to end products. “The concept trend board for both men and women is helpful in providing ideas for the collection. The trend consultant’s comments on our hangers are helpful. Moreover, connecting the brands with the fabric suppliers is helpful, said CAN TEKSTİL ENTEGRE TESİSLERİ VE TARIM ÜRÜNLERİ SANAYİ TİCARET A.Ş.

How to boost your business using TENCEL™ Bridge

After interpreting the trend concept, customers develop new fabrics which will then go through fabric testing by Lenzing. We then gather all the fabrics and send them to Studio MLR for the next step. Trend consultants will then select around 120 fabrics based on color and trend, making them into seasonal trend boards. These will then be presented to key global brands and retailers via TENCEL™ global connection.

For quick business matching, each selected fabric from Studio MLR will be installed with a QR code. This will allow TENCEL™ to connect the brands and suppliers right away, allowing for more business opportunities to be created via TENCEL™ Bridge.

With a twenty-year pedigree of crafting high quality, natural jersey fabrics, Portugal-based TINTEX has taken a leadership role in producing innovative, sustainable fabrics for the contemporary fashion, sports and lingerie markets.

The company’s vision is to continue to grow a dedicated, low-impact strategy for production, fabric innovation and to expand their influence throughout the global fashion industry.

One key component of TINTEX’S sustainability efforts is the manufacturer’s long- standing relationship with Lenzing. Since 2000, TINTEX and Lenzing have been collaborating in an effort to push the frontiers of innovation by developing premium fabrics using TENCEL™ fibers.

Ana Silva, TINTEX’s Head of Sustainability, is a big advocate of using TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers, supported by REFIBRA™ technology. “Our brand partners look to us for innovation and premium fabrications, and TENCEL™ branded fibers enables us to develop luxury fabrics that have incredible drape, amazing touch and top color retention properties, all the premium attributes that top fashion brands require for their collections”, says Silva.

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers is made from sustainable sources, harvested from FSC & PEFC (certified and controlled wood) using a closed loop production process. REFIBRA™ technology utilizing 80% wood pulp & 20% post –industrial cotton pulp into new virgin TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. Bringing innovation and an even stronger sustainability story to spinners, mills, brands all the way to the customer.

(Image courtesy of TINTEX)

In an effort to showcase the company’s premium quality fabrics, TINTEX designs two collections per year in three focused concepts: Timeless, Fashionable and Innovative. TINTEX’s collaboration with Lenzing plays an important role with the company’s design team.

(Image courtesy of TINTEX)

(Image courtesy of TINTEX)

“We have a close working relationship with our brand partners and they look to us for new fabrications and development, Lenzing is a big part of that process. Together we have developed many innovations, including bio-polishing, where we treat TENCEL™ fibers with enzymes that reduces pilling and fuzziness”, Silva points out.

Not only is it important for TINTEX to use top quality, sustainable fibers, but the company is also focused on a more efficient, low-impact manufacturing process. TINTEX continues to stay at the forefront of technology by investments in state-of-the-art equipment, and its family of over 120 skilled staff are educated and trained on an ongoing basis. Silva notes “By investing in education, training and equipment TINTEX is able to provide a unique approach to design creative products with smart and responsible values”.

(Image courtesy of TINTEX)

With interest growing from brands and consumers for more sustainable fashion solutions without sacrificing quality, TINTEX is in a unique position to lead the market place and deliver an eco-sustainable strategy with its production and fabric innovation to the global fashion industry.

You can see TINTEX and their latest innovative fabric collection at the next Premier Vision show in Paris.

For more about TINTEX http://www.tintextextiles.com/

Constant innovation and anticipation of customer needs have always been a priority for Spanish manufacturer Hallotex.

With over 70 years of experience in the fashion industry, Hallotex has set the industry standard in product design and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. As a full service design and manufacturing supplier, Hallotex produces over 12 million units of apparel annually. The company works with some of the biggest fashion brands across the globe including Zara, JCrew, Madewell, Eileen Fisher, Reformation, Mara Hoffman and Oak+Fort, using premium fabrics made of Lenzing’s sustainable TENCEL™ branded fibers.

Not only do leading fashion brands look to Hallotex for their trendsetting designs and quality manufacturing, they also look out for sustainable fabrics that add to the premium nature of the products they sell. Hallotex is fully aware of the challenges its brand partners face in a competitive industry landscape and relies on its partnership with Lenzing to enhance the company’s environmentally responsible collection.

(Image courtesy of Hallotex)

There are many approaches to the sustainability efforts of Hallotex. From equipment modernization to reduction of water usage, Hallotex is leading the way in low-impact fashion production across the supply chain.

(Image courtesy of Hallotex)

An important initiative for Hallotex is its use of quality, sustainable materials. The company’s partnership with TENCEL™ branded fibers has become an integral part of their environmental story. Last year, Hallotex helped launch the Zara TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ technology collection. REFIBRA™ technology is Lenzing’s pioneering technology that upcycles a sustainable proportion of cotton scraps together with wood pulp to produce new TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. The result is a sustainable, luxury fabric that has incredible drape and color retention making TENCEL™ lyocell fiber extremely popular with brands and one of the most used fibers at Hallotex.

Jordi Bonareu, President and CEO of Hallotex, clearly values the company’s relationship with Lenzing. Bonareu says, “After years of using TENCEL™ branded fibers, our relationship with Lenzing was solidified during the development and the launch of REFIBRA™ technology. It was then that we had the opportunity to work with the entire Lenzing team to make the project a reality. The Lenzing EU and US teams brought us into the process as true team members and at the same time encouraged us to continue innovating through new yarns and fabrics and introduce more sustainable garments”.

(Image courtesy of Hallotex)

Another one of the company’s more exciting efforts is Hallotex’s creation of “The Loop” initiative, an innovative program that creates new fabrics and clothing from old, recycled apparel. With only 0.1% of all clothing currently being recycled into new fibers and garments.

The Loop is an initiative to reduce the amount of clothing that finds its way into landfills and incinerators. By working with their brand partners to recover obsolete inventory and collecting clothing that has reached the end of its lifecycle , Hallotex plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gases and avoiding chemicals from being released into the soil and water.

(Image courtesy of Hallotex)

Hallotex’s passion and commitment is clear, to offer design and manufacturing capabilities that address the needs of their brand and retail partners, all while pushing the boundaries of sustainability and education to promote change through the textile industry.

To find products made by Hallotex, you can shop products enabled by TENCEL™ from Zara, Eileen Fisher, J.Crew, Madewell, Reformation, Mara Hoffman and Oak+ Fort.

Fashion is much more than apparel – it’s a form of expression, a cultural lodestone, a part of Lenzing’s history and heritage. In turn, sustainability in fashion isn’t just about the environment, but about the relationship between humans, culture, and the environment.

Awareness of how all these elements interplay is central to the work of Lenzing, and why the company is delighted to be a partner of Eco Fashion Week Indonesia (EFWI), which encompassed all of the above concepts. Took place between November 30 to December 2, 2018, EFWI was the first such event in Asia, and was established to bring light and insight to the questions around advancing sustainability amidst Indonesia’s diverse cultures and fast economic growth, particularly in the textile industry.

Participants at EFWI, including 30 local and international designers, were invited to consider various related challenges. For example, traditional items of Muslim clothing are mostly made of polyester, rayon, and nylon today, which creates barrier for adherents to fulfill their responsibilities in environmental conservation. Additionally, pollution of the water sources from textile production are damaging to the environment, but Indonesia’s garment industry is one of the important pillars of the country’s economic development.

The expertise of Lenzing in sustainable botanic fibers offered solutions to challenges as such. All Lenzing’s cellulose fibers produced are made from wood, a renewable raw material, resulting in lower water consumption over the life cycle of the fibers and materials that decompose by biological means, without leaving harmful residue behind. Natural cellulose also results in fibers that are very effective in absorbing moisture from the human body and are soft and supple.

Working together, EFWI pioneer Merdi Sihombing; young Indonesian designers Anita Natalia and Aldis Rusli, and Lenzing representatives Mariam Tania and Rosa Milyarna, promoted the cause of sustainable fibers and fashion at the event.

TENCEL™ brand also hosted a “New Faces” fashion show at EFWI, celebrating innovation and diversity in sustainable design. Fifteen Indonesian young designers showcased their designs, with a mix of casual wear, traditional Batik designs, and haute couture.

During EFWI, TENCEL™ brand is also being featured with the launch of the “Save the Loom” campaign, which promotes the preservation of local cultures and the environment while enhancing the livelihood of local residents. This initiative – led by the Indonesia Ministry of Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration, Ministry of Education and Culture and The National Alms Agency – aims to support improvements in the quality of life and community welfare of local weavers in Lombok and Donggala following natural disasters. These weavers are key to safeguarding of sustainability and are vital in the movement to promote sustainable fibers in the fashion industry, making them central to Lenzing and TENCEL™ brand’s vision.

EFWI beautifully underlined how together, the fashion industry can redesign the unsustainable practices of today to build a more sustainable future. Culture and society need not be in conflict with natural resources, and the fashion industry can thrive without compromising the health of the people and our planet.

In September 2017, Lenzing opened a new Application Innovation Center (AIC) in Hong Kong, the headquarters of the company’s North Asia operations. An integral part of Lenzing’s global technology network, the facility is one of three such centers in the world – Austria’s focuses on fiber innovation and quality control, Indonesia’s on yarn development, and Hong Kong’s on fabric innovation and new applications.

One year on, the center has already developed new applications for Lenzing fibers, as well as tested them – among them are applications for recent innovations like the TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fiber with REFIBRA™ Technology, as well as LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose fiber.

Rex Mok, the General Manager of Lenzing Hong Kong, shared more about the AIC’s work, and what the center’s future holds.

Tell us more about the role and purpose of the AIC.

Rex: Innovation, advanced technologies, and education are at the core of Lenzing’s business and strategy. The AIC is a manifestation of that – a new state-of-the-art fiber and fabric testing center. Our team here creates and develops sustainable fabrics, which are then sent to brand offices across the city.

The AIC is where ideas come to life, enabling prototype production of textile fabrics made of Lenzing fibers, from the concept, dyeing and finishing to the precise measurement of all product data. We have the latest digital machines at the center, ensuring optimal efficiency in production – everything needed to transform fibers into fabrics, from spinning to weaving to dyeing machinery. We also conduct experiments at the center to ensure that the fabrics created are fully sustainable and decomposable.

Raising awareness on the potential of sustainable fibers and fabrics across the entire supply chain is another major goal for the center. Each year, we welcome over 700 visitors to the center. Our guests include students, teachers, and industry stakeholders. Even though we hold around 100 company visits annually, averaging about 1 to 2 visits per week, we’re proud to say that we’re still able to tailor each tour to the needs and interests of participants. For example, if a certain brand wants to know more about denim, we’ll host a specific workshop for them. Through regular engagement with customers, designers, and others in the industry, we’re able to work more closely with all aspects of the supply chain and advance the industry together.

Of the wide range of Lenzing products, what have been the focuses at the AIC in Hong Kong when it comes to innovation?

Rex: The Lenzing AIC focuses primarily on creating fabrics for the apparel industry. For example, one really exciting area we’ve been exploring is the sustainable footwear market. We’re seeing that many footwear brands, such as those in the sports industry, have been exploring ways to launch sustainable collections, demonstrating that eco-friendliness is on the rise across all segments of the fashion world.

TENCEL™ Active fibers are definitely attractive to these eco-conscious sports brands in the region, as it has a higher raw material cost margin than other types of apparel. The AIC is working to develop yarns from TENCEL™ branded fibers to cater to these types of applications. The footwear market has a relatively clear supply chain, which makes it easier for us to trace our successes and identify areas of improvement.

What’s next for the AIC?

Rex: In addition to continuing the work I’ve described already, we also want to build a better-connected industry network, connecting various stakeholders across the value chain.

Furthermore, as e-commerce advances, we hope to identify better ways in tracing the achievements of our work and develop more accurate and effective strategies. We’re even considering opening a store ourselves, as the AIC is now capable of small-scale production.

We’re also looking into setting up Lenzing standards for the industry, creating objective standards with digital data. For example, currently how we evaluate the “touch” of a fiber or fabric is very personal, and we may want to develop a set of standards to define different touches with data collected from the AIC.

The volume of sustainable fibers produced is almost six times that of wool – yet awareness and application of the former still lags behind. That’s a large gap that Lenzing has been working to fill at its Application Innovation Center (AIC) in Hong Kong, helping to develop awareness around and insight into how state-of-the-art fibers can be applied to create products that are not only highly aesthetic, emotional, and functional, but also sustainable.

In service of that goal, this year the AIC collaborated with the design departments at two leading schools in Hong Kong – the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) – to inspire up-and-coming designers to use sustainable fibers. Lenzing provided yarn made from sustainable TENCEL™ branded fibers, which were adopted for the development of knit showpieces by students. The final works were featured in the “Knit Together” exhibition and award ceremony in early December.

“Sustainability is a core research dimension at THEi, and we often encourage students to explore a diverse range of materials,” noted Ms. Alice Chu, Associate Professor and Program Leader of BA (Hons) in Fashion Design at THEi. “During the process of creating knitworks, students found that TENCEL™ LUXE fibers were not only sustainable, but also very soft and delicate. They used firm structures to compliment with the softness of the fibers, which created beautifully shaped knits that are also soft and comfortable.”

Through the collaboration with the Lenzing AIC, students were encouraged to rethink the concept of sustainability and how to incorporate it into their designs.

“Lenzing worked with students every step of the way, helping them better understand how to use the fibers and providing them with support and inspiration, noted Dr. Ho Chu Po, Associate Professor of Fashion & Textile Design at PolyU. “Instead of focusing on perfecting the end product, Lenzing encouraged creative thinking in developing design concepts, with sustainability serving as an important aspect.”

Using TENCEL™ branded fibers, which are derived from sustainable wood sources and produced by environmentally responsible processes, students were able to see the versatility of sustainable fibers, which can be used in many forms as the basis of stylish, comfortable and sustainable fashion, whether in yarn or in other fabrics. Participants all expressed interest in using these fibers in their future designs, helping to build a future of sustainable fashion.

This project marked the first collaboration of its type between the Lenzing AIC and local academic institutions, but certainly won’t be the last, as the AIC views engaging and inspiring the next generation of designers as being core to its mission. Already, Lenzing is developing an internship program, where selected will have the chance to work in the Lenzing AIC to both broaden and deepen their knowledge in the textile industry and better understand the entire fashion and design supply chain.

As a leader in environmental responsibility, Lenzing recognizes that developing sustainable fibers is only half the battle – it must also work across the fashion and textile world to engage designers, retailers, and other communities to inspire sustainability throughout the industry.

Lauma Fabrics Group Innovates With TENCEL™ fibers

With a career spanning forty years in product development for LE Textiles, formally known as ELASTIC, and now part of Lauma Fabrics Group, Harald Mai, has always been charged with research and developments and introducing new innovative products to the intimates market.
As Director of R&D, Mai helped to develop a cotton elastic knitted fabric that was certified Cradle to Cradle by the EPEA – Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency International in Hamburg.

Disenfranchised with the environmental impact of farming cotton, Mai set out to find an alternative, low-impact fiber that was sustainable and had the finest attributes necessary to compete in the premium intimates market. Mai found that alternative in 2014 when he began collaborating with Lenzing Fibers. Through extensive R&D Mai was able to create the first warp knitted fabrics using TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers. Other innovations soon followed including a cradle to cradle warp knitted powernet fabric, a cradle to cradle standard warp knitting construction fabric, a special power warp knitting fabric for molding and a warp knitted lace, pattern yarn fabric, to name a few.

“TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers speaks for itself”, says Mai. “Sustainability is a big topic being researched and is of growing interest in the intimates market”, he adds. Mai sees many benefits to using TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. From a cultivation standpoint, TENCEL™ Lyocell is produced from renewable wood sources using a closed loop production process making for a low-impact fiber.

Today the company is producing twenty to thirty different fabrics with TENCEL™ Lyocell and has seen growth in the market with more and more brands looking for unconventional, environmentally sound fabrics that don’t take away from the look, feel and performance that their customers have come to expect. “Our TENCEL™ fiber made fabrics are warp knitted and we are currently the only warp knitter working with TENCEL™ brand” states Mai.

Warp knitted lace patterns in TENCEL™ Lyocell

In addition to its sustainable features, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers has other benefits that Mai says are an important part to the fibers appeal, “we’ve seen in numerous instances that our fabrics made with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers have had positive effects on sensitive skin*.” TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are naturally soft and have enhanced breathability properties that help regulate body temperature,

With its ongoing focus on innovation, LE Textiles has grown into one of Europe’s leading fabric companies for the intimates market. The company currently works with some of the largest brands in the market including Triumph, Chantelle and Felina, to name a few. Mai adds, “I was looking for a better alternative to cotton, because of the environment and I found TENCEL™ brand fibers, it is not only “one of the best for the environment”; it maybe “the best for the skin*, too.”

Not one to be satisfied with the status quo, Mai continues to work with TENCEL™ fibers and looks to technology for innovations in product development, constantly working to create new fabrics that drive the industry forward.

*Based on opinion, not supported by scientific evidence

“The international multi-specialty chemical Group and the world-renowned specialist in fibers made from renewable wood sources, joined forces to create an innovative fabric made of TENCEL^™ branded lyocell and AMNI SOUL ECO^® polyamide.”

February 2019 – The new fabric together developed by Lenzing Group from Austria and the Belgian company Solvay marks a further and important step forward in the pursuit of an ever more responsible innovation, offering performance, durability and comfort all at once.

From the way fibers are made to how they affect the planet at the very end of their life cycle, this new product is as innovative as the technologies involved in its creation. The back of the new fabric is made of TENCEL™ Active lyocell fibers derived from renewable, responsibly managed wood sources. The fabric’s front is enhanced by Solvay’s award winning AMNI SOUL ECO^®, the first polyamide 6.6 fiber with improved biodegradability, as it stands out in the polyamide industry for its biodegradable properties. While other polyamide fibers take decades to decompose, AMNI SOUL ECO^® branded fibers are designed to biodegrade in around five years when disposed of in well-controlled landfills, as demonstrated by laboratory biodegradation tests in accordance with ASTM D5511 - Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradationof Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions (equivalent to ISO 15985).

The new fabric is designed to further optimize the benefits the two fibers contribute. Being in direct contact with the skin, TENCEL™ Lyocell offers microscopic fibrils of cellulosic fibers with cross-sections structured to regulate the absorption and release of moisture, contributing to fabric breathability that supports the body’s natural thermal regulation. Moreover, it provides a less favorable environment for bacterial growth, enhancing the fabric with better hygienic qualities. On the fabric face, AMNI SOUL ECO^® polyamide provides better abrasion resistance while boasting great benefits in terms of dimensional stability, color retention, and drying speed.

“The combination of TENCEL™ Active fibers, which is derived from renewable wood sources using sustainable production processes, and Solvay´s AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide fibers enhances biodegradability results into a more sustainable, comfortable, easy care fabric that advances the concept of circular economy,” says Andreas Guertler, Head of Global Business Management Activewear at Lenzing. “Future collaborations with Solvay will focus on TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology, our newest fiber innovation made from upcycled cotton scraps and wood pulp, and AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide to further reduce our environmental impact.”

“There is a major need for sustainability, these days, especially in the fashion industry. It is an on-going process that has to start from the very beginning of the production chain, from the fibers involved in the creation of fabrics and, later on, garments. Both AMNI SOUL ECO® polyamide and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers have already proved they responsible character. Combined together they will lead to great results in terms of durability, comfort and performance, while helping to preserve the planet and its resources,” explained Daniela Antunes, Solvay Business Development Manager.

This innovative product premiered at ISPO Innovation Textrends Forum, both in ISPO Beijing (January 16^th-19^th) and ISPO Munich (February 3^rd-6^th).

Lenzing is stepping into the future

Starting with the New Year, Lenzing is charting a bold new course to embark on an exciting new journey on branding. TENCEL™, a name that is recognized among consumers in key regions that we operate in, will be redefined as the textile brand for all apparel and home applications in the Lenzing portfolio. Featuring eco-friendly, sensual and versatile qualities, products under the TENCEL™ brand architecture will underline our core principles of trust, transparency, reliability and affability.

We are thrilled to unveil our new brand identity at Première Vision and Texworld Paris!

Convince yourself and visit us:

Première Vision Yarns Paris 13 – 15 February 2018, hall 6, booth 6C51

Texworld Paris 11 – 14 February 2018, hall 4, booth U436

Lenzing brings TENCEL™ to Texworld Paris and Première Vison Yarns Paris

Leveraging the gathering of industry value chain partners and customers, Lenzing introduced its new textile specialty brand, TENCEL™, at Texworld Paris and Première Vison Yarns Paris. Participants of both fairs experienced first-hand the unique brand offerings of TENCEL™ at specially curated showcases. Comprehensive exhibits and presentations covering TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Denim, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Intimate, and TENCEL™ Luxe, also enabled participants to learn more about Lenzing’s philosophy behind the emotional and more humanistic B2Me direction.

Following the global launch in Paris, Lenzing introduced TENCEL™ to China during Intertextile Shanghai, which was held from 14-16 March. During the three-day fair, Lenzing brought together valued industry partners and customers to introducing the TENCEL™ brand through a specially curated showcase at the Lenzing booth. Participants did not only learn about Lenzing’s new brand strategy that focused on the emotional and more humanistic B2Me direction, but also experience the unique brand offerings of TENCEL™ first-hand.

To align with the new brand strategy, TENCEL™ new brand logo was also showcased during the Lakme Fashion Week, the biggest premier fashion event in India. As one of the key B2Me branding programs in the region, during the Fashion Week, TENCEL™ was featured in the spotlight through exclusive branding exposure at the main areas of the venue, including TENCEL^TM draping at the Central structure and the restaurant inside JioGarden, Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai.

During the week, Lenzing also organized an exclusive customer event on Sustainable Day, where esteemed industry professionals shared perspectives of various facets of sustainability in the textiles & fashion industry. During the discussion session, Dr. Rossitza Kreuger from Fairtrade Europe commented on the multiple facets of sustainability in the textiles & fashion industry, while Mr. Jaspreet Chandhok, CEO of IMG Reliance, set the context of fibers in sustainable fashion and explained how their association with Lenzing is a big step forward in their sustainability agenda. Mr. Durai Palanisamy, Head of Pallavaa Group, key sustainable yarns and fabrics manufacturer, spoke about the need for sustainability and how Lenzing has been inspiring its sustainability initiatives since their association from 2003. Last but not least, Mr. Abhishek Bansal, Head of Sustainability at Arvind, third largest manufacturer of denim in the world, shared his perspectives on why Arvind has chosen TENCEL™ in its sustainability agenda in apparel.

During visit to the Lenzing booth, a number of local industry partners and customers showed a lot of excitement towards the role Lenzing plays in driving a more sustainable value chain.

Lenzing Makes Premiere Vision İstanbul “Feels So Right” with TENCEL™ Launch

Lenzing Turkey celebrated the introduction of TENCEL™ brand during PV İstanbul, which was held on 7-9 March. During the three-day fair, in addition to introducing the TENCEL™ brand through specially curated showcase at the booth, Lenzing also shared the new brand strategy that focused on the emotional and more humanistic B2Me direction, as well as brand-new marketing materials.

Media friends, customers and designers joined the TENCEL™ launch celebrations on that day. Not only the press conference, Lenzing’s value chain partners took part at the special TENCEL™ Happy Hour celebration they toasted for a bright future of TENCEL™, key milestone of Lenzing.

During PV Istanbul tradefair, Lenzing also sponsored a Texture & Colors design workshop led by fashion designer Hatice Gökçe in collaboration with İstanbul Modern Art Museum and Premiere Vision. Two famous fashion bloggers took part at the workshop, which was also attended by students from fashion schools and Lenzing customers. Workshop participants enjoyed the unique experience, which featured designing their style boards with collage technique. Materials used in the style board design features woven and knit fabrics containing TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers from several reputable Turkish fabric mills.

Twice a year the denim industry flocks to Amsterdam seeking inspiration, information, and connection amidst the bikes, boats, and bustle of this unique city. Carved In Blue compiled our favorite scenes from Kingpins Transformers and Kingpins Show to give you a snapshot of the people, designs, and thoughts around transparency.

Click to see the video highlights:

Since 2009, Copenhagen Fashion Summit has been positioning itself as the world’s leading business event on sustainability in fashion. Lenzing joined 1,300 key players from 53 countries in May, to take part in a number of industry discussion sessions at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit to exchange thoughts around some of the most urgent environmental, social and ethical issues in the fashion industry. Convening major fashion industry decision makers, Lenzing also participated in dialogues conducted by Make Fashion Circular initiative to promote a thriving industry based on the principles of a circular economy.

This year, the Copenhagen Fashion Summit launched a new component, Innovation Forum, an exhibition space for sustainable solutions. Along with 50 exhibitors, who come from some of the most noteworthy sustainable solution providers in the fashion industry, Lenzing participated in the Future Fabrics Expo. During the Expo, Lenzing showcased the TENCEL™ brand and REFIBRA™ technology alongside several other responsibly-produced materials presented by “The Sustainable Angle”, a not for profit organization that initiates and supports projects which contribute to minimization of the environmental impact of the industry.

Andreas Dorner, Sylvia Happel and Oya Barlas Bingul from Commercial and Business Development at Lenzing leveraged the prominently located Lenzing stand as a platform to meet other Summit participants, including a number of Lenzing customers, who were interested in sustainable fabrics.

As always, the Summit presented an outstanding line-up of high-level keynote speakers. The Leadership Roundtables attracted many industry decision-makers, industry associations and government representatives for closed-door roundtable discussions and public-private dialogues on the most urgent environmental, social and ethical issues in the fashion industry.

For more information about Copenhagen Fashion Summit, please visit: https://copenhagenfashionsummi...

TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fiber, capable of enabling various apparel and home textile applications, is one of the optimal choices for making incredible denim products. With the adoption of TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber under the TENCEL™ Denim branded offering, TENCEL™ contributes significantly to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible denim industry. In September, TENCEL™ returned to New York Denim Days as a title sponsor, bringing back “Feel So Right” experience to consumers. New York Denim Days, has united denim enthusiasts, exhibitors and influencers from the fashion and denim worlds. At the event, TENCEL™ created a shop-in-shop which was stocked with branded garments enabled by TENCEL™ Denim, including Mavi, 3x1 Reformation, Godfather of Denim, Edit Denim, Paulita Carlotta.

Let’s hear what Tricia Carey, Head of Business for TENCEL™ Denim, say about TENCEL™ Denim:

Q: The NY Denim Days Festival is coming out in September. Can you tell us all about it?

A: It is really an amazing festival to get everyone together to tell the stories of how jeans are made, and I think most people are surprised of how we can start from fibers through to finish, and all the craft that goes into making denim.

Q: I know TENCEL™ branded fibers came from trees, can you tell us a little bit about the process of making TENCEL™ fibers from trees?

A: TENCEL™ branded Lyocell & Modal fibers both are comes from trees. The trees come from sustainably-managed plantations from certified and controlled sources. The wood is made into pulp and fiber via environmentally responsible production processes, which transform wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with high resource efficiency and low environmental impact. The fibers are then sold to yarn spinners to make denim fabrics.

Q: Why is sustainability important to Lenzing?

A: Sustainability is really at the core of everything we do at our company and Lenzing is rooted in sustainability. It has to do with not only the raw material, i.e. coming from trees, but also in the production process of manufacturing fibers. The beauty of our fibers is that it comes from nature, and that it actually goes back into nature because it is compostable.

Q: What are the key features of TENCEL™ enabled denim products?

A: Denim pieces made of TENCEL™ cellulose fibers are tailored to a sustainable lifestyle, with a full personal expression through movement with its natural comfort, smoothness and versatility. These garments enable consumers peace of mind, knowing their products are eco-responsible and have a low carbon footprint. Denim products containing TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers are produced using innovative technology eco-responsible processes, making them ideal for production of denim, and other apparel and home textile products.

Q: Why do you think Denim never goes out of style?

A: I think Denim never goes out of style because it really shows the mood and spirit of the moment. There’s a democracy around denim if you look at the heritage of where denim started. I think what’s happening in denim is an evolution that happens over time, bringing in technology and performance, and layering on different finishing techniques. Denim is timeless and classic, and when you wear on denim, it takes on the personality of the owner behind it.

TENCEL™ for Footwear – the complete sustainable shoe solution from Lenzing, took part in the Winter edition of the LINEAPPLE trade show in Milan, Italy on 25-27, September, 2018.

Utilizing the gathering of industry at the exhibition, and with sustainability at the forefront of consumer behavior and buying habits, the showcase was an opportunity to introduce the concept of TENCEL™ for Footwear to buyers, and introduce them to how the fiber works as a completely sustainable shoe solution.

Uniquely, the fiber can be used for the entire shoe, whether as textile fiber in the upper fabric, lining, insoles and laces/zipper/sewing thread, as nonwoven fiber in insoles or padding, or as TENCEL™ Lyocell powder in outsoles. The more shoe components are made of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, the closer the vision of the biodegradable shoe. With more brands seeking to include sustainable and environmentally friendly materials into their products – and brands such as Allbirds quick to include the fiber in their shoe line, it is a positive step in the right direction for innovative and sustainable footwear.

Marco Schlimpert, SVP Europe and Americas, welcomed guests to the TENCEL™ " Feel Right, Naturally" conference, where innovations were presented and new products and applications were shown. Colleagues from across different departments discussed a range of subjects, from industry innovation, to the benefits of TENCEL™ fibers.

Following a welcome dinner, day one got off to a good start with talks and discussions around Lenzing’s Branding Service, sustainability and innovations in the textile industry. With an emphasis on knowledge sharing, colleagues from different departments, such as marketing, business development and research presented and discussed their sectors. For instance, Sonja Zak, Head of Product Management BM Textiles, talked about innovations in the textile industry, while Peter Bartsch, Head of Corporate Sustainability, highlighted sustainability benefits of TENCEL™ branded fibers.

During Lenzing Day, participants checked out the Branding Service and found out about the different fields of application for TENCEL™ branded fibers in the textiles segment. The Lenzing Day culminated with a visit to the TENCEL™ plant and a tour of Lenzing. Among the guests were representatives of the companies Swarovski and Hugo Boss, who learnt more about Lenzing, and shared thoughts with experts about new products and sustainable solutions in the textile industry. During the "Experience the Wood" dinner at a farmhouse restaurant, guests had the opportunity to exchange information and reflect on the knowledge around innovation.

As a long-term advocate of sustainability in the fashion industry, the Lenzing group participated in the 2019 Spring Summer Chinese International Fashion Week in Beijing in October this year. The fashion week began with a series of activities under the theme of "Limitless New Life", held at 751D Park Plaza in Beijing on 26^th October.

Lenzing joined discussions around redefining sustainability in the fashion industry during the TENCEL™ “Integrating Nature and Technology" Forum. An immersive art installation on “Sustainable Living Space” with nine leading value chain partners was also featured onsite.

Defining New Concepts of Sustainability through “Integrating Nature and Technology"

At the TENCEL™ "Integrating Nature and Technology" Forum, Mr. Hu Jian, Senior Vice President of Lenzing took to the stage alongside Ms. Yan Yan, Director of the Office for Social Responsibility of China National Textile & Apparel Council, and Ms. Niu Ruixia, Director of C TEAM to discuss the need to integrate nature and technology and the importance of advancing of sustainable production methods.

Mr. Hu noted that technology facilitates human development and reforms the business world. He also warned about the impact of inaction, where the balance of the environment could be irrecoverably overthrown. According to Mr. Hu, Lenzing is committed to sustainability and selects naturally sourced fibers that are decomposable and technology that facilitates circularity, establishing a connection between technology and nature."

TENCEL™ Sustainable Living Space and “Limitless New Life” Spring-Summer Collection

The TENCEL™ brand was front-and-center at the Fashion Week. During the Fashion Week, Lenzing conducted TENCEL™ Sustainable Living Space installation was constructed by a team of 50 papercraft artists using recycled cardboard. The installation was created by Lenzing with nine partners across the fashion value chain including Les Enphants, Texwood, MEILLEUR MOMENT, Luthai Textile, Advance Demin, Matsui Tex, Charming Tex and Chinatex Corporation. The immersive space featured woodland and was filled papercrafts, which represented the peaceful coexistence of animals and mankind. Visitors to the installation could also see clothes made with TENCEL™ branded fibers, demonstrating the importance of balance between mankind and nature.

The TENCEL™ brand was also a key highlight of the grand finale of the 2019 Spring Summer Collection, where local designers incorporated fabrics made of TENCEL™ branded fibers in their collections, creating a fascinating culmination of the week’s events. The collaboration between TENCEL™ brand and local designers Chen Wen, Jiang Zhuojun, Ericka Hong and Yiyi Kwok redefined the concept of a “sustainable lifestyle” elevating the discussion of sustainability during Fashion Week.

Speaking after his show, well-known Jin Ding Awards designer Chen Wen explained the concept behind his new “Limitless New Life” collection, which attempted to present different styles using the woods as a backdrop, reflecting how the environment is an essential element of modern-day life. Commenting on the versatility of the fibers, Chen noted that TENCEL™ branded fibers used in the collection could be made into fabrics with a wide range of textures

The pioneering REFIBRA™ technology now enters a new level by stepping into the Home & Interior segment. TENCEL™ Home with REFIBRA™ technology offers more possibilities than ever before. For the first time, customers are able to get the full range of Home & Interior products of well-known fiber quality but now with improved sustainable fiber production.

TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fibers bring circular economy into home textiles

Many more customers want to make sustainable purchase choices. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology offer a good solution to that. REFIBRA™ technology is a true sustainability choice. Products made out of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology unite two innovations: the eco-friendly, closed loop production process of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and the upcycling of a substantial proportion of cotton scraps. Combining wood pulp with pulp made from left over cotton scraps from cutting operations, new virgin TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are produced to make yarns and fabrics for Home textiles. These innovative fibers mark an important step in Lenzing’s journey towards circular economy.

Full transparency for TENCEL™ with REFIBRA™ technology

Lenzing has developed a new identification system to assure customers that the purchased products with TENCEL™ produced with REFIBRA™ technology are really made out of the sustainable TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber. Even after going through a long supply chain, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers can still be identified in the final product. This supports transparency in the overall processing chain.

TENCEL™ with REFIBRA™ technology for home textiles

“For the first time we are able to offer different TENCEL™ fiber types with REFIBRA™ technology depending on the final end use needs. At Heimtextil we will proudly present for the very first time home products made out of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology. The products by our partners are produced in China, India, Turkey and Europe for end users all across Europe and the US. So consumers have now the possibility to support circular economy in home textiles”, explains Ebru Bayramoglu, Head of Global Business Development Home & Interiors. “Now Lenzing can offer a broad TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber portfolio with REFIBRA™ technology, which makes it possible to manufacture towels, bed linen and filled products, says Ebru Bayramoglu.

All properties of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers stay in the products as usual. So offer bed linens and comforters high moisture absorbance with unfavorable for bacteria growth on the fabric surface. In addition, the smooth fiber surface makes bed linen gentle on skin. These properties contribute to a pleasant sleep throughout the night. And towels with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology keep the original characteristics as well. They stay soft after repeated washes and stay for longevity in the bath room.

As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention and for Lyndie Benson it was the lack of options at retail that led her to create BLEUSALT. Benson, with no prior fashion design experience, was determined to create a fashion collection that would stand the test of time both in its elevated designs and sustainable, made in the USA, craftsmanship. Inspired by the Malibu lifestyle, where Benson resides and her passion to protect the environment, Benson launched BLEUSALT in 2017.

Luxury, style and comfort are the foundation of BLEUSALT’s collection, all crafted with fabrics made with TENCEL™ branded modal fibers. TENCEL™ Modal fibers are derived from renewable wood sources using sustainably sound production processes. “I care about the environment and our planet, that’s why sustainability is important and to do it correctly with the right environmental processes”, says Benson. The end result is a luxuriously soft fabric that is environmentally sound and enhances the look, feel and function of BLEUSALT’s collection of elevated essentials. “I’m obsessed with the fabric and every piece in the BLEUSALT collection is made from it”, she adds.

In fact, Benson is so convinced that BLEUSALT’s fabrics made with TENCEL™ Modal are so extraordinarily soft that the company instituted a Feel to Believe program. The direct to consumer brand offers free fabric samples to consumers so they can feel, first hand, how superior the fabrics are. It’s been a successful campaign that has converted many buyers over the past two years.

From blazers and sweatpants for men to wraps, sleep sets and slip dresses for women, BLEUSALT offers classic pieces meant to work with your everyday wardrobe.

Shop the full collection at www.bleusalt.com

There’s no better time to start thinking about adding to your closet now that spring is in full swing. Garnet Hill has just the thing this season with their Essential Layering Camisole. Designed to add style and versatility to your wardrobe, this cami features a relaxed hip-length fit, slim straps and a ruching along the neckline for that added hint of sophistication.

You’ll not only look great wearing this piece, but with Garnet Hill’s premium fabric blend featuring TENCEL™ branded modal fibers you’ll feel great too. Renowned for its premium attributes and sustainable production processes, TENCEL™ Intimate cellulose fibers are derived from renewable wood sources using Eco Soft technology, giving you a luxuriously soft camisole that will embrace your body.

The Essential Layering Camisole is available in a range colors for spring, so no matter what your mood or look Garnet Hill has you covered. But be forewarned, you may not be able to buy just one.

Shop the Essential Layering Camisole from Garnet Hill at https://www.garnethill.com/essential-layering-camisole/468804?listIndex=25

This Earth Month 2019, TENCEL™ Partnered with Seven Prominent Retail Brands to Raise Money and Replant Trees in California

The Lenzing Group, the world market leader in specialty fibers made from wood, announced today the final results of their 2019 Earth Month Campaign entitled “From Trees, For Trees.” Lenzing’s specialty textile fiber brand TENCEL™, along with seven of their U.S. retail partners, including BN3TH, Bleusalt, Triarchy Denim, Boyish Jeans, Bearaby, Hoot, and Malouf, worked with One Tree Planted, a U.S. based non-profit organization that plants trees across North America and around the world in areas affected by forest fires or floods. The TENCEL™ branded campaign is specifically supporting the replanting of 22,000 trees in the California forests recently devastated by last year’s wildfires that burned over 876,000 acres of forest.

From April 1^st to April 30^th, 2019, the TENCEL™ brand invited the public to get involved in helping them donate trees by liking Earth Month related posts on the TENCEL™ branded Instagram @tencel_usa as well as on their retail partners’ Instagram pages. The majority of the campaign’s success was based on the accumulated social engagement of the public; for every 50 likes each post received, one tree was donated to the One Tree Planted organization. Ultimately, the campaign resulted in over 245K likes across all #FromTreesForTrees Instagram posts, equaling 4,900 trees. Additionally, each purchase of a product made with TENCEL™ Lyocell or Modal fibers through BN3TH & Triarchy websites during the month of April resulted in TENCEL™ planting an additional tree, resulting in the planting of 3,037 trees. BN3TH & Triarchy chose to match this tree donation, resulting in an additional 3,037 trees. Sales and likes resulted in a total tree donation of 11,000 trees, which TENCEL™, with the support of their client brands chose to double to get to the total donation of 22,000 trees.

Ericka Gutierrez-Garcia, U.S. Marketing Manager at Lenzing Fibers, Inc. said, “This Earth month initiative especially addressed the areas affected by wildfires in California. In fact, a big part of this year’s decision to work with our brand partners included finding a common cause and organization that we could all support, like One Tree Planted. Our joint efforts in this “give-back” digital program gave consumers a chance to support their favorite brands during the month of April, while also acting as a great conduit for our brand partners to bring even more exposure to such a worthy cause. We hope consumers were inspired to join and support our brand partners while enjoying TENCEL™ branded products. Ultimately we were able to donate 22,000 trees, which is actually 2,000 more trees than there are in New York City’s Central Park.”

It was definitely the case for Adam Taubenfligel, Creative Director and Designer for Triarchy denim who mentioned, “the response we saw from our Earth Day initiatives with TENCEL™ was overwhelming. From the interactions on Instagram to product purchases, everyone banded together to help plant a lot of trees!”

Additionally, during the month of April, TENCEL™ also supported two local Earth Month events with Bloomingdales and ATHLETA, inviting guests to learn more about TENCEL™ branded fibers and the TENCEL™ x Earth Day campaign. The “From Trees, For Trees” Earth Month Campaign segues directly into TENCEL™ 2019 “Make It Feel Right” brand campaign, aiming to educate and empower consumers to join the environmental responsibility movement by making smart choices when it comes to their fashion and textile purchases.

TENCEL™ brand’s “From Trees, For Trees” Earth Day campaign aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal number 15: Life on Land. Together with the United Nations, Lenzing is committed to conserving and restoring the use of terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, drylands and mountains by 2020. The wood, pulp, and manufacturing sites used to make TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers come from forestry operations that are certified according to recognized sustainability criteria, such as the FSC^® and PEFC^TM standards. This “From Trees, For Trees” Earth Day campaign is intended to bring more awareness to these types of causes and engage brand partners as well as their customers.

SB'19 İstanbul Conference was held on 3-4 April 2019 at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. Brands, business leaders and many guests from different industries joined the event, which focused on redesigning good life for consumers and the society.

The Lenzing Group joined two programs as a premier sponsor of the conference. The company is a world market leader in specialty fibers of botanic origin from wood raw material coming from sustainably managed forests. Lenzing AG Sustainability Integration Senior Manager Krishna Manda and Lenzing Turkey Marketing Manager Miray Demirer Acar made a presentation in the plenary session. Manda and Acar referred to environmental impacts of fashion industry, sharing Lenzing’s sustainable and eco-responsible production processes with the audience during their presentation named “Redesigning Fashion with Environmentally Friendly Materials”. Following this, Lenzing Turkey Business Development and Marketing Manager Hale Saraçoğlu talked about Lenzing’s innovations in the industry during the “Good Fashion & Apparel” panel in Deep-Dive Hubs session.

Miray Demirer Acar: We are focusing on raising awareness of consumers to make environmentally responsible choices.

Lenzing Turkey & MEA Marketing & Branding Manager Miray Demirer Acar draw attention to the fact that the environmental impacts of apparel industry touch consumers increasingly day by day. “As a fiber producer, we saw that we can take one step ahead of meeting the transparency expectations of consumers in apparel industry. At Lenzing, thanks to our special production systems, we made it possible to detect Lenzing ECOVERO™ Viscose fibers or TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers developed by REFIBRA™ technology in any garment even after long textile treatments. We wanted people to make sure and feel good that they made an environmentally friendly choice when they see the contents of their garments. If you follow sustainable fashion, one of the things you have to do is paying attention to the care label of your clothes,” says Acar and explains: "Besides conscious users, there are also a group of sensitive consumers looking for guidance about how they should act. Therefore, we created a platform named “Make It Feel Right” to raise the awareness of consumers." The consumers visiting the web site will be able to decide alone about which content is good or bad.

Krishna Manda: We took a revolutionary step towards sustainability!

"Our sustainability activities have made Lenzing an industry leader," says Lenzing AG Sustainability Integration Senior Manager Krishna Manda and adds: “Lenzing Group has set it as a priority to develop new innovations and technologies around sustainability values. We recycle and reuse more than 90% of the chemicals and water for the production of Lenzing ECOVERO™ Viscose. Our TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber is produced by a closed loop system with eco-responsible production processes and here as well we recycle and use more than 90% of chemicals and water. So we aim to minimize the environmental impacts through environmentally responsible production methods. On the other hand, worldwide garment consumption is ever-increasing and unsustainable. Fabric waste from garment production results in more waste. We also have to avoid this and bring new solutions. Thanks to REFIBRA™ technology developed by Lenzing, in addition to wood pulp, we started to produce new virgin lyocell fibers from upcycled cotton scraps under TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ brands. This is a revolutionary development for our industry. The first step is always the hardest one and our company is happy to take the first steps towards a sustainable future”.

Hale Saraçoğlu: We aim to bring sustainable solutions to our industry partners

Lenzing Turkey Business Development and Marketing Manager Hale Saraçoğlu joined an interactive Deep-Dive Hub during the SB'19 İstanbul Conference, where the participants had the opportunity to explore innovative transformation tools. “Sustainability is not a one way process for good fashion. As a fiber producer, we are at the starting point of the supply chain. Starting with fiber, this process is followed by fabric production and garment works before reaching the consumer. With our innovative approaches and new technologies, we can add features such as soft touch and drape to the fabrics containing our fibers. We can also offer faster and sustainable solutions to our partners. Functional benefits stand out in the domestic market in particular, for example the drape and soft touch that TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers add to fabric is very much liked. And taking into consideration such demands, we seek to make our cooperation with producers and brands stronger. Our LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibers are certified with EU Ecolabel. As you know, EU Ecolabel is a symbol for environmental excellence and awarded by the European Union to the companies adopting very high environment standards. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fiber production generates 50 percent less gas emissions than generic viscose. We strive to add value both to our partners and consumers with our eco-responsible production processes and sustainability principles” says Saraçoğlu about “Good Fashion & Apparel” in Deep-Dive Hub.

Kalen and Derrick Emsley were always working to make the world a better place. The brothers and business partners were planting trees with their carbon-offsetting company long before they got into the apparel business. In fact, the main impetus for launching Tentree almost six years ago was so they could fund their true mission, planting trees all over the world and make a meaningful impact on the environment.

Launched in 2012, Tentree would follow the cause centric, one for one business model, but instead of donating a piece of clothing, Tentree would plant ten trees for every item sold. The objective was to have the kind of positive impact on environment that would long outlast the lifespan of a donated t-shirt. So the Emsley brothers, together with their friend David Luba, set out the change the world one garment and ten trees at a time with the ultimate goal of planting 1 billion trees by 2030.

Through the brand’s use of social media, Tentree has been able to build a community of over 3 million followers that are engaged with the their mission. During Earth Week, Tentree challenged their social media community with the goal of getting 5 million ‘likes’ to plant 500,000 trees in Indonesia. Blowing past that goal in 24hours, Tentree upped the ante and had set a new target of 20 million ‘likes’ for 1 million trees. With over 15 million ‘likes’, the 9^th most liked post on Instagram at the time, Tentree’s community showed the world that every person can make a difference.

But it doesn’t just start and end with trees; the company’s entire business model revolves around reducing the negative impact the apparel industry has on the environment and inspiring a generation of consumers to do the same. Tentree is transparent in everything they do, from the fibers to the fabrics to the manufacturing process; Tentree strives to produce sustainable apparel that has a low impact on the environment.

The design team at Tentree is constantly researching and developing custom fabrics using sustainably sound fibers without compromising on performance. The list of “eco materials” in Tentree’s arsenal include recycled polyester, hemp, linen, incorporating coconut shells to produce buttons and cork bark for the garment trimmings; and of course its extensive use of TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers. Derived from renewable wood sources and made using sustainable production processes, the cellulosic fibers are not only considered environmentally sound but are also renowned for their premium attributes. Their color retention, draping, breathability and extremely soft hand are several key properties that enhance the clothing that Tentree designs and sells.

”Together with Tentree, Lenzing has always been committed to sustainability. Through our TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fiber programs we are dedicated to fostering a ‘From Nature to Nature’ production cycle. With like-minded brand partners such as Tentree we can create premium fabrics from sustainable wood sources that can be treated and manufactured in a way to ensure biodegradability”, says Sharon Perez, Lenzing’s Business Development Manager for Active wear.

Tentree’s continued commitment to transparency has enabled them to challenge the apparel industry’s negative impact on the environment. Through the brand’s tree planting program, their sourcing of eco materials and partnering with socially responsible manufacturers, Tentree has been able to elevate the discussion of sustainability and inspire consumers and industry peers to do better.

Become part of the movement and shop the premium collection by Tentree by visiting www.tentree.com.

This year’s Copenhagen Fashion Summit was held on 15-16 May 2019 at the Copenhagen Concert Hall. Over the years, the Summit has established itself as the world's leading business event on sustainability in fashion. This year, being no different, it brought together multiple stakeholders to discuss the issues facing the fashion industry and the planet. Lenzing has always been a key participant in the Summit, acknowledging the importance of discussing the environmental, social and ethical issues whilst proposing solutions for the industry to take on.

Lenzing’s booths at the event included one on innovation, the “Lenzing x Innovation Forum” and the “Lenzing x Design Studio”. The Lenzing innovation booth showcased developments and details on Lenzing’s role to create sustainable fashion. Lenzing also actively engaged with attendees of the event and shared information on the Lenzing design studio.

Implementing a circular economy is “critical” for the future

As an industry leader in fostering sustainability, Lenzing is committed to finding ways to further drive and promote circular economy efforts. For Lenzing, one of this year’s summit highlights was Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer of Lenzing, joined in a panel discussion entitled: “Circular Economy in Fashion: From Commitments to Actions.”

During the discussion, Robert spoke about his vision when he first joined Lenzing that “one day recycling in textiles will be as normal as the paper industry”. Lenzing is now helping to make this a reality and Robert stressed the importance of the circular economy in the fashion industry, as it’s also garnering interest amongst consumers and government officials too. Robert said, “The drive for circular economy is absolutely critical for our future. All fibers at Lenzing are based on renewable raw material wood and are completely biodegradable. We are proud to be the industry’s first to adopt such circular economy ecosystem in the textile industry via a commercial scale.”

Whilst Lenzing promotes the circular economy, we still face barriers to further sustainability. For example, as Robert says we need help from brands and retailers to educate consumers that “recycling is not negative”. We need to move away from this negative perception that recycled clothes are cheap. Lenzing continues to work closely with stakeholders to turn this image around and bring a new perception towards recycled clothing. The push for circular economy is not a one-man effort, but rather the society needs to work together as a whole to make the difference and create value.

With more brands seeking to become more sustainable, there has been an increasing demand to introduce sustainable fibers in their collections, together with greater supply chain transparency. In light of this, brands are embracing upcycled fibers when producing garments. One of Lenzing’s sustainable innovations is the pioneering REFIBRA™ technology, which involves upcycling a substantial proportion of cotton scraps, as well as wood pulp. The raw material is then transformed to produce new virgin TENCEL^TM Lyocell fiber. Lenzing is also a keen supporter for the “Make Fashion Circular” project with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The project is the second phase of the “Circular Fibres Initiative”, which was actually introduced at the 2017 Copenhagen Fashion Summit. This initiative’s aim is to encourage the fashion industry to be 100% sustainable clothing.

As more brands and retailers acknowledge the harmful effect on garment waste towards the environment, it will further drive them to think about end-of-life options for clothing. While change will not be swift, Lenzing believes with enhanced transparency across product life cycles, the industry can ensure long term sustainability and work collaboratively to reduce its global impact.

As the first half of 2019 passes in the blink of an eye, we are now starting to gear up our wardrobes for the autumn and winter seasons. The fashion industry is already developing next season’s items based on what was presented at the fashion weeks around the world. At Lenzing, as a producer of textile fibers, we always follow the latest fashion trends and we would like to present you with two trends forecast to be the hottest for the upcoming autumn/winter season this year.

Firstly, sustainability continues to be one of the most discussed topics on the runway and fashion brands keep raising consumers’ eco-consciousness by showcasing their creativity through seamless integration of fashion and sustainability. Secondly, next season’s colors reflect an emergence of confidence, a thirst for liberation and a desire to realize our own individualized unique identities, echoing the need for greater consciousness in how we live our daily lives.

Sustainable fashion as an evergreen fashion trend

Across the world - New York, London, Paris and Milan - these cities and their fashion weeks are showcasing more and more sustainable fashion from top designers and brands. Earlier this year, New York Fashion Week hosted the first-time fashion initiative - Fashion for Peace, a collaboration between Sadhguru, a yogi and visionary, the Isha Foundation and renowned leading designers to promote conscious and sustainable fashion. This special event highlighted Sadhguru’s initiatives to promote natural textiles, revitalize the traditional crafts that are on the verge of extinction, and raise awareness about the impact of the fashion industry on our health and the environment.

In addition, on the runway at Paris Fashion Week, multiple brands showcased creative collections made using sustainable fibers. Stella McCartney presented dresses made from recycled t-shirts alongside "conscious couture" made from eco-friendly cotton and viscose from sustainable forests. Alexander McQueen used scraps of fabric from the floor of mills to create 3D rosettes on skirts.

Lenzing is committed to promoting sustainability through technological innovations using wood-based fibers. Our TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology involve upcycling a substantial proportion of cotton scraps e.g. from garment production in addition to wood pulp. This technique and the fibers produced have been utilized by many brands - including Mara Hoffman, one of the pioneers of sustainable fashion. She has been using TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers in her ready-to-wear collections since autumn 2018.

Powerful colors can be sustainable too

Each season the Pantone Color Institute launches the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report. For autumn/winter 2019 the report highlights 12 stand-out colors that were also easily spotted at the fashion shows. From the list for the upcoming autumn/winter season, confidence-building shades, such as fiery Chili Pepper and the deeper Biking Red are labelled as the most popular ones for this season. Both of these colors allow the wearer to express confidence and individuality.

The Chili Pepper color recently dominated the Paris Fashion Week, especially on the runways of Christian Dior and Balenciaga, while also being incorporated into popular check and tartan patterns. It was picked out as “a spicy red, which adds drama and excitement as it stimulates the human senses.” The Biking Red color was described as “adventurous, strong and powerful”. This deep red color was spotted in collections from brands such as Longchamp, Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford.

Color dyeing is a critical step when producing fashion items, especially to achieve these particularly powerful colors. However, the process can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Committed to driving sustainability, Lenzing offers TENCEL™ Modal fibers which are produced using Eco Color technology. The innovative production process not only helps to save up to 64% water and reduce 90% of chemicals, but also makes the color longer-lasting. These fibers create a product that not only looks great but is a conscious decision to do right by the environment. Using Lenzing’s fibers allows sustainability and fashion to go hand in hand with no compromise on quality.

As you get ready to wear the latest fashion trends, keep in mind Lenzing’s wide range of sustainable fiber choices which can make you look good and feel great from head to toe. If you want to learn more about sustainable fashion, please check out the #Make It Feel Right campaign, supported by the TENCEL™ brand.

Now go jazz up your wardrobe with striking sustainable fashion for autumn/winter 2019!

Denim is getting cleaner and leaders in the space are tapping into the raw materials and new technologies to keep their own products green.

CLOSED, a Hamburg, Germany-based clothing brand, is one of them. The company, in partnership with Candiani, has launched “A Better Blue” line of denim designed to further advance the product’s circularity. And, the jeans will incorporate TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell fibers.

“Our longtime weaving partner Candiani from Italy has been pursuing a sustainability strategy for years and of course the REFIBRA™ technology fitted perfectly in there,” CLOSED denim developer Uwe Kippschnieder, said. “We were convinced by the fact how much water you can save by creating a pair of jeans that does not need fresh cotton. The product now on the market is 50 percent TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell and 50 percent cotton waste from Candiani production. The water savings for a pair of jeans is 2,600 liters, which is huge. We keep transportation very short. All our women’s and men’s jeans are made 100 percent in Italy near Milan.”

The new “A Better Blue” collection will be available in July/August 2019, and CLOSED has plans to continue on its sustainability journey as today’s consumer continues on theirs.

“Our vision for the future is to get better step by step every season,” Uwe said. “At the end of the year, we will be publishing a Sustainability Report for the first time and communicate our goals. We see this as a kind of continuous further development of what we have been doing with our production partners for the last 40 years.”

To get a little insight into how Uwe feels about denim on a personal level, Carved in Blue caught up with the denim developer to pick his brain on a few points.

Carved in Blue: When does a jean stop being a jean?

Uwe: We at CLOSED pushed the boundaries of what a jean should look like ever since. We evolved from 5-pocket to X-pocket, from raw and rinsed to stone washes, and now to ozone- and laser treatments. We offer French-pockets in rigid selvedge denims and 5-pockets in stay-black super stretch qualities. So, in the end, it depends on your personal point of view and I think it´s good not to put everything into boxes.

Carved in Blue: Who is your environmental hero?

Uwe: Greta Thunberg, her uncompromising commitment towards radical changes impresses me a lot.

Carved in Blue: What music do you like to listen to while working?

Uwe: It must be something electronic. Could be ambient, minimal, techno or psy-trance, always depending on my mood.

Carved in Blue: What’s your favorite place to visit?

Uwe: I love going to festivals, which offer not just music and dance but also workshops, conferences and arts. Beside that it´s the hammock on my terrace.

Carved in Blue: What are your travel essentials?

Uwe: Notebook and a pencil, headphones, a sleeping mask and a good book. At the moment, it´s Homo Deus from Yuval Noah Harari, which fascinates me.

Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?

Uwe: A platform for innovative and forward-thinking projects and people.

Lenzing and Delta Galil take another remarkable step forward for sustainable textiles and circular economy with REFIBRA™ technology.

• Delta Galil, a leader in cotton fabric and apparel manufacturing, is collaborating with Lenzing Fibers
• Using Delta’s Galil’s surplus of cotton supply for textile to textile recycling
• Together, creating a more circular economy with TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell

To date, the success of Lenzing’s REFIBRA™ technology has been made possible because of a close partnership with DELTA GALIL, a vertical manufacturer, whose similar commitment to circular economy fueled the R&D and engineering innovations necessary to enable the recycled content of raw material for Lenzing Fibers with REFIBRA™ technology.

TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology are one of most sustainable cellulosic fibers available today. The raw material wood pulp comes from renewable wood sources combined with pulp made from upcycled cotton scraps. The resulting pulp is then manufactured into TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers in Lenzing’s award-winning, closed loop production facility. To top it all off, TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ is compostable and biodegradable in soil and water, key attributes that make possible its contributions to circular economy.

“DELTA GALIL is a pioneer in textile circular economy and truly inspired us to take bold steps with our new REFIBRA™ technology,” says Andreas Dorner, Commercial Director for Europe and Americas of the Lenzing Group. “DELTA partnered with us to transform their cotton scraps—that would otherwise be disposed— together with the renewable raw material wood into first-quality, virgin fibers. Everything about our collaboration was unique, from the sharing of data to the forward-thinking teamwork necessary to develop the new process and product.”

More consumers looking for sustainable alternatives

As climate change concerns increase, more and more fashion labels are focusing on environmental protection and sustainability. DELTA anticipated this trend and, as a leading supplier of intimates and activewear to the US (and global) apparel industry, will have a substantial impact on the circular economy of that market.

“We have been innovating in circular economy for many years,” says Monder Mwais, Senior Director of Fabric Development and Innovation at DELTA. “We take seriously our role in improving textile sustainability and try to lead by example. Pushing the circular economy envelope required us to approach our business differently. That’s where our collaboration with Lenzing was so valuable. With the combined intellectual and technical assets of both companies, we were able to go farther than either of us could ever go alone.”

In addition a special manufacturing system enables TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology to be identified in the final products, even after long textile processing and conversion steps through the value chain. Lenzing has developed a new identification system to reassure customers that retailers and brands are incorporating genuine TENCEL™ fibers produced with REFIBRA™ technology into their products. This supports transparency and quality assurance in today’s complex global supply chain.

A new sustainable business model

Collaboration and information sharing are key components of sustainability innovation. Lenzing works closely with both vendors on one side and customers on the other to facilitate process changes or product developments that contribute to higher sustainability and circular economy. Through co-branding programs with retailers / brands we are able to convey the value of TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™.

“We value the relationships we have with our business partners and thrive on discovering new ways of doing things that might be more efficient or sustainable for each of us,” concludes Dorner. “When we can achieve something as significant as implementing the cotton scraps used in our REFIBRA™ technology, we celebrate but realize that there is still much more to be done to attain circular economy in the textile and apparel industry.”

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The Indonesian government has set a target to increase the export value of textiles and garments to US$75 billion by 2030, which will be equivalent to 5% of its global exports. With the goal to effectively place Indonesia as one of the top five largest textile manufacturers in the world, it is important to equip the local industry onboard with the latest sustainability trends and intelligence. In view of this, Lenzing has been taking on various initiatives to promote and raise awareness on sustainability and how to better preserve the environment. For example, Lenzing had been partnering with local universities to invest in a local Center of Excellence, which aims to advocate and discover ways to better green up the textile industry.

To continue the momentum, Lenzing recently held a “Austrian Sustainability Session” in July at the Austrian “Green Embassy” in Jakarta. The event was hosted by Lenzing in conjunction with the Austrian Embassy, Advantage Austria (Austria Trade Commission), a local sustainable community and other Austrian brands and companies. It created a platform for Austrian companies and their partners to engage with Indonesian business owners, regulators and communities. Lenzing’s brand partners, fabric mills and fashion designers were also invited to join the event to exchange ideas and insights.

After representatives from the organizing parties made their opening remarks at the event, the floor was opened for an interactive panel discussion on an array of eco-topics such as sustainability issues in Jakarta, green technologies and renewable energy trends.

During the event, Mr. Winston A. Mulyadi, Lenzing’s Commercial Head of Textile and Nonwoven Fiber for SEA and Oceania Region, introduced the company’s mission and sustainable business model to attendees and media. Taking sustainably planted trees and transforming them into effective eco-friendly products with unique resource-conserving technologies, Lenzing takes on the responsibility for the planet’s future. It was a successful event with more than 100 people attended and fruitful discussions were held.

In Indonesia alone, Lenzing produces 323,000 tons of sustainable fiber annually and exports 50% of its production to Southeast Asia countries. To guarantee the quality of raw materials, Lenzing currently only source materials through using wood pulp from responsible and certified suppliers. This ensures our fibers produced are trustworthily clean and renewable. Moving forward, Lenzing will continue its efforts in building a more sustainable textile supply chain across Indonesia and beyond.

Harold Weghorst – VP of Lenzing Global Brand Management, discusses the future of circular economy at TaFF Singapore

In July, Lenzing participated in the second Industry Insights talk hosted by Textile and Fashion Federation Singapore (TaFF). The topic was entitled “The Circular Economy: Fiction or Attainable Ideal?”

The talk was held at The Cocoon Space x TENCEL™ Studio, situated along the iconic Orchard Road and was recently opened in January 2019. The Cocoon Space houses a Lenzing fabric library where fabrics made with TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ are showcased and an event hall named TENCEL™ studio is located. The aim of the space is to raise awareness amongst the Singaporean fashion community of the need for more sustainable fashion and how it can be incorporated into designs.

Industry Insights is held every month and hosted by TaFF. Experts and industry leaders are invited to share their experience and vision for the evolving fashion and retail ecosystem.

With July’s theme focused on circular economy, it served as a perfect match for Lenzing as it echoes with the firm’s ongoing mission. As an industry leader who promotes sustainability, Lenzing supports businesses that implement the concepts of circular economy and is eager to find ways to encourage the change away from traditional production and consumption.

At the event, speaking alongside other panelists, Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Brand Management at Lenzing, delved into why circular economy is not a fad and will become a necessity for people to incorporate into their lifestyle to save the environment. He also highlighted that businesses will need to embrace the circular economy model in order to survive and compete with other businesses.

Lenzing is known as a strong advocate for implementing circular economy procedures and will continue to spread awareness. TENCEL™ branded fibers, which are sustainably sourced and produced, play an important role in driving the Lenzing circular economy ecosystem. Lenzing continues to pave the way for a more eco-friendly future to safeguard our planet.

Climate Change is already having a significant impact on the world’s ecosystems, economies and communities. It remains one of the most challenging environmental issues to resolve. There is no single solution and so, we need to combine forces to save the planet and its resources. Every industry therefore plays a critical role in preserving the environment and each must change harmful procedures for our more sustainable future.

Fighting climate change is a becoming more and more of a priority for many fashion companies. The biggest issue often lies in the production of clothing, which releases toxins into the environment.[1] According to news from the United Nations on climate change, the fashion industry contributes around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to its long supply chains and energy intensive production processes.[2] The industry consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industry combined.[3] To do something about this requires action from both businesses and consumers.

Industry leaders, corporations and organizations are starting to make significant changes by shifting their traditional business model to a more sustainable business model. Many companies are also keen to be carbon neutral – which means that the actions of a company or individual result in no additional carbon being released into the atmosphere. This can be in the form of Carbon Dioxide (CO_2­) which is considered a greenhouse gas and is responsible for the greenhouse effect and heating up of the world’s atmosphere. CO₂ is also dissolving into our oceans and altering their pH balance which is having a knock effect to the habits of many oceanic creatures. Hence, if we can limit the amount of carbon in the atmosphere by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy or through offsetting emissions strategies such as planting trees then we can start to reduce the impact. Another term for carbon neutral is to have a zero-carbon footprint.

Many international companies and fashion designers, including Stella McCartney, H&M, and Adidas, have stated they are committed to finding solutions in fighting climate change and pledged to go carbon neutral by 2050.[4] As an eco-advocate, Lenzing is at the industry forefront and can instigate action. Earlier this year, Lenzing made a long-term commitment to transform itself into the world’s first carbon neutral fiber producer. To make headway, Lenzing is investing more than EUR 100 million over the next few years to reduce carbon emissions for both operational boundaries and supply chain.

A first milestone is set for 2030, when Lenzing plans to reduce CO₂ emissions per ton of product by almost 50 percent. Lenzing aims to accomplish net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.

While the goal may seem quite ambitious, with new technology, adaptation along the supply chain, and together with the growing portfolio of sustainable Lenzing fibers, Lenzing is confident. There is hope for a greener, better and more sustainable future.

[1] https://fashionmagazine.com/fashion/carbon-neutral-brands/

[2] https://unfccc.int/news/un-helps-fashion-industry-shift-to-low-carbon

[3] https://unfccc.int/news/un-helps-fashion-industry-shift-to-low-carbon

[4] https://fashionmagazine.com/fashion/carbon-neutral-brands/

The popularity of the athleisure wear has risen sharply as consumers are now looking to streamline their schedules, avoiding multiple wardrobe changes between home, office and the gym. Sportswear has thus risen as one of the fashion industry’s fastest growing sub-categories. In the female market alone, there is an expected compound annual growth rate of 7.7% from 2018 to 2025.

With echoes of fast fashion, increasing popularity of sportswear comes with costs to the environment. Oil-based synthetic materials such as polyester are the most common fabric ingredient in sportswear because they offer high stretch properties and moisture management qualities. However, on the downside, it could take up to 150 years for these non-biodegradable materials to decompose in landfills. Synthetic garments are also found to be the largest source of marine microplastic pollution, with up to 1.7 grams of plastic microfibers can be washed off a single garment per wash.

With limits on sourcing, sportswear companies are still struggling to fully transform their products to be more sustainable. Searching for better, more sustainable alternatives to synthetic textiles is therefore a key step towards a greener industry supply chain.

As a leading producer in sustainable fibers, Lenzing has served as an industry pioneer, advocating for the use of wood-based raw materials and partnering with other producers to create performance textiles with minimal environmental cost.

Compared to recycling polyester, wood-based botanic fibers offer the extra benefit of biodegradable when they come to the end of their product life. Made of renewable wood sources, TENCEL™ Active cellulosic fibers are not only 100% compostable and biodegrade in three months, but also possess exceptional cooling and fast-drying qualities, along with comfort and versatility. Compared to cotton, TENCEL™ Active cellulosic fibers are capable of absorbing 50% more moisture and generate high levels of perspiration essential for sportswear. For example, TENCEL™ Modal fibers, produced by Lenzing’s Eco Soft technology, are known for their exquisite softness, high flexibility and breathability.

TENCEL™ Active cellulosic fibers can also be blended with other materials to produce different types of performance textiles, creating alternatives to synthetic fabrics with less environmental cost. In early 2019, Lenzing worked with Solvay, a specialty chemicals producer, on an innovative fabric which blends TENCEL™ branded fibers with sustainable nylon. The move has successfully introduced new fabric material compositions for the activewear industry. The TENCEL™ Active segment also collaborated with industrial producer, Hyosung to develop sustainable outdoor fabrics with improved stretchability. Furthermore, Lenzing partnered with CoolVisions^® to combine TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers with CoolVisions^® dyeable polypropylene filaments, to produce an array of performance textiles in terms of construction, color and weight.

Forging ahead, Lenzing will continue to advocate for and commit to driving awareness and change within the sportswear industry to allow consumers to upgrade their active lifestyle with some much needed eco-care.

Denim has widely conquered the hearts and closets of consumers over the world regardless of their age, gender, and professions. In an interview with the team from TENCEL™Denim, John Michael Arcella, a graphic designer and denim aficionado, shares his views on the budding trend in fashion – sustainable denim.

Is sustainable denim a gimmick or a pressing need? One may not be aware that the 1,800 gallons of water, equal to 12,730 500-ml bottles of water, are used in producing just one pair of jeans. With much untreated water which contains chemicals and dye flowing back to oceans and waterways, the production of denim is causing a huge impact to the environment and ecosystem.

Thankfully, the denim industry is changing towards a more sustainable model, as Arcella shared in the interview. “Some mills and brands started to adopt new processes and techniques to reduce water usage and chemical wastes in denim production,” he added. Recently, big fashion brands, such as Converse and Volcom, have also launched their sustainable denim collections.

Apart from buying sustainable denim items, Arcella believes that “give them (clothes) a second and third life” is the most sustainable thing consumers can do. This is also the idea behind his collection of snazzy denim on Instagram @thedailychore, where he brings his vintage denim archive alive by sleek, striking and stylized visuals.

For fellow denim heads to keep up with the sustainable denim trends, here is Arcella’s must-read list: websites such as Carved in Blue, Denim Days Festival and Kingpins Show and magazines like Monocle and Sourcing Journal. @simplysuzette and @colour_me_lovely on Instagram are also topping Arcella’s reading list. Do check out his recommendations and explore the sustainable denim vogue!

Initiated by the China National Textile & Apparel Council (CNTAC) and China Business Climate Action (CBCA), the Climate Innovation × Fashion Summit was successfully held on 27 August in Beijing, China. Lenzing, as one of the initial funders of the Fashion Industry Climate Fund was invited to attend the Climate Summit.

The Summit aimed to drive sustainability in the textile industry through collaboration with different global textile industry stakeholders to initiate low carbon footprint, circularity and sustainable development.

For Lenzing, being environmentally friendly and upholding sustainable production processes are the cornerstones of our business strategy. One of our flagship low carbon emission products, TENCEL^TM branded fibers, is an example of this, it not only does it have a minimal environmental footprint, but it is also soft to touch.

Based on innovation technology, Lenzing production processes have reduced their CO₂ emissions to make headway on more sustainable practices. This aligns with the Climate Fund’s mission, hence Lenzing decided to be one of the initial funders of the Fashion Industry Climate Fund. The mission to support climate change initiatives and safeguard the textile industry whilst protecting our planet resonated strongly with the Company’s ethos.

Mr. Hu Jian, Lenzing’s Senior Vice President of North Asia, mentioned in his speech that innovation and sustainability are at the core of Lenzing’s business strategy, and they are implemented in every operation process. In June this year, Lenzing announced its CO₂ emission target: a reduction of CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030 and then net-zero CO₂
emissions by 2050. Lenzing’s investment of more than EUR 100 million will help to combat 1.3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions shows the company’s commitment to follow the Science Based Targets concept.

“CO₂ emissions are something that effects everyone and every enterprise. As a leading company at the start of the value chain, we hope to promote the attention and practice in the whole value chain through our own efforts. Of course, the upgrade and breakthrough of the industry cannot succeed without innovation. We believe more innovation will be carried out supported by the Climate Fund, so that we can drive the whole industry forward and at the same time provide feedback to companies in the industry, in order to battle climate change together.” said Hu.

Recently, Lenzing announced its plan to build the largest lyocell plant in the world, with a production capacity of 100,000 tons per year in Prachinburi, Thailand. The investment volume for the first production line, including infrastructure and site development, amounts to EUR 450 million. Potentially, up to four such production lines can be integrated and operated onsite. According to Mr. Hu, the promising infrastructure and the bio-energy supply are important criteria for such site selection. The use of bioenergy will help reduce CO₂ emissions and support Lenzing in achieve its corporate climate target. “In the future, we will optimize our global production energy structure and introduce more renewable energy, such as bioenergy, in order to achieve the committed CO₂ emission target,” Hu added.

Underwear goes through trend cycles just like other fashion items. While it is no surprise that comfortability continues to be a paramount quality for intimate clothing, sustainability is becoming a top-of-mind priority for consumers and this is expected to make remarkable strides in lingerie.

Consumer consciousness towards sustainability in their purchasing behavior is awakening. In the US alone, sustainability’s share between 2014 and 2017 grew nearly three percentage points and consumers spent about $128.5 billion on sustainable products in 2018[1]. The shift in consumer preference is going to present even more enormous opportunities for brands, as Nielsen, a research firm, predicts that consumers will spend up to $150 billion on sustainable products by 2021[2]. However, there is a long way before the lingerie industry can reap the fruits, as sustainable innerwear only accounts for 2.4% of the market share currently[3].

Traditional textile dyeing has been the go-to for most manufacturers when producing lingerie due to cost efficiency. However, the harmful impacts to the environment this method brings is often neglected. As an estimated 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used to bleach and brighten clothes, textile dyeing has become the second largest cause of water pollution globally[4]. The World Bank estimated 17 to 20% of industrial water pollution is caused by fabric dyes and treatments[5]. The other downside of textile dyeing is that it may affect the consumer experience, as contact with synthetic chemicals may trigger allergic reactions, skin irritation, and rashes[6].

Mindful of these negative impacts brought by traditional textile dyeing and the rising demand, some manufacturers and brands have already started adopting more sustainable yet high quality alternatives, such as TENCEL™ Modal fibers, which are made from beech collected from the sustainable forest in Austria and the neighboring countries and through eco-friendly and sustainable processes.

Sun Hing Textiles has been using TENCEL™ branded modal fibers produced with Eco-Color technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability of their textile manufacturing process, and it proved a complete success. “As we have strict regulations of water usage in our Shenzhen factory, TENCEL™ Modal fibers produced by Eco-Color technology is an eco-friendly material which helps us save up to 64% of water in production. The adoption of TENCEL™ Modal fibers, which are certified with the EU Ecolabel, is definitely a big step for us to drive a greener supply chain in lingerie manufacturing,” said Benson Wong, General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Sun Hing Textiles. Textile Tech Enterprise is also a textile manufacturer committed to sustainability and a customer of TENCEL™ Modal fibers. “Eco Color technology for TENCEL™ Modal fibers is different from traditional dyeing as colored pigments are incorporated into the spinning mass solution prior to the fiber extrusion process, in turn offering long-lasting color-fastness. TENCEL™ Modal fibers with Eco-Color technology is the synonym of the latest generation dyeing process, which offer a high comfort level and sustainability,” said Iris Li, Director of Sales at Textile Tech Enterprise.

Tanitex, an international underwear and loungewear company, focuses on developing high-quality, durable and comfortable products without compromising on sustainability. In fact, sustainability has always been a core part of Tanitex’s sourcing strategy for years. “We consider sustainability in every step of our production, from using fibers from renewable sources like TENCEL™ Modal fibers, to knitting and dyeing in facilities that practice extensive recycling and with good water treatment. The feedback from consumers has been very positive, as they appreciate the consistently high quality of our products. They also feel that purchasing our products is not contributing to just more garbage in the land fill, as the products will last a long time and are sourced and produced sustainably,” said Michelle Tang, Director at Tanitex.

While comfortability is still part and parcel for innerwear, that is no longer the only factor appealing to consumers. To better meet consumer needs and maximize business opportunities in the lingerie market, it is essential for manufacturers and brands to work together to green the supply chain and reduce the environmental footprints. As sustainability becomes a larger part of the international dialogue, there is no better time than now to embrace innovative technologies for more sustainable alternatives.

[1] https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2018/was-2018-the-year-of-the-influential-sustainable-consumer.html

[2] https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2019/sustainability-continues-to-drive-sales-across-the-cpg-landscape.print.html

[3] https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/5-lingerie-trends-from-2018-retailers-can-learn-from/2019012541232

[4] https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/putting-brakes-fast-fashion

[5] https://file.scirp.org/pdf/NS2...

[6] https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/textile-dye-allergy/

https://www.carmenbusquets.com/journal/post/fashion-dye-pollution

Preparing for an active lifestyle means eating the right foods, getting enough exercise and generally taking care of ourselves. But there’s one aspect of our wellbeing that’s often overlooked: to deliver the ultimate performance, we need to rest our minds and our bodies through restorative, nourishing sleep. The 6 To 6 collection will celebrate and encourage the healing benefits of sleep, and the role that it plays in our sartorial lives. This project is a collaboration between TENCEL™ and Studio Eva x Carola. Partners involved in the project include international circular knitting manufacturer Santoni Shanghai, along with innovative and sustainable suppliers such as TinTextiles, ATB and Ton Design.

1. Why 6 To 6 matters

Sleep well, perform better

Research institutes such as Stanford University's Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory have found that sleeping more hours than average improves speed, accuracy, alertness and overall performance in athletes. The fitness writer Faya Nilsson recently found that adding an additional two hours sleep a night increased her reaction time when training to 41% and improved her strength by 37.5%.

Sleep also clears toxins from the brain, and releases growth hormone which stimulates fat burning, muscle growth and bone building. Getting adequate sleep should therefore be a vital part of any active lifestyle. A hot topic within the wellness community, yoga routines now being specifically designed for sleep and even yoga pillows designed for maximum bodily support.

Sleepwear for the future

We spend about a third of our lives in bed, whether reading, relaxing or sleeping. Yet many of us underestimate the importance of creating the optimal conditions for sleep. The right fabrics, when worn against the skin, can deliver a wealth of benefits to the sleeping body including comfort and thermal regulation. We should focus not only on the fabric materials we sleep in, but also those that we sleep on; the bedding must deliver the same level of comfort and thermoregulation as the clothing.

To encourage the wearer to feel safe and serene in the hours surrounding bedtime, we use the soft silk sensation of Lenzing’s TENCEL™ branded fibers to bring long-lasting comfort. These fibers give the wearer an extra level of reassurance; they are produced using renewable wood material that has been developed using low water consumption, minimizing impact on the environment. The resulting fibers leave behind no chemical residue when they decompose. They can be used to create beautifully-shaped knits that are soft, supple and able to absorb moisture more efficiently to help the body feel pleasantly cool and dry .

2. The collection

Based on these insights, the 6 To 6 Collection, a range of mindfully crafted loungewear and sleepwear has been designed to meet the wearer’s needs between the hours of 6pm and 6am.

This collection includes sleepwear, bedding, activewear and footwear that will deliver important benefits to the wearer before, during and after sleep. Deep, restorative sleep is an important part of feeling refreshed and energised, which is why this ties in with our previous collection, Forever Young.

Our direction for this project is based on the idea of an elegant feel combined with a gentle touch, clear surroundings and a dreamy, almost ethereal use of colour:

Phase 1 - Before sleep: intimates and footwear

This phase is all about the themes of restoration, replenishment, wholeness, and mindfulness.

• Playing with shine versus dull elements for a luxe aesthetic

• Loose layering for comfort and multi-functionality

• Graphic design for a sophisticated look and feel

Yarns used for this phase:

• Micro Modal / cashmere siro compact: results in fine, soft and lightweight fabrics that feel snug against the skin and provide thermoregulation. Cashmere itself is three times more insulating than sheep’s wool.

• Micro Modal / Supima cotton siro compact: ultra-fine, soft and comfortable fibers that are also wonderfully strong.

• TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ / Organic cotton: Gentle on the skin, and on the planet - pioneering REFIBRA™ technology involves up cycling a substantial portion of cotton scraps in addition to wood pulp. The resulting fiber is beautifully light and soft, delivering moisture management.

Phase 2 - During sleep: home textiles and intimates

This phase will revolve around the themes of intention, awareness, beauty, depth, shine, gentleness, and the feeling of being at home.

• Terry structures for coverage and loft dimension

• All-over repeat patterns with engineered edge or shaping that is specific to the product

• Soft use of colour and muted tones for a calming effect

• Adaptable support for a customisable level of support and good posture

Yarns used for this phase:

TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament: made out of extreme fine filament yarns which also results in a silky-smooth luxury fabric and a flowing liquid-like drape.

UMORFIL® Beauty Fiber®: a new generation of bionic fiber. Composed by collagen peptide amino acid, it delivers a silk-like sheen with moisture regulation.

Phase 3 - After sleep: activewear

This phase is all about connecting to the body through movement and exercise, and the feeling of being rejuvenated and energised by sleep.

• Ventilation engineered into the pattern of the garment

• Patterns engineered around movement and different zones in the body

• Use of colour to create a multi-dimensional energising hue effect

• The application of decorative and feminine graphics

Yarns used for this phase:

Yarns from 100% TENCEL™ fibers: these are breathable, strong and are also gentle on skin.

TENCEL™ fibers combined with Polyester: this will help with the fabrics’ moisture management, easy cleaning and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking.

TENCEL™ yarns are spun using Compact-Siro spinning technology, which results in a more compact and clear surface structure, a more uniform and smooth shape, and less “hairi-ness”.

Since being labelled as one of the worst polluters, the fashion industry is eager to find ways to change. 'Sustainability' has undoubtedly become one of the hottest fashion buzzwords, with more brands now launching eco-initiatives or eco-collections, hoping to make a difference in safeguarding the environment.

Viscose, also known as “rayon” or “artificial silk”, has risen as a popular sustainable alternative to cotton and polyester for the textile industry. As a fiber that originate from plants, viscose is not inherently toxic or polluting. Nevertheless, the need to manufacture huge amounts of low-cost viscose leaves many on the market today produced with little to no environmental awareness. Without proper treatment, the discharge of pollutants into the air and chemicals into waterways can disrupt ecosystems and cause severe health hazards to local communities.

Beholding current limitations in viscose production, Lenzing ventured to offer eco-conscious and clean possibilities for the viscose market. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers is strictly made according to the guidelines of the EU Ecolabel, meeting high environmental standards across the production process. Compared to conventional viscose, the production of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers involves half the water and fossil energy usage, while generating half the emissions at the same time.

With the arrival of the clean viscose option, brands are seeking renewed value in the sustainability market through upgrading conventional viscose products with responsibly produced sources. One of Lenzing’s brand partners, Japanese brand - Earth, Music & Ecology, agreed that switching to clean viscose fibers allows the company to source ethically, which aligns with its sustainability cooperate strategy and will also responsibly implement sustainable development goals.

Another feature of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers lies on its fiber identification technology, which improves the transparency level of the supply chain. Lenzing believes a small step in yielding the right to know for eco-conscious consumers, is equivalent to a big step for the fashion industry in putting supply chain transparency into practice. Even after long textile processing and conversion steps, brands can still trace and identify the LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibers in a piece of clothing, tracking down the fiber source and production identifications. Consumer can be sure that LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded products are made from eco-friendly materials.

German brand Armedangles is among the many brands that had previously kept an eye on viscose but hesitated because there is no way for them monitor the sourcing and production of the material. When LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers was launched, the brand expanded its partnership with Lenzing from TENCEL™ branded fibers to the new type of clean viscose. This year, around 100 styles containing Lenzing’s clean viscose fibers can be spotted in their online shop across Europe. The traceability feature of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibers provides an extra layer of confidence for brands looking to switch to quality sustainable fibers, while keeping the costs at bay.

On top of other international fashion houses such as Bestseller, Esprit, Max Fashion and Global Work, department stores such as JC Penny and Marks & Spencer are also among the many companies that hopped onto the trend of using clean viscose. This is an encouraging step towards a more transparent supply chain for the industry, and new-found opportunity for consumers to make ethical clothing purchases.

In June, Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) was held over four days in London. This annual event attracts around 30,000 guests each year. Lenzing has always been a core supporter and this year was no exception. The event was an opportunity to promote TENCEL™ branded fibers and raise awareness of the need for more sustainable fashion.

This year, the TENCEL™ brand hosted two exciting competitions that engaged different audiences to build understanding of eco-fashion and show how people can join the movement.

One of the competitions, TENCEL™ Design Competition, challenged students to design creative pieces using TENCEL™ branded fibers. With an impressive number of entries, students interpreted their own creative vision through bespoke designs. Guests were also able to experience and celebrate each designers’ passion and talent. A panel of judges including Di Boscio from Eluxe Magazine, Bel Jacobs, Oliver Spencer, some of the Lenzing and Farfetch team chose a winner amongst a talented pool of participants.

To continue the fun, TENCEL™ also created a “wings” wall, where guests can pose in front of a set of wings. The goal was to promote sustainable fashion in the most creative way and post it on Instagram with hashtags. The wall was part of TENCEL™’s grand statement for a greener future in fashion.

On the more educational side, Lenzing participated in a panel talk – “Why We Can No Longer Ignore Sustainability” alongside other industry thought leaders. The theme of the panel was to discuss the importance of change and why the fashion industry can’t continue down the same path of unsustainable practices.

As an industry leader, Lenzing is committed to actively engaging with individuals and taking on initiatives to promote eco-friendliness. The young designers’ commitment at this event to spread awareness for a more renewable future was truly inspiring for the fashion industry and Lenzing will continue to be a big supporter of that.

When it comes to designing fashionable active and outdoor apparel, Christie Orlando has a hefty resume. Her creativity has influenced brands like Champion, Fenty X Puma by Rihanna, Six : 02 by Foot Locker, and G Sport for Goop by Gwyneth Paltrow. She is also a co-founder of Alala, the women’s activewear brand dedicated to all-day style for busy women who still want the benefits of functional fabrics in activewear that is stylish and comfortable.

Christie’s design aesthetic captures the essence of a brand and interprets it in sophisticated yet approachable apparel collections based on premium fabrics, technical performance, excellent fit, and flattering silhouettes. This keen, multi-functional creative ability as well as her experience with collaboration made Christie the perfect person to set the design direction for the apparel items in the TREE-CLIMATE collection. With sustainable fabrics developed by the legendary David Parkes, TREE-CLIMATE is Lenzing’s first major capsule collection made with TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers and specially designed for the Outdoor apparel market.

“The TREE-CLIMATE fabrics with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are the heart and soul of this collection,” Christie told us. “David Parkes has designed so many spectacular options ranging from the iconic ‘reverse weave’ sweat shirt material I loved from my days at Champion to beautiful flannels and textured wovens. Designing the garments to showcase these outstanding performance fabrics was a pleasure. I think the outdoor consumer will be thrilled with TREE-CLIMATE. The collection speaks to them as responsible, active consumers who require functionality and comfort in perfectly designed clothing.”

The outdoor and active person today expects apparel to provide the necessary technical benefits as well as look beautiful and feel wonderful. “These consumers have very strong opinions about all aspects of their clothes from the way the fabric feels against their skin, to the minute details that enable the clothes to fit and move well, to the rich colors and thoughtful touches that make a garment visually appealing.” Christie knows this consumer well and has applied her skills to create beautiful, sustainable performance clothing that celebrates the outdoor spirit of the TREE-CLIMATE collection.

Christie’s skill at collaboration also came into play with TREE-CLIMATE. “I know that the best apparel results when a designer truly understands the fabrics. David and the mills are wonderful partners and shared everything I needed to know to understand how these sustainable performance fabrics would work in the designs I planned for them.” TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers are key to making the TREE-CLIMATE fabrics super soft, supple, skin-friendly, dyeable, and resilient. In addition, the botanic fibers bring naturally inherent performance benefits like moisture management and thermal regulation.

While the outdoor consumer is no stranger to premium fabrics and excellent design, the sustainability benefit of TENCEL™ Lyocell made fabrics is an important new value-added feature for them. People who treasure the outdoors are eager for more environmentally friendly apparel options. Made from renewable, responsibly harvested wood in a closed loop, resource efficient production facility, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers enhance the sustainability of any fabric.

Christie’s vision for the TREE-CLIMATE collection is to celebrate the storied past of the outdoor market as well as to inspire it with comfort, performance, versatility, all-day good looks, and, of course, sustainability. The beautiful fabrics made by TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers created by David Parkes and Lenzing partner mills will be showcased in her designs ranging from sweaters and jerseys to jackets and base layer.

Christie Orlando’s TREE-CLIMATE designs will be on display at Functional Fabric Fair in Portland October 22-23 in the Concept III booth # 614, 617, and 618 as well as at the Lenzing booth #519.

Sustainable, Botanic Fibers for the Outdoor Market

If you look at the list of the world’s most influential fabric innovators in the Outdoor market, David Parkes of Concept III always shows up at the top. So, who better to choose as a collaborator and partner to present Lenzing’s sustainable botanic fibers to the Outdoor Industry? We caught up with David to chat about sustainability and TREE-CLIMATE, his newest collection featuring fabrics with TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers.

David began his textile career in England but became the true Outdoor Industry fabric guru during his time with Malden Mills working with Polartec. Parkes founded Concept III in 1983 and can claim a multitude of fabric developments for a “who’s who” list of outdoor and active sports apparel and sportswear manufacturers as well as major retailers. David believes that creative performance textiles are what drive the Outdoor market.

In his charming English accent, David spoke with us about his new TREE-CLIMATE collection featuring TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers.

What’s the fit between the TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and the Outdoor market?

David: I am really excited to introduce TENCEL™ brand to the Outdoor market. Outdoor consumers, brands, and retailers are primed for more sustainability. With the fabrics I’m developing for the TREE-CLIMATE collection, the Outdoor market will see performance, aesthetics, and sustainability come together in highly functional fabrics that are beautiful and exceedingly more responsible.

This is the first major Outdoor collection to feature TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers and when retailers and consumers see what we have created, they will agree that botanic fibers are a natural fit for the Outdoor consumer. And TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are not just a great match because they are botanic and made from wood, a renewable resource. They also demonstrate inherent performance benefits that are highly valued by Outdoor consumers, especially moisture management, softness, skin-friendliness, and thermal regulation, not to mention gorgeous dyeability for the bold color statements we love in this industry.

I’m particularly excited about TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ Technology that incorporates with the wood a high percentage of upcycled cotton that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Tell us a little more about the fabrics you are developing for TREE-CLIMATE.

David: The breadth of fabrics is really exciting for me. Some of the fabrics are revivals of well-loved favorites from the Outdoor market’s rich history, like the “reverse weave” sweat shirt fabric that was so popular in the 70’s and 80’s and a classic raymar fabric. When these wonderful fabrics are reconstructed with TENCEL™ Lyocell and sometimes other select fibers, they are entirely relevant for today’s Outdoor market—beautiful, luscious performance fabrics that are now much more sustainable because of the addition of botanic fibers.

We didn’t ignore the foundational fabrics either. Flannels, chamois, a curly Sherpa, textured wovens, and a flat back rib celebrate the Outdoor tradition. Now they’re made better with the sustainability, softness, and inherent performance benefits that TENCEL™ Lyocell brings to the game.

Speaking of games, what’s behind TREE-CLIMATE, the collection’s name?

David: I really like that phrase in relation to this collection. The fabrics will clearly compete in the functional fabric arena, the field of play that has long defined the Outdoor apparel market. Sustainability is the change, the augmentation of the definition of an Outdoor fabric to include function and purpose. These fabrics will really shift the active consumer’s mindset from total performance to total performance that is also responsibly made and kinder to the environment.

How important is partnership in creating these special sustainable fabrics?

David: In my long experience in this market, the best programs result from partnership. It’s been a pleasure to work with Lenzing and their mill partners to bring the TREE-CLIMATE fabrics to life. I’ve been very impressed with the refreshing approach Lenzing takes to collaboration and product development. They’ve torn down traditional barriers and linear communications channels between supply chain partners and actively enabled dialogue and information sharing. The new levels of creativity and ideation that were sparked as a result of Lenzing’s energizing approach resulted directly in these fabulous TREE-CLIMATE fabrics.

The TREE-CLIMATE collection will be presented at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland October 22-23 in the Concept III booth # 614, 617, and 618 as well as at the Lenzing booth #519. Look for special seminars featuring David Parkes and the TREE-CLIMATE collection at the show.

TENCEL™ recently participated in Germany’s Munich Fabric Start, one of the leading international textile trade shows that showcase a vast selection of fabric collections ranging from plain to haute couture fabrics and accessories. This is the 17th time Lenzing has participated in the event. The show attracts international buyers and designers from the most influential retailers and fashion brands. As a leader in fiber production, this event provided a great networking platform for TENCEL™ to increase its exposure among global fabric mills and allows for further collaboration opportunities with brands to reinforce better and more effective sustainable initiatives.

This year, the main focus for TENCEL™ was to promote the REFIBRA™ technology, a pioneering technology that involves upcycling cotton scraps and wood pulp to produce new virgin TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers for fabrics and garments. This project was also Lenzing’s first step in demonstrating its commitment to driving the circular economy in the textile industry. Lenzing continually has an active participant in the show, with spokespeople joining various discussions each year.

This time, the TENCEL™ team joined in a panel discussion named “SusTECHability – How Trends & Technology Influence Sustainability In Fashion”, which discussed the relationship between sustainable lifestyle, sustainable resources, circularity, big data and artificial intelligence. Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development, Denim, at Lenzing, shared her insights on how technology trends are evolving and directly impacting the sustainability movement within the fashion industry. Lenzing also joined in another panel discussion titled “How Art Changes The Fashion Supply Chain”, which talked about how a sustainable project was set up between the fashion supply chain and art culture.

To further promote sustainability, Lenzing also collaborated with United Nations (UN) Global Compact to launch the “ACT NOW” initiative which generated interest from brands by using UN Sustainable Development Goals as their foundation to address environmental initiatives. The initiative also served as a valuable platform for Lenzing to educate participants about the benefits TENCELTM Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology and which brands are already using them in their collections.

Lenzing also participated in other panels featuring discussions around the topics of circular economy, REFIBRA™ technology and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers. With denim being one of the key highlights of the show, Lenzing also took part in the discussion of “Women In Denim” and showcased a “Carved in Blue” video series about “The Modern Definition of Denim” which received positive feedback from the attendees.

As it stands, industry stakeholders have made significant strides in promoting sustainability. However, with the constant evolution of society and fashion, it also requires continuous efforts to endorse changes. Lenzing is keen to work together with industry partners to drive the adaptation to eco-responsible practices and ensure an improved sustainable development within the textile and fashion industry.

During MQ Vienna Fashion Week, Austria-based fashion label, Plural, unveiled its all-new collection featuring fabrics made from TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology. Magdalena Brunner, the creative designer and guru behind the collection, said it is a dedication to minimalism which symbolizes a confident, liberating and enriching style for modern times.

Plural’s designs aim to showcase the “purist side” of fashion through its authentic fashion pieces. The brand strongly believes that “fashion is worn to make a statement of a more minimalistic life, for more freedom and to focus on the essentials”. As such the brand has always offered simple, high-quality, yet eco-responsible clothing. This strongly resonates with TENCEL™’s ethos, and hence how TENCEL™ with REFIBRA™ technology fibers entered into the collaboration.

The all-new Plural collection showcased at the MQ Vienna Fashion Week contained 15 items with REFIBRA™ technology in the fabrics. The items featured some monochromatic looks, teamed with earthy shades, utilizing straight cuts, combined with a variety of textures, and all set off by the high-quality sustainable fabrics.

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology always provide high-performance and versatility for designers. The pioneering REFIBRA™ technology ensures fabrics are more eco-friendly and also help drive the circular economy by diverting cotton scraps from the waste material stream.

Our representatives from the TENCEL™ brand team were very involved in the collaboration process and worked very closely with the designer to launch the collection. The fashion items from Plural are both designed and produced in Austria.

• LENZING™ ECOVERO™, the official brand sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Istanbul, makes cooperation with a prominent figure in the industry, Mehtap Elaidi.
• The campaign “Don’t Let the Colors of Nature Disappear”, stems from the environmentally consciousness of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers. Within this campaign, “MEHTAP ELAİDİ x LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Capsule Collection” was prepared by the famous fashion designer Mehtap Elaidi. Elaidi’s ‘seasonless’ collection is inspired by Turkey's rare and endemic plants, harmonizing uniquely with mustard, tile red and petrol blue shades.
• During the presentation at Seed on Thursday, October 10, Elaidi’s fashion designs were offered for sale as ‘See now, Buy now’ through QR codes on the cloth labels. Some part of the collection's sales revenues was allocated for the trainings on natural and cultural heritage given by Bilgi Ağacı, the Training Department of ÇEKUL Foundation.

LENZING™ ECOVERO™, one of the official brand sponsors of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Istanbul (MBFWI), carried out a very special project within this event. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ started its “Let the Nature's Colors Stay/Don’t lose the color of the nature” campaign to call attention to a nature-conscious production and sustainable life style. Aiming to combine the campaign with a strong design, the brand made a cooperation with the famous designer Mehtap Elaidi.

‘See now, Buy now’ supports ÇEKÜL Foundation

In her “MEHTAP ELAİDİ x LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Capsule Collection”, Mehtap Elaidi used fabrics containing LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibers produced with environmentally friendly methods. The collection was presented to the visitors on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Seed, Sakıp Sabancı Museum. Inspired by Turkey's rare and endemic plants, Elaidi’nin ‘seasonless’ designs won recognition from the guests. The collection was introduced by dummies and the guests bought their favorite pieces through scanning the QR code on the label of the clothes. The guests appreciated it very much that some part of the collection's sales revenues was allocated for the trainings on natural and cultural heritage given by Bilgi Ağacı, the Training Department of ÇEKUL Foundation.

Miray Demirer Acar: We are making an environmentally conscious and sustainable production

Miray Demirer Acar, Lenzing Turkey & Middle East and Africa Marketing Communication & Branding Manager, gave information about “Don’t Let the Colors of Nature Disappear” campaign. “At Lenzing Group, we produce fibers under sustainable and environmentally responsible conditions. Our Lenzing ECOVERO™ Viscose fiber production meets the high and strict environmental standards, generating 50 percent less gas emissions and water consumption than generic viscose. Moreover, it is awarded the EU Ecolabel. We started a campaign named “Don’t Let the Colors of Nature Disappear” to call attention to the fact that viscose production can be done under cleaner conditions. Because we believe that a cleaner environment is possible when every individual behaves sensitive. Therefore we came together with Mehtap Elaidi. She supported our project, bringing fabrics to life with our LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibers. What makes this collection more impressive is that some part of its sales revenues will be used to offer trainings on natural and cultural heritage to the generations, who will be protecting these plants and flowers”, says Acar.

Mehtap Elaidi: This collection underlines sustainability in every sense

Mehtap Elaidi says she is happy to come together with LENZING™ ECOVERO™ for this special and meaningful collection: “With this collection, we underline sustainability as one of today's top agendas, drawing attention to environmental consciousness and many colors that are lost in the future by time”.

Fashion designs reflecting the nature's spirit

MEHTAP ELAİDİ x LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Capsule Collection is shaped by the patterns and colors of Turkey's rare and endemic plants. The colorful leaf patterns refer to the nature's wealth and fruitfulness while mustard, tile red and petrol blue shades reflect the spirit of autumn. The collection stands out with gatherings and drapes. The buttons covered with LENZING™ ECOVERO™ made fabrics bring a brand new form of style to the collection.

İstanbul’s rare and endemic plants are brought to light

ÇEKUL Foundation supported the campaign by creating contents on İstanbul’s rare and endemic plants as part of a brochure handed out to the guests. Plants such as İstanbul Kardeleni, Kum Belumotu, Sultan Pelemiri were included in this brochure, which refers to the book named İstanbul’s Natural Plants, photographed and written by Prof. Dr. Unal Akkemik.

New collection features high performance fabrics with the sustainability, softness, and performance of TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fibers.

• Introducing new fabric concepts to the Outdoor segment
• High functioning fabrics with inherent performance, superior hand, sustainability attributes
• TREE CLIMATE collection will be on display at Functional Fabric Fair in Portland October 22-23^rd

New York, NY – October 14, 2019 – The Outdoor apparel market has long been defined by high performance functionality, most of which is delivered through technical fabrics. Industry expert and fabric innovator, David Parkes of Concept III, thinks it’s time to revive a few iconic fabrics as well as to introduce new concepts to the Outdoor segment. He partnered with Lenzing to create an assortment of unique fabrics that showcase the inherent performance, superior hand, and—perhaps most importantly—sustainability of TENCEL™ Lyocell. The TREE CLIMATE Collection will debut at Functional Fabric Fair in Portland on October 22-23.

TREE CLIMATE

TREE CLIMATE reaches back into the heritage of the Outdoor industry for inspiration. Flannel and chamois will have their place in the collection as will a retro “reverse weave” sweat shirt fabric. A curly sherpa and a flat back rib will be featured in beautiful jerseys and sweater knits. Textured wovens and a classic raymar cloth round out the specially constructed performance fabrics made with TENCEL™ Lyocell and other select fibers.

The Outdoor consumer will respond well to the improved sustainability profile that TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers brings to apparel, Parkes believes. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are derived from the sustainably sourced raw material wood and are produced in a closed loop, resource efficient production process. In addition, the TREE CLIMATE collection also consists of garments with TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell fibers which is made up using one third- of pulp from cotton scraps from garment production mixed with the TENCEL™ lyocell wood pulp to create what is probably one of the more sustainable fibers on the market today.

The founder of Concept III Textiles, David Parkes, comments that “the collection combines the success of iconic outdoor textiles with the introduction of the many qualities of TENCEL™ Lyocell—hand, moisture management, enhanced dyeability, outstanding drape—and a more sustainable apparel option”.

Lenzing is well known in the textile industry for collaboration and partnership with companies across the global supply chain. TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers can be found in a multitude of innovative fabrics that span denim to ready-to-wear to home textiles. TREE CLIMATE represents the first major Outdoor collection to feature these fibers of botanic origin. “We have enjoyed working with David Parkes to highlight TENCEL™ brand’s many features with these special fabrics and garments that are perfectly designed for the Outdoor category,” says Sharon Perez, Business Development Manager for Activewear at Lenzing. “David’s celebrated creativity and passion for sustainability are evident in TREE CLIMATE, and these beautiful fabrics containing TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers will be much appreciated by brands, retailers, and consumers.”

Parkes and Lenzing are working with several mills to design and produce the TREE CLIMATE fabrics. Mills include Beverly Knits and Brookwood Mills in North America as well as mill partners from the Far East. The TREE CLIMATE garments were designed by Christie Orlando.(more information)

The TREE CLIMATE collection will be on display at Functional Fabric Fair in Portland from October 22-23 in the Concept III booth # 614, 617, and 618 as well as at the Lenzing booth #519.

For more information about the innovative TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and the TREE CLIMATE collection, contact Sharon Perez at [email protected].

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BROADBAND offers denim fabrics that are artfully designed and responsibly made

• Sustainable fabrics via the latest in water- and energy-saving production methods to create denims that are environmentally considerate from fiber to finish.
• BROADBAND offers two denim categories; SOFTWEAR and HARDWEAR
• Capsule collection highlights industry collaborations with Jeanologia, Endrime, Black Horse Lane Ateliers and Escuela de Arte Superior y de Diseño de Valencia

New York, NY – October 20, 2019 – Consumers are finally starting to view their apparel from a sustainability mindset, even if they struggle to make all their lifestyle choices more responsible. But people want deeper meaning in how they work, live, and consume. Their calls for greater transparency and sustainable options are increasing the pressure on brands to design with more considerate products with purpose that make people feel good about their choices.

The new capsule collection from the Sustainable Denim Wardrobe collaboration is centered on environmentally conscious production and how it can influence the denim supply chain for the better. This latest collection goes under the headline of BROADBAND–a name chosen to reflect the breadth of products in modern denim circles. Looking at denim today, the only trend seems to be that there is no trend at all, so the current definition of denim has never been so unstructured. Indeed, todays’ denim might not even contain cotton or be made from a woven fabric construction.

“Sustainable denim production requires innovative thinking that extends beyond just raw materials and production methods,” says Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development for Denim at Lenzing Group. “To truly attain sustainability, companies must also seek out non-traditional ways of working together. When we created the Sustainable Denim Wardrobe collaboration, we discovered new depths of partnership and new ways to share knowledge, supporting commercial innovation.”

BROADBAND represents the products that result from such close, global collaboration. The capsule redefines denim with unique fabrics that combine TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell fibers, cotton, linen, recycled cotton, and spandex. These sustainable fibers are turned into sustainable fabrics via the latest in water- and energy-saving production methods to create denims that are environmentally considerate from fiber to finish.

BROADBAND brings together two completely different denim categories. SOFTWEAR embodies all that is familiar about denim fabrics made of TENCEL^TM Lyocell fibers –femininity, fluidity, and functionality. Its counterpoint HARDWEAR ventures into newer territory, where TENCEL^TM branded fibers meets tradition and tailoring in a collection that takes pleasure in the detailed minutiae of vintage garment construction.

The Sustainable Denim Wardrobe is a collaboration of companies that brings together best-in-class artisans from fiber to design to finished garment. Fabric collaborators come from China, India, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. Sustainability-as-standard garment processing comes from Jeanologia. Design input for SOFTWEAR comes from Escuela de Arte Superior y de Diseño de Valencia.

Design and garment making for HARDWEAR comes from British-based specialists Endrime and Blackhorse Lane Ateliers respectively.

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are derived from responsible wood sources and produced in a closed loop, resource efficient production process. TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell are made from a substantial proportion – up to one third – of pulp from cotton scraps from garment production mixed with wood pulp to create what is probably one of the most sustainable fiber on the market today.

For more information about the TENCEL^TM branded fibers and BROADBAND capsule collection from the Sustainable Denim Wardrobe, contact Tricia Carey at [email protected].

With current looks and trends changing on a regular basis, the fashion calendar for consumers is becoming outdated in a matter of weeks. This phenomenon has accelerated the trend for fast fashion and it’s no longer enough to update one’s wardrobe every season. However, such styling trend standard had also created various environmental, social and economic impact.

According to a 2017 New Textile Economy report, the last 15 years has seen the doubling of fashion production, yet there has been a 40% drop in the amount of time clothing are worn. As part of the fast fashion trend, this linear “take-make-waste” model is causing harm to the environment. In the U.S market alone, an average American throws away approximately 80 pounds of used clothing per year, with up to 95% of the textiles ending up in landfill which could actually be recycled.

Since consumers have become increasingly concerned about eco-responsibility and sustainable lifestyles, the detrimental impacts on the environment pose a serious challenge to the industry around how they can adapt, sustain and succeed in the long run. According to a 2018 Nielsen research report on global consumers’ perception on sustainable shopping, a staggering 81% of consumers felt strongly that companies should act responsibly for the environment. This is a signal that the fashion industry must act promptly and make the necessary business changes to meet consumers’ demands, or else be left behind.

To initiate this kind of industry change, brands must redesign and rethink business strategies across their textile value chain. This is where the idea of circular economy comes in. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a charity which focuses on environmental issues, circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Such a model will keep materials in used-rotation for as long as possible, with huge benefits for fashion businesses. Companies will be able to minimize costs and increase productivity whilst demonstrating stronger eco-consciousness and reducing the negative impact on the environment.

At the Copenhagen Fashion Summit 2017, the industry recognized the potential and necessity of a circular economy with 90 big-name designers, suppliers and retailers, including ASOS, H&M and Nike, signing the “2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment” aimed at accelerating the industry’s transition to a more sustainable and circular system. The commitment set targets across a number of areas: designing for circularity, increasing the volume of used garments and footwear resold and collected, and raising the share of products made from recycled post-consumer textile fibers.

To uphold the business eco-transformation trend, the industry has made collective efforts to drive growth towards a circular fashion system, be it the apparel, innerwear or home wear segment. For example H&M has made an ambitious goal to convert to 100% circular or sustainable materials across the company’s supply chain by 2030 and UK-based charity, Against Breast Cancer, initiated a bra recycling scheme, taking unwanted bras that would normally end up in landfill, to help support small businesses in Africa through their textile recovery project. Apart from efforts made by retailers and charities, industry suppliers who play a key role in the value chain, are also making improvements to become more eco-friendly.

Lenzing is proud to stand at the forefront of sustainability, driving change with contributions towards the circular economy through eco-fiber innovations. One of the pioneering technologies used is the award-winning REFIBRA™ technology, which involves upcycling a substantial proportion of cotton scraps and wood pulp to produce new TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers in a closed-loop process. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers produced by REFIBRA™ technology are not only used for apparels, but also can be found in intimate-wear collections. Derived from renewable sources and with Eco Soft technology, TENCEL™ Intimate cellulosic fibers provides long-lasting softness to help the wearer’s skin feel pleasantly cool and dry throughout the day and night. This is an example of how a product can be both sustainable and functional. Leveraging the use of innovative technologies, Lenzing can produce high quality eco-products while driving circular economy at the backbone.

Making the transition to achieve circular fashion is not an easy task and will require the continuous efforts of the industry. Whilst the current pace of the industry’s sustainability performance might not be fast enough to balance the negative environmental impacts, it is still encouraging to witness that a change for the better is taking place. With collaborative efforts made by fashion industry contributors, the industry can unveil new sustainability standards and produce eco-friendlier economic, environmental and societal outcomes. Lenzing is on track with pursuing these goals and will work closely with industry stakeholders to input mechanisms for a greener planet.

Jakarta, 27 September 2019 – Lenzing Group, an Austrian based natural fiber producer, is pleased to announce its collaboration with EASE Brand and Plaza Indonesia, in Eco Age fashion show, a curated show during Plaza Indonesia’s Men Fashion Week (PIMFW) 2019 held on 26 – 27 September 2019. The theme “Eco Age” on this year’s 10th edition of PIMFW has the mission to raise global awareness for a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable fashion industry in a world where fashion excess and hyper consumption dominate the scene. Lenzing’s sustainable fibers, TENCEL™ and LENZING™ECOVERO™, will be featured in the Eco Age collection, designed by 6 talented local designers.

“Through our flagship fibers, TENCEL™ and LENZING™ECOVERO™, we establish a partnership with EASE brand and Plaza Indonesia. Starting 2018, we announced a major change, that we want to reach further to our stakeholders, including customers, and specifically, empowering fashion designers to grow better. We see this opportunity as the right moment to join forces with local talented fashion designers to share the great values of TENCEL™, LENZING™ECOVERO™ and how sustainability would bring this industry steps ahead, responsibly.”, said Winston A. Mulyadi, Lenzing Indonesia Commercial Head - SEA Region, talking about the collaboration during the Plaza Indonesia’s Men Fashion Week.

Plaza Indonesia Men Fashion Week’s Eco Age features 6 local talented fashion designers using TENCEL™ and LENZING™ECOVERO™; Studio Moral, No’om No'mi, Rigio, AMOTSYAMSURIMUDA, Wilsen Willim, and Danjyo Hiyoji. TENCEL™ and LENZING™ECOVERO™, branded fibers offer a range of features including botanic origin, sustainable production, gentleness of skin, long-lasting softness, silky smoothness, enhanced breathability, color retention and biodegradability. Through Eco Age collaboration, Lenzing and EASE brand aim to also engage with the fashion designers and their fashion enthusiasts, to contribute in saving the environment by using TENCEL™ and LENZING™ECOVERO™,.

One of the curated designers of Eco Age, Wilsen Willim, utilizes playful and experimental details while contrasting them with simple and classic silhouettes. Intricate origami folding which elevated each of the pieces has become a unique signature of the brand. For Spring-Summer 2020, Wilsen Willim Men’s Collection is accented by hand-made embroidery details and also macramé made by yarns created from left-over cut fabrics of Wilsen Willim past collection, to maintain the sustainability process.

There are a total of 120 outfits that are made from TENCEL™ and LENZING™ECOVERO™ fibers designed and produced by the 6 designers. With these sustainable collections, Lenzing hopes that in the future, more fashion designers and brands become more aware of the materials they are selling to the consumers. Not just designers and brand owners, Lenzing also hopes that the fashion consumers will be responsible enough to choose the materials they wear.

Sustainability footwear is definitely a rising trend in the fashion industry. Consumers are looking to consider making efforts to preserving the environment through all aspects of fashion, down to their toes. The fundamentals for sustainable footwear begin with using sustainable materials.

Lenzing is ahead of the game in this aspect and is already being used in making shoe upper fabric, lining, insoles and laces. For instance, Lenzing’s TENCEL^TM branded lyocell fibers have been incorporated into Allbirds’ Tree Shoe collection for its sustainably produced by wood pulp.

Since footwear has become a strong growing segment for Lenzing, the company is well positioned to share valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that footwear brands face as they prioritize sustainability in their operations.

The industry’s approach towards sustainability has evolved at a rapid pace in recent years due to more accessible information on environmental issues being shared online, triggering the public to pay more attention to the sustainability of their purchases. This then creates public pressure for brands to make environmentally conscious products with more transparency regarding the development of new materials, sourcing and production.

One of the biggest sustainability challenges for the footwear industry is applying the sustainable concept to the whole construction of the shoe, from materials to the machinery, technologies and processes that work most seamlessly. Since shoemaking often involves bringing together over 40 components, switching from one material to another will not bring out true sustainability. Furthermore, sustainable shoe brands also face difficulty with entering the market as there are many entrenched players.

Brands are increasingly more willing to adapt to sustainable concepts and to commit to sustainability goals. To establish a greener and more transparent supply chain and foster close cooperation with suppliers, it is vital to identify trusted partners that will allow for this. Working with a sustainability partner, like us, is the first step in creating a more eco-friendly supply chain and driving sustainability of products from their creation.

Increasing awareness at consumer level is pushing for developments in sustainable materials, paving the way for more accessible sustainable action and wider involvement from the public, much like what has been achieved in the recycling space. Our REFIBRA^TM technology is a prime example of such development, allowing cotton waste to be turned into high quality fibers that are compostable and biodegradable, even in sea water. Replacing non-renewable materials with biodegradable materials is a huge step towards improving environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Earlier this year, Under Armour, the international sportswear brand, announced the collaboration to create exclusive technical spacewear for the Future Astronauts of Virgin Galactic. Amongst the spacewear fabric materials, TENCEL™ Luxe Lyocell filament yarns were featured. This marks a historical moment for Lenzing, as this is the first time TENCEL™ branded fibers are used in making spacewear clothing.

Originally, Virgin Galactic was in the progress of completing their flight test program of spaceship Unity and had asked Under Armour to develop the world’s first commercial spaceline. In this project, Under Armour produced the base layer, spacesuit and the footwear for the Future Astronaut.

The TENCEL™ team took part in creating the liner of the Under Armour spacesuit, by using TENCEL™ Luxe branded fibers for temperature control and moisture management. We understood this is an extremely important part of the spacesuit, as Future Astronauts will be going through extreme temperatures and will need to a suit that can retain their normal temperature and moisture during the journey. In light of this, it was then decided to use the TENCEL™ Luxe Lyocell filament yarn in order to ensure that the Future Astronaut will have a comfortable and safe experience. Each finished spacesuit went through meticulous testing at Under Armour with supervision from the members of the Virgin Galactic team.

As a brand who strongly advocates for sustainable clothing, TENCEL™ recognized this project as an exciting new challenge for the company. We are proud to partner with a top athletic brand and the brilliant team at Virgin Galactic to create such innovation. We hope to continue in challenging ourselves to deliver sustainable products across different textile segments. With this collaboration, we took this as an opportunity to step-up our promotion for TENCEL™ branded fibers and raise awareness of the need for more sustainable fashion.

This fall, GUESS, an international apparel brand, launched “GUESS Eco” - a fashion collection for men and women made with environmentally conscious materials and manufacturing processes. The collection is a testament to the brand’s sustainability goal of developing 25% of its denim and sourcing 20% of its materials by 2021, based on GUESS’s eco guidelines.

Utilizing water-saving techniques and environmentally friendly practices, all GUESS Eco denim this season, as well as select non-denim styles, will feature TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers in their fabric. TENCEL™ branded fibers are derived from sustainable wood sources harvested from responsibly managed forests.

The GUESS Eco collection first started in Europe in 2016 and is now offered globally every season. To celebrate this milestone, a luncheon was hosted in the US to kick-off the global launch, during which the collection was unveiled to US influencers and media. Participants also engaged in fruitful discussions about developments in the apparel industry and how to better safeguard the planet.

The GUESS Eco collection offers an array of products such as denim jeans, knitted tops and dresses. For example, GUESS’s Eco Luxe denim, available in six different styles and washes, features TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology. The collection also includes graphic t-shirts and tanks made with 100% organic cotton, as well as knitted tops and dresses made with TENCEL™ Modal fibers.

Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development for Lenzing, said, “The evolution of the GUESS Eco denim to include TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology brings circularity to denim by utilizing cotton scraps without compromising quality or aesthetics. With the technology in fiber developments, GUESS is on a path to reduce its environmental footprint. We are pleased to partner with GUESS as they raise consumer awareness with educational messages across digital and retail platforms.”

For TENCEL™, collaborating with GUESS was an important partnership that allowed us to support their strategic goals of lowering their environmental impact, without compromising on both style and quality. GUESS’s design and sustainability teams, who worked with the TENCEL™ team on this collaboration, were inquisitive, eager to learn and even created an internal educational platform. This showcased our capabilities and commitment to finding new ways to foster the industry’s sustainability development. Moving forward, TENCEL™ is keen to collaborate and work even more closely with industry stakeholders to find ways to revolutionize the global textile industry.

Photo Credit: GUESS

Lenzing’s TENCEL™ brand is hitting the next milestone with the introduction of #FeelsSoRight – a worldwide co-branding campaign that aims to foster change towards sustainability in the fashion and textile world. Joined by brand partners from different regions, the campaign encourages consumers to embrace more eco-responsible clothing and home textiles, in order to reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion and textile industry.

Since the launch of the TENCEL™ brand in 2018, Lenzing has enabled consumers to “feel so right” with TENCEL™ branded fibers in apparel and home textile products. Themed under #FeelsSoRight, this year’s campaign brings out the essence and aspiration of TENCEL™ – not only allowing consumers to feel right and comfortable anytime, anywhere, but also supporting them to make the right choices for the planet, as TENCEL™ branded fibers are produced from sustainably sourced wood by environmentally responsible processes.

The campaign is driven by market insights on consumer’s readiness to do good and try sustainable fashion. In a recent research by GlobalWebindex (GWI), 59% of respondents expressed that they would pay more for sustainable and eco-friendly products. In order to allow eco-conscious consumers to make informed purchase decisions on eco-fashion, a series of informative and interesting content under the TENCEL™ #FeelsSoRight campaign will be rolled out in top-notch fashion media – Vogue and Cosmopolitan.

To date, over 190 million licensed sustainable products under TENCEL™ are available globally. Such products range from general apparel to athleisure and sportswear, denim, lingerie and home textile products like bedding, cushion cover, etc. To make these collections more visible and top-of-mind, Lenzing works closely with fashion brands to share “Sustainable OOTD (outfit of the day)” inspirations with fashionistas. As advocates of sustainable fashion, Lenzing and its brand partners will also cover the latest sustainability trends and provide tips for consumers to know where to buy high quality trendy eco-friendly fashion items.

From November onwards, consumers will be able to learn more about the environmental-conscious alternatives from these brands:

• Arnhem – Australia
• Jockey – Australia
• Kit X – Australia
• Sheridan – Australia
• SELECTED – Germany
• Wolford – Germany
• OBLEKT – Japan
• Something – Japan
• The North Face – Japan
• EASY SHOP – Taiwan
• Wacoal – Taiwan
• Boyish – USA
• DL 1961 – USA
• Mara Hoffman – USA

Check out the first wave of content in November on Vogue and Cosmopolitan, #FeelsSoRight campaign page, TENCEL ™ website and social media pages.

• Lenzing has unveiled their latest REFIBRA™ technology breakthrough, which features the industry’s first successful scaled production of virgin TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers using post-consumer cotton waste.
• TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology now feature up to 30% of recycled raw material content, where some post-consumer cotton waste is mixed with pre-consumer cotton waste.
• Lenzing’s five-year vision is to raise the industry bar by producing fibers with REFIBRA™ technology by having up to 50% recycled content from post-consumer cotton waste to make textile waste recycling as common as paper recycling.

3 December 2019, Frankfurt/Lenzing – Lenzing Group announced today another breakthrough for its pioneering REFIBRA™ technology with the industry’s first successful production of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers using post-consumer cotton waste as part of the recycled raw material proportion.

Currently, REFIBRA™ technology feature the upcycling of a substantial proportion of pre-consumer cotton scraps from garment production and mixing with virgin wood pulp, to produce new TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. In September 2019, Lenzing announced the first-phase of REFIBRA™ technology upgrade, by increasing the composition of pulp made from upcycled cotton scraps collected from garment manufacturing process to up to 30%. In the second-phase, amongst the 30% of recycled raw material content, Lenzing can incorporate up to 10% of post-consumer cotton waste into the mixture of recycled materials alongside pre-consumer cotton waste. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology are produced on demand and capacity can reach thousands of tons for both generations.

“Our world’s forests and climate need these kinds of Next Generation Solutions at both scale and speed in the cellulosic fiber sector. Canopy applauds Lenzing for the vision of making textile waste recycling common place and for launching this commercially available product line with the first steps of post-consumer recycled content,” said Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Canopy. “We look forward to Lenzing’s leadership as they work to significantly increase the volume of their raw material that comes from Next Generation feed-stocks, and we know brands and retailers are looking to preference producers who hit the goal of a 50% post-consumer recycled fiber line first.”

With growing interest around the concept of ‘circular economy’ across the globe, the scaled production of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers using post-consumer cotton waste is a key milestone for Lenzing’s pursuit to build a fully sustainable textile ecosystem. The second phase upgrade of REFIBRA™ technology poses tremendous business opportunities and helps drive greater developments for circular economy. Lenzing believe that the growing adoption of recycled textiles is an essential part of the fiber industry’s future growth strategy. Such frontier production model can help revolutionize the fashion industry and empower brands who are looking for eco-responsible textile value chains. It is the vision of Lenzing to make textile waste recycling a common process like paper recycling.

Based on the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, it is Lenzing’s clear vision to produce fibers with REFIBRA™ technology using post-consumer textile waste as raw materials. Being able to use discarded garments consisting of a wider range of materials will greatly enlarge the raw material basis for textile recycling. This innovation is a groundbreaking step towards tackling the global issue of textile waste disposal. At the same time it reduces the extraction of wood as a raw material and relieves the pressure on global forest ecosystems. Our vision includes recycling of fabrics and garments from Lenzing’s own materials. Lenzing is the first producer of wood-based cellulosic fibers offering Global Recycling Standard (GRS) and the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) offering perfect transparency for the materials used during production.

Produced in eco-responsible closed-loop production process, fibers produced using REFIBRA™ technology are 100% bio-based. The fibers will also feature properties of enhanced breathability through good moisture management, silky smoothness and strength.

By leveraging such innovative breakthrough, Lenzing has been working closely with brands and industry stakeholders to pursue a more collaborative driving force for the transition towards greater inclusive and circular economic growth.

“For several years, we have witnessed a rise of eco-consciousness amongst consumers. Consumers have been demanding more sustainable product options in their shopping list. If a company wants to truly improve its sustainability practice, it needs to reexamine its current business model and consider introducing new products or technologies with recyclability and reusability in mind. At Lenzing, sustainability is part of our DNA, and we will continue to stand at the industry forefront to assist businesses with the implementation of eco-practices in their operations,” said Florian Heubrandner, Vice President of Global Business Management Textiles of Lenzing.

More information about the upgraded REFIBRA™ technology can be found here. Images related to the announcement can be downloaded from here.

In the last of the Autumn-Winter 2019 fashion weeks a few months back, Paris announced its 5-year plans of becoming the world’s first sustainable fashion capital, focusing on the use of stable, traceable and sustainable energy and resources in fashion. Among all, sustainable fibers are becoming part and parcel.

As we are approaching the year end, let’s check out some tips from TENCEL™, a brand for sustainably sourced and processed fibers, on how to dress up in style without compromising on sustainability in the new season.

As fashion trend always comes and goes in circles, it is not surprising that vintage nostalgia is coming back hot this season. Exposed boning on bustier and dresses, capes and Victorian neck ruffles have started to dominate websites of fashion brands. While denim is always in fashion, skinny jeans are finally on their way out and making way for boyfriend and wide-legged variations. It has been one of the most popular items in fashion icons’ closet for a long time. Real fashionistas care about their “inner beauty” as much as they do about outerwear. This coming season, sustainable lingerie is definitely the trend to watch out for, as fashion lovers continue their pursuit of more eco-friendly clothing.

Be ready to go back in time with puffy sleeves

Puffy sleeves from the 80s are making a comeback in every girl’s shopping cart since this summer and expected to continue making waves. From floral print on sleeves to long jumpsuit with puffy shoulders, these items from Mara Hoffman are far more than just stylish. They are made of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers which are derived from sustainable wood sources, offering soft and premium touch and long-lasting comfort. The Chiara Bodysuit also consists of 52% TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology. The pioneering REFIBREA™ technology involves upcycling a substantial proportion of cotton scarps in addition to wood pulp, where the raw materials are given the second lift to produce new TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. Don’t miss the chance to be the next fashion icon, happy shopping at Mara Hoffman where you can find fabulous puffy-sleeves tops and dresses!

Forget skinny jeans, embrace comfort and style with wide-legged jeans

The passion for skinny jeans is fading away and wide-legged jeans have been gradually gaining attention over the last few seasons. A pair of loose-fit jeans goes perfectly with a simple T-shirt, a blazer or even a cashmere sweater, and you will look chic all day long. Staying cool and feeling good are equally important when it comes to choosing jeans, and Boyish, a young brand especially focusing on sustainable women’s denim, is fully aware of this. Using TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers that contribute to breathable fabrics and support body’s natural temperature regulating properties, Boyish’s wide-legged jeans collections offer a refreshingly cool wearing experience to your skin. Meanwhile, the fibers also make jeans more durable and long-lasting.

Moon Top from Mara Hoffman | Chiara Bodysuit from Mara Hoffman

Sustainable underwear against take-make-waste model

With the blurring of the lines between innerwear and outerwear, fashion is flipping our wardrobes inside out. While lingerie is attaining more spotlight, what is certainly encouraging is that sustainable underwear is receiving much applause. The young lingerie brand from Taiwan, EASY SHOP, is dedicated to bringing a different “skin care” experience with its fashion-focused and high-quality underwear for ladies. In its highlighted collection “魔塑”, bras and panties are made of TENCEL™ Modal fibers featuring Eco Color technology which contributes to reduce water usage in production. TENCEL™ Modal fibers offer underwear a long-lasting quality of exquisite softness even after repeated washing. Empowered by Eco Color technology, TENCEL™ Modal fibers retain long-lasting color vibrancy. No more embarrassing moments when your faded bra straps are seen when wearing cropped tops.

魔塑 from EASY SHOP ; SELECTED

Fashion trends are ever-changing, but one thing that the fashion industry is insisting on its strive for sustainability. For instance, SELECTED recently unveiled a new dress that is made of 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, a testament to the Danish-brand’s ‘Responsibly Crafted’ brand statement.

Following discussions and initiatives at G7 Fashion Pact, Copenhagen Fashion Summit and many more occasions, we see more sophisticated consumer education in sustainable raw materials in fashion. Now with more brands putting greater effort in developing sustainable collections using sustainable raw materials like TENCEL™ fibers, and making these choices and information more accessible to consumers, we are on the right track to making our closet and our planet “greener” in the coming seasons.

The collaboration is a substantial step in LENZING’s sustainability journey within India

Mumbai, 3rd October 19 - LENZING™ ECOVERO™, the sustainable and environmentally responsible viscose fiber brand of Lenzing Group today announced the partnership with lifestyle fashion brands - Global Desi and AND from The House of Anita Dongre. The collaboration will offer customers a special collection by the brands made with sustainable fiber. This partnership marks a key milestone in the sustainability journey of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ as the eco-viscose fiber's forays into one of India's leading fashion houses.

Commenting on the collaboration, Avinash Mane, Commercial Head, South Asia, Lenzing AG shared, “With climate change and global warming becoming a stark reality, conversations around making concrete changes to sustaining our ecology are now mainstream. Consumers are eager to understand how their choices make a difference and asserting them for the sake of the world they live in. Leading this trend is a growing demand for sustainable fashion within the Indian market and we are delighted to expand our existing association with The House of Anita Dongre to Global Desi and AND – their young and vibrant brands with a global appeal. The given popularity of the brands will allow us to reach out to a wider audience in India and reinforcing the importance of adopting sustainable choices. "

Speaking about the collaboration, Anita Dongre, Chief Creative Officer, House of Anita Dongre shared, “As nature and animal lover, and a vegan, I feel very strongly about our impact on the environment. The fashion industry is the second largest polluting industry in the world and therefore sustainability is the need of the hour. At the House of Anita Dongre, we are striving to be sustainable and are making firm efforts to reduce our environmental footprint.”

LENZING™ ECOVERO™ is an innovation by the Lenzing Group, makers of TENCEL™ fibers. TENCEL™ is also part of the FW19 collection with both brands. The Global Desi and AND collection using fine sustainable LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers is a fresh new take on timeless designs, blending architecture with art, and classic silhouettes with contemporary aesthetics.

LENZING™ ECOVERO™ is a sustainable viscose brand manufactured only from certified and controlled wood sources and produced with significantly lower emissions and water than generic viscose, making it one of the best sustainable fibers in the industry.

In November, the TENCEL™ brand collaborated with Shafira - one of the biggest Muslim fashion brands in Indonesia, to launch a brand-new collection which made its debut at the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2019.

Shafira has brightened the Indonesian fashion industry for over three decades and remains to be a pioneer in Muslim fashion. Every year, Shafira creates collections inspired by specific themes that bring design innovation to the Indonesian fashion industry. This year, the TENCEL™ brand had the privilege of partnering up with Shafira to launch an environmentally friendly fashion collection featuring TENCEL™ branded fibers.

The fashion collection inherited Shafira’s unique, trendy and classy style whilst being eco-friendly. The hijabs featured in the collection were made from TENCEL™ branded fibers, allowing them to be gentle on skin, lightweight and breathable. Given the tropical climate in Indonesia, this collection is not only perfect for the weather but also comfortable for the wearer. This collection empowers Shafira’s customers to not only look good, but also do good for the environment.

“Through collaborating with Shafira, we hope that Muslim fashion lovers can enjoy high-quality fashion products,” says Mr. Winston A. Mulyadi, Lenzing’s Commercial Head of Textile and Nonwoven Fiber for SEA and Oceania Region. “As a dedicated eco-fiber brand, TENCEL™ is committed to continuing supporting the movement for a more sustainable Muslim fashion industry.”

The collection, named Raison d’Etre, reflects on Shafira’s efforts in the Indonesian fashion industry and now marks a new era for sustainable clothing. The collection’s color palette consists of cream, tan, beige, green and blue, inspired by the natural elements of the Earth.

This collaboration marks an important milestone in Muslim fashion for the Indonesian fashion industry. The TENCEL™ brand will continue to support fashion partners that are eager to promote environmental awareness and share responsibility in making the world a better place. This collaboration is only the beginning for Shafira and the TENCEL™ brand, please stay tuned as we continue to collaborate and plan for another collection in 2020!

We’ve been hearing more about sustainable fashion nowadays and it is no longer a new concept to almost any of us though it has only started gaining more interest over the last few years. Back in the old days, our grandparents would DIY their own clothes, be creative with fabrics, patch old clothes by hand, etc. In those days, our grandparents probably might not have really heard of the term “sustainability”, as they did all those “sustainable acts” out of financial constraints when buying new clothes was rarely an option. On the contrary, sustainability is now something pursued way more consciously where most of us have started to think about sustainable fashion for a good cause.

A major trend we are seeing now in the fashion industry is circularity with consumers becoming more eco-conscious and having higher expectations on brands’ sustainability efforts. According to circularfashion.com, circular fashion can be defined as clothes, shoes or accessories that are designed, sourced and provided with the intention to be used and circulate responsibly and effectively in society for as long as possible in their most valuable form, and hereafter return safely to the biosphere when no longer of human use. This is in great contrast to how sustainability had been understood in the past. With circular fashion in mind, we are no longer just having one part of the processes being sustainable, e.g. the recycling or deposal of garments. Instead, we’re thinking of a sustainable chain of processes – including every single process from product design to a product’s afterlife. This concept will bring us to a whole new era of redefining and pursuing true sustainability.

At Lenzing, we are passionately committed to leading and driving sustainability with our holistic approach towards it. As a trusted fiber producer, we strive to achieve the highest standard of sustainability in every of our single step to make high quality sustainable fibers available to the world. Our TENCEL™ fibers are produced from sustainably sourced wood by environmentally responsible processes and at the same time, we refuse to compromise on quality. Using innovative technologies, we have been able to set a new standard for sustainability and natural comfort with TENCEL™ fibers. These fibers can offer a range of features including botanic origin, sustainable production, gentle on skin, long-lasting softness, smoothness, enhanced breathability, color retention and biodegradability. On top of that, Lenzing plays a key role in driving circular economy in fashion through the pioneering REFIBRA™ technology which involves upcycling a substantial proportion of both pre-consumer and post-consumer cotton scraps, in addition to wood pulp, where the raw material is transformed to produce new virgin TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers to make fabrics and garments. In everything we do, sustainability is at the top of our mind.

If not now, we’ll soon be convinced that sustainability is not just a trend but the future of fashion. Seeing the true value of sustainability, many fashion brands have started making progress in driving sustainability and circularity. To date, brands across the world have already embraced the notion of sustainability by incorporating various sustainable raw materials including TENCEL™ fibers in their products. These brands include Wolford, Arnhem, Jockey, Kit X, Sheridan, OBLEKT, Something, The North Face, Wacoal, DL 1961, to name but a few. Together, they have taken off on an exciting and meaningful journey towards sustainability with Lenzing.

It is time to play our part. Let us all get involved in this meaningful fashion movement and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Wolford’s AURORA Crade to Cradle Certified™ Collection with TENCEL™ fibers incorporated

08.01.2020, Frankfurt - At Heimtextil, which will be held from 07 – 10 January 2020 in Frankfurt, Lenzing Group will continue its journey towards circular economy. Lenzing’s latest breakthrough for its pioneering REFIBRA™ technology with the industry’s first successful production of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers using post-consumer cotton waste will also be the high-end basis for sustainable high-quality Home & Interiors products.

TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers for a sustainable future

Recently, Lenzing announced the second phase of REFIBRA™ technology upgrade by incorporating up to 10% of post-consumer cotton waste into the current mixture of 30% recycled materials alongside pre-consumer cotton waste. This step is a key milestone in the textile industry and empowers brands and retailers who are looking for eco-responsible solutions by giving textile waste a second life. Transparency being key, Lenzing uses a special identification technology for TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers so to assure consumers that the fibers in the final textile product contain recycled materials.

Sleeping in bed textiles containing TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers

The quality of bed textile materials is part of the secret of a good sleep comfort. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology facilitate good moisture management by regulating the absorption and release of moisture, thus supporting the body’s natural thermal regulation and providing breathability comfort throughout the night. In addition, the smooth fiber surface creates fabrics that are gentle on the skin.

© Lenzing

BEDifferent - Innovative REFIBRA™ technology meets creativity

Lenzing invited talented students from top European universities, such as Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano, University of the Arts London, and Aalto University Finland, to dive into the world of sustainable Lenzing fibers and create a bedding collection inspired by their vision and with respect for the environment. “We at Lenzing care about the future and invest in sustainable solutions. Innovative thinking minds created TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers and young and creative thinking minds created the BEDifferent collection. The next generation’s way of thinking was very inspiring to all of us and with this project the respect for people and the planet came into life with every single TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fiber. We are very excited to present the best three collections at our booth during Heimtextil and the students will be happy to share their way of thinking with the public about sustainable fibers,” said Ebru Bayramoglu, Head of Global Business Development Home & Interiors in Lenzing. The collections are not for sale but might inspire home textile producers for future bedding concepts.

Since 2000 London based fashion behemoth ASOS has been changing the landscape of online retail with its trend-driven designs, curated brand offers, and social media savvy marketing. Today, ASOS is a global lifestyle brand that dresses over 20 million 20-somethings in 196 countries.

With a constant influx of new styles, over 5000 each week, ASOS is committed to its customers by delivering quality fashion-fashion, at the best prices. In the company's ongoing efforts to explore new ways to engage with their influential audience, ASOS has been committed to heightening the customer experience with state-of-the-art apps, customer personalization, and a localized shopping experience.

Another essential part of ASOS's approach includes its commitment to transforming the impact apparel has on the environment with its "Responsible Edit" program. By focuses on products made with sustainable materials, such as LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers, ASOS can educate consumers on eco-responsible fashion.

Through its Responsible Edit program, ASOS has steadily increased the introduction of recycled and sustainable products. For instance, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibers are used in over 60 million t-shirts and was the top choice for ASOS DESIGNS when introducing the Tall ruched front, short sleeve tee. The body-conscious fit, cropped cut, and v-neck are the perfect design elements that make this tee a must-have. Crafted in a stretch jersey fabric made with LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers, the ruched front seam t-shirt is not only on-trend but delivers a lightweight feel that is soft to the touch. Derived from wood pulp from responsibly managed forests, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibers save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% during the production process, making them one of the most sustainably produced viscose fibers in the world.

Shop the ASOS DESIGN Tall Rouched Front t-shirt, and the full Responsible Edit collection at https://www.asos.com/us/asos-tall/asos-design-tall-ruched-front-short-sleeve-tee-in-white/prd/12266542?clr=white&colourWayId=16391958&SearchQuery=12266542&SearchRedirect=true

Mads Fibiger Rasmussen, Co-founder of Organic Basics, knew there was a better way to make underwear. Together with three likeminded friends, Rasmussen set out to craft underwear, tees and socks that were not only well made but were sourced and produced using environmentally sound methods. So in 2015 the four entrepreneurs brought their idea to market on Kickstarter and launched Organic Basics.

Organic Basics is determined to source premium fabrics that last and only use fibers that are natural, renewable, recycled, biodegradable and low-impact, which is why the brand has an extensive collection of t-shirts and underwear that features TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers. The team at Organic Basics was drawn to the sustainable production of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. Its closed loop production process transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with extremely low impact to the environment. The versatility of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers also allows for it to be easily combined with a wide range of textile fibers, making it the ideal fiber for designers.

Organic Basics also believes that being sustainable isn’t just something you say, it’s the only way to act. From the materials it sources to the technology and manufacturing process it employs, the team at Organic Basics is steadfast in creating products that are simple, functional and designed to last. They only work with trusted, certified factories that employ technologies to reduce their environmental footprint and offer safe working conditions and fair pay for their workers.

But it isn’t just the sustainable properties that make it a key ingredient in clothing, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are known to enhance the performance and premium qualities of any product. Fabrics made with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are known to have enhanced breathability, superior moisture management properties and a long-lasting soft hand; key attributes that help to craft luxury apparel.

Organic Basics collection of underwear for men and women crafted using TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are must-have, everyday essentials that feel softer on your skin. The TENCEL™ Lite collection for men includes boxers, tanks and tees. Available in navy, white, black and dark green, Organic Basics streamlines the buying process offering starter kits and multi-pack combos. For women the brand features an assortment of TENCEL™ Lite undergarments including briefs, bralettes, tanks and singlets. The color assortments include cloudy blue, black, white and dusty rose and are also offered as single items and multi-packs.

Shop the Organic Basics TENCEL™ Lite collection for everyday essentials that feel softer than silk and smoother than cotton, it’s underwear that cares. https://us.organicbasics.com/search?type=product&q=tencel

For over three decades, J.Crew has been crafting timeless clothes that are meant to last a lifetime. Known the world over for their modern designs and fabric innovation, J.Crew has solidified its place in the global fashion lifestyle market with signature categories, including everything from cashmere and blazers to their highly anticipated brand collaborations.

In addition to their fashion prowess, J.Crew has been leading the way in responsible manufacturing processes, support of factory workers and their use of environmentally responsible fabrics. Top on their list are fabrics made with TENCEL™ branded cellulosic fibers. Derived from botanic origin, TENCEL™ cellulosic fibers define a new standard of sustainability and natural comfort.

With over 40 items throughout the brand’s lifestyle collection that feature fabrics crafted with TENCEL™ branded fibers, J.Crew looks to change the narrative of what sustainable fashion means. Not only do TENCEL™ branded fibers make these fashion pieces sustainable, but they hold premium characteristics that enhance the overall quality and craftsmanship of each piece. From luxurious drape and color vibrancy to incredible softness and breathability, TENCEL™ branded fibers takes each garment to the next level.

One standout is J.Crew’s pajama set. Crafted with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, these pj’s will change the way you sleep. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are known for their incredible strength, moisture absorption, and delicately soft hand, making for a cozy night’s sleep. Not to sacrifice style for comfort, the J.Crew pajama set is available in a blush ivory, leopard print, and long sleeves. The J.Crew pajama set is the perfect antidote for a restful night’s sleep,

From its first breathable t-shirt that launched the brand in 1996 to building the largest digital fitness and wellness community; Under Armour has been a leader and innovator in the performance apparel game for over 23 years. It’s no surprise then that UA introduced a revolutionary line of sleepwear designed to help the body recover while asleep.

UA Recover Ultra Comfort Sleepwear absorbs natural heat and returns infrared energy to your body to restore your muscles faster. The mineral-lined fabric, made using TENCEL™ branded modal fibers, uses the body’s energy to power recovery. TENCEL™ Modal fibers are derived from renewable wood sources using Eco Soft technology, keeping your skin feeling cool and dry and sumptuously soft. The ¾ sleeve henley features a fitted, 4-way stretch construction that embraces the body for the perfect fit keeping you snug all night long.

So whether you are in training mode for the upcoming season or just a weekend warrior, you need any advantage you can get. Get a step up on your competition with Under Armour’s collection of Recover Ultra Comfort sleepwear, the perfect addition to any training regiment.

February 7, 2020 (LOS ANGELES) - Under the leadership of the new CEO Samata, the global sustainable design organization Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD™) is collaborating with Lenzing and its brand for eco-couture, TENCEL™ Luxe, for the Oscars 2020. The sustainable gowns being presented on the Oscars red carpet will be made using RCGD™ newly launched textiles which contain TENCEL™ Luxe branded filament yarns. In collaboration with TENCEL™ Luxe, RCGD™ will launch three textiles, including one which is of 100% botanic origin, produced using renewable wood sources. The textile range branded under TENCEL™ Luxe will be available for retail around the globe later this year. The RCGD™ X TENCEL™ Luxe textiles will be unveiled on the 92nd Academy Awards ® red carpet on Oscars Sunday worn by James Bond Spectre actress Léa Seydoux and Oscar nominated producer Elena Andreicheva (Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone- if you’re a girl). The third textile was unveiled at the Red Carpet Green Dress Pre-Oscar Gala in Los Angeles last night, a stunning design created by leading ethical luxury designer Matea Benedetti.

As a part of the RCGD™ X TENCEL™ Luxe collaboration, the Red Carpet Green Dress premium fabrics will come in a variety of weights with varying mixes of the revolutionary TENCEL™ Luxe yarn; from a luxury textile derived from 100% TENCEL™ Luxe yarn, to a lush silk and TENCEL™ Luxe blend in addition to a rich TENCEL™ Luxe and cashmere material. Fully biodegradable in water, soil and compost under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions, the textiles can revert back to nature. Marked as a revolutionary milestone for sustainable textiles, TENCEL™ Luxe yarns set a new benchmark in the future of eco-couture, and Red Carpet Green Dress is proud to incorporate them into our inaugural textile launch.

“When we started the Red Carpet Green Dress journey 10 years ago, the hunt for textiles was both challenging and a cause for reflection,” shares Suzy Amis Cameron, Founder of RCGD™. “Sustainable fabrics were just not easy to find, and even with dedicated resources, finding the right fabric for an Oscars worthy gown nearly proved impossible. Fast forward 10 years and sustainable fashion has become the mainstay we always knew it would, more than a buzzword or trend, it is happening right now.”

Milled in Asia, the textiles will be the inaugural fabric offering from RCGD™, and part of a new focused vision to deliver global sustainable solutions to emerging and established designers. The textiles will be available for worldwide retail later this year.

“We live in a time when everyone wants more information about what they are buying, eating and wearing,” shares Samata, CEO of RCGD™. “We are proud to have developed a textile range which is transparent from fiber-to-retail, and from production and distribution to the finished garment. Only a tiny percentage of the leading fashion brands are capable of tracking their garments back to the fiber origin, and with our TENCEL™ Luxe collaboration we plan to be part of the movement to make this the norm. We are excited to be part of providing a solution for the global fashion industry market. One which is natural, kind to the skin and of a superior quality. Together with TENCEL™ Luxe and our mill partner, we wish to bring these solutions to the market as a commercial enterprise - one boosted by our extensive global fashion brand and design college network, combined with the visibility the red carpet provides.”

“We are proud to partner with our friends at Red Carpet Green Dress to introduce sustainable alternatives for eco-couture,” added Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Brand Management, Lenzing AG. “With over 80 years of experience in manufacturing sustainable fibers and yarns and driving circular economy in fashion, at Lenzing, sustainability is in our DNA. We are thrilled that more world-leading organizations are taking a bigger stride to promote sustainability, and we will continue to work closely with brands and industry partners to not only drive sustainability in day-to-day fashion, but also in haute-couture and red carpet looks.”

For more information, please visit www.rcdglobal.com.

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About Red Carpet Green Dress:

Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD™) is a women-led global change-making organisation. From moment to movement we bring sustainable design to the forefront of conversation and action within the fashion industry. The campaign was conceived in 2009 by Suzy Amis Cameron during the press tour for her husband, James Cameron's film “Avatar”. In partnership with The Academy Awards®, RCGD™ challenges designers from around the world to deliver eco-friendly garments through a no-waste, circular economy approach, social impact consideration, fair and humane treatment of manufacturers, a clear supply chain and, importantly, materials which use a high proportion of eco-friendly and recycled materials. Turning red carpet moments into sustainable design movements in 2020 and beyond, the organisation will continue its sustainable collaborations with impact brands, educational initiatives for emerging talent, in addition to the creation of groundbreaking digital content.

Leading fashion houses Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Elie Saab, Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, Christian Siriano, Bulgari, Dunhill and Reformation have joined the campaign to create sustainable gowns for the biggest award show in the world, The Academy Awards®. Established campaign representatives have included Naomie Harris, Olga Kurylenko, Kellan Lutz, Gina Rodriguez, Sophie Turner, Emma Roberts, Priyanka Bose, Lakeith Stanfield, Zoey Deutch, Camila Alves, Danielle Macdonald and Laura Harrier. RCGD™ has received international coverage from a respected platforms including Vanity Fair, W Magazine, People, Hello Giggles, The Hollywood Reporter, WWD, Washington Post, Harper's Bazaar, VOGUE, Refinery29, The Guardian, ELLE, LA Times, NY Times, InStyle and other respected platforms.

About TENCEL™ Luxe

TENCEL™ Luxe is the fashion industry’s first branded filament yarn which is made from sustainable wood sources using a close loop production process awarded with the EU Ecolabel. With silky smoothness, liquid-like drape and color vibrancy, TENCEL™ Luxe branded lyocell filament yarn is transforming the future of eco couture. It is designed for sensuality yet engineered with environmental responsibility. Supremely smooth to the touch, fabrics containing TENCEL™ Luxe yarn drapes beautifully while expanding the frontiers of aesthetic appeal with natural comfort. Fashioned to be astoundingly versatile, TENCEL™ Luxe yarn blends superbly with other noble fibers such as silk, cashmere or wool.

TENCEL™ is the textile specialty brand under The Lenzing Group that covers textile specialty product offerings for apparel and home. The TENCEL™ product brand portfolio defines a new evolutionary step in terms of sustainability, functional benefits, natural comfort and caters for distinctive everyday usage or application. Product brands under TENCEL™ includes TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Denim, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Intimate, TENCEL™ Luxe and TENCEL™ for Footwear.

About the Lenzing Group

The Lenzing Group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibers made from the renewable raw material wood. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments.

The Lenzing Group’s high-quality fibers form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from elegant ladies clothing to versatile denims and high-performance sports clothing. Due to their consistent high quality, their level of biodegradability and compostability, Lenzing fibers are also highly suitable for hygiene products and agricultural applications.

The business model of the Lenzing Group goes far beyond that of a traditional fiber producer. Together with its customers and partners, Lenzing develops innovative products along the value chain, creating added value for consumers. The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilization and processing of all raw materials and offers solutions to help redirect the textile sector towards a closed-loop economy.

Key Facts & Figures Lenzing Group 2018

Revenue: EUR 2.18 bn

Nameplate capacity: 1,034,000 tons

Employees: 6,839

TENCEL™, VEOCEL™, LENZING™, REFIBRA™, ECOVERO™, LENZING MODAL™, LENZING VISCOSE™, MICROMODAL™ and PROMODAL™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.

Media Contact:
Red Carpet Green Dress
Christina Garvin
T: 805.229.1612
E: [email protected]

Media Contact:
Lenzing – TENCEL™
Rita Ng
T: (852) 3718 5675
E: [email protected]

Textile Enquiries:
Samata
CEO
[email protected]

To continue our effort to promote sustainability and expand impact within the global fashion industry, this year, TENCEL™ Luxe joined hands with Red Carpet Green Dress™ (RCGD), a global organization which aims to promote sustainable designs within the fashion industry, to unveil an Oscars 2020 campaign by debuting a range of eco-couture textiles.

RCGD had delivered its noteworthy Oscars red carpet design initiative with the Annual Academy Awards^® for over a decade and had dressed many Hollywood celebrities and talents in sustainable formal wear. The inaugural collaboration between RCGD X TENCEL™ Luxe will further drive a game-changing solution to the fashion world, particularly in red carpet designs, which often lacks a comprehensive range of natural material solutions.

The RCGD X TENCEL™ Luxe textiles were unveiled at the 92nd Academy Awards^® as couture gowns and was worn by three beautiful and talented women as the campaign’s talent ambassadors, showcasing to the world of elegance and power of eco-couture at the same time.

1. Elena Andreicheva (Filmmaker) – she took home an Oscar^® for Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (if you’re a girl) tonight!
   
   Elena wore a bespoke sustainable Laura Basci gown as a part of the initiative. The dress was handmade with fabric which is part of the newly launched RCGD textile range made from TENCEL™ Luxe filament yarn, blended with cashmere. Hand-beaded with Swarovski crystals in Basci’s studio in Los Angeles.
   
   
   
   Photo credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
   
   
   
   
   Photo credit: Brandon Hickman Photography
   
   
2. Léa Seydoux (Actress which starred in James Bond Spectr)
   
   Léa shined wearing an ethical and eco-responsible custom-made gown in a newly launched RCGD textile made from TENCEL™ Luxe filament yarn, and organic silk faille paired with custom-made organic Louis Vuitton satin sandals
   
   
   
   Photo Credit: From Red Carpet Green Dress™ website
   
   
3. Kaitlyn Dever (a Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee actress for Unbelievable, Booksmart
   
   Kaitlyn wore a breathtaking custom-made ethical gown by Louis Vuitton as an ambassador for the RCGD and TENCEL™ Luxe collaboration campaign. The Louis Vuitton custom-made gown is made of ethical and eco-responsible certified silk satin, embroidered with Swarovski crystals and glass beads.
   
   
   
   Photo Credit: Jose Perez Photograph
   

Also, ahead of the Oscars, RCGD hosted a “Red Carpet Green Dress™ Pre-Oscar Gala” in Los Angeles on February 6th, of which a stunning design created by leading ethical luxury designer Benedetti Life that features an RCGD X TENCEL™ Luxe eco-couture textile was also showcased.

Photo Credit: Jose Perez Photography

“When we started the Red Carpet Green Dress™ journey 10 years ago, the hunt for textiles was both challenging and a cause for reflection,” shares Suzy Amis Cameron, Founder of RCGD. “Sustainable fabrics were just not easy to find, and even with dedicated resources, finding the right fabric for an Oscars worthy gown nearly proved impossible. Fast forward 10 years and sustainable fashion has become the mainstay we always knew it would.”

“We are proud to partner with our friends at Red Carpet Green Dress™ to introduce sustainable alternatives for eco-couture,” added Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Brand Management, Lenzing AG. “We are thrilled that more world-leading organizations are taking a bigger stride to promote sustainability and will continue to work closely with industry partners to not only drive sustainability in day-to-day fashion, but also in haute-couture and red carpet looks.”

This is only the first wave of the RCGD X TENCEL™ Luxe partnership, as we are eager to work with RCGD beyond the red carpet to create a greater industry movement that will set revolutionary milestones for sustainable textiles and eco-couture. So please stayed tune for more exiting updates!

LOS ANGELES (FEB.9, 2020) - Filmmaker Elena Andreicheva shined on the Dolby Stage at the Academy Awards® in a bespoke sustainable Laura Basci gown as a part of Red Carpet Green Dress™(RCGD) initiative in collaboration with TENCEL™ Luxe. Andreicheva took home an Oscar® for Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (if you're a girl).

The dress is handmade with fabric which is part of the newly launched Red Carpet Green Dress™ textile range made from TENCEL™ Luxe filament yarn, blended with cashmere. Hand-beaded with Swarovski crystals in Basci’s studio in Los Angeles.

Laura Basci is a Swiss fashion designer based in Los Angeles. Laura Basci focuses on using sustainability in her work. It is the brand's mission to combine luxury designs with environmental consciousness.

For more information please visit: www.rcgdglobal.com.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

About Red Carpet Green Dress™:

Red Carpet Green Dress™ (RCGD) is a women-led global change-making organization. Conceived in 2009 by Suzy Amis Cameron, RCGD challenges designers from around the world to deliver eco-friendly garments through a no-waste approach, focusing on social impact consideration, fair and humane treatment of manufacturers, a clear supply chain, and materials which use a high proportion of recycled and biodegradable materials.

Leading fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Elie Saab, Swarovski, Christian Siriano, Bulgari, Dunhill and Reformation have joined the campaign to create sustainable red carpet wear. Celebrities including Sophie Turner, Emma Roberts, Gina Rodriguez, LaKeith Stanfield, Kellan Lutz, Camila Alves, and Naomie Harris have joined the campaign as representatives. RCGD™ has been featured in Vanity Fair, W Magazine, People, Hello Giggles, The Hollywood Reporter, WWD, Washington Post, Harper's Bazaar, VOGUE, Refinery29, The Guardian, ELLE, LA Times, The New York Times, InStyle and others.

ABOUT ELENA ANDREICHEVA:

Elena Andreicheva is an Oscar® and BAFTA-winning Producer and Filmmaker based in London, working across documentaries that fuse personal stories with powerful journalism. She has collaborated with some of the media industry’s top production companies on films for the BBC, C4, National Geographic and A&E among others, producing work on a variety of hard-hitting and hard-access topics – incarceration (12-YEAR-OLD LIFER, INSIDE THE GANGSTERS’ CODE), the war on drugs (DRUGS INC.) and human trafficking (SAVING THE CYBERSEX GIRLS). For her latest film as Producer, LEARNING TO SKATEBOARD IN A WARZONE (IF YOU’RE A GIRL), directed by Carol Dysinger, she filmed with girls training to skateboard and striving for an education in Afghanistan despite an oppressive culture. The film has won an Oscar® for Best Documentary Short Subject and a BAFTA for British Short Film. It has also been awarded Best Documentary Short at the Tribeca Film Festival and the IDA Documentary Awards. Elena also directed the award-winning short POLISH GO HOME, looking into the immigration crisis in Britain through the eyes of a Polish family. She is currently developing a slate of features.

Media Contact:
Red Carpet Green Dress
Christina Garvin
T: 805.229.1612
E: [email protected]

LOUIS VUITTON PARTNERS WITH CAMPAIGN FOR 2^ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

LOS ANGELES (FEB. 9, 2020) ​– Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee Kaitlyn Dever (Unbelievable, Booksmart) took a stand for sustainable fashion, when she arrived to the Oscars® wearing a breathtaking custom-made ethical gown by Louis Vuitton as an ambassador for Suzy Amis Cameron’s Red Carpet Green Dress™ (RCGD) in collaboration with TENCEL™ Luxe. The Louis Vuitton custom-made gown is made of ethical and eco-responsible certified silk satin, embroidered with Swarovski crystals and glass beads.

This is the second consecutive year Louis Vuitton has partnered with the global change-making organization. It is with partners like Vuitton and TENCEL™ Luxe, RCGD is able to create red carpet “moments” and make them “movements” bringing sustainable designs to the forefront of conversation and action within the fashion industry.

RCGD is a women-led global change-making organization creating red carpet “moments” to “movements” bringing sustainable designs to the forefront of conversation and action within the fashion industry. It was conceived in 2009 by Suzy Amis Cameron during the press tour for her husband, James Cameron's film “Avatar”. In partnership with The Academy Awards®, RCGD challenges designers from around the world to deliver eco-friendly garments through a no-waste, circular economy approach, social impact consideration, fair and humane treatment of manufacturers, a clear supply chain and, importantly, materials which use a high proportion of eco-friendly and recycled materials. Turning red carpet moments into sustainable design movements in 2020 and beyond, the organization will continue its sustainable collaborations with impact brands, educational initiatives for emerging talent, in addition to the creation of groundbreaking digital content.

Leading fashion houses Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Elie Saab, Swarovski, Christian Siriano, Bulgari, Dunhill and Reformation have joined the campaign to create sustainable gowns for the biggest award show in the world, The Academy Awards®. Established campaign representatives have included Naomie Harris, Olga Kurylenko, Kellan Lutz, Gina Rodriguez, Sophie Turner, Emma Roberts, Priyanka Bose, Lakeith Stanfield, Zoey Deutch, Camila Alves, Danielle Macdonald and Laura Harrier.

To qualify as a RCGD eco-conscious garment, each piece must either be made from sustainable materials, including organic, recycled or repurposed fibers. Other features include using hand-made detailing or incorporating natural dye processing, with a dedicated focus on minimal negative impact on the environment, and environmentally and socially responsible design.
 
The sustainable criteria is overseen by Good On You, a partner of RCGD. Good On You is the world’s leading rating system on ethical and sustainable fashion to assist people in making positive shopping choices--all delivered through an accessible app.
 
For more information please visit: www.rcgdglobal.com.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

About Red Carpet Green Dress™:

Red Carpet Green Dress™ (RCGD) is a women-led global change-making organization. From moment to movement we bring sustainable design to the forefront of conversation and action within the fashion industry. The campaign was conceived in 2009 by Suzy Amis Cameron during the press tour for her husband, James Cameron's film “Avatar”. In partnership with The Academy Awards®, RCGD challenges designers from around the world to deliver eco-friendly garments through a no-waste, circular economy approach, social impact consideration, fair and humane treatment of manufacturers, a clear supply chain and, importantly, materials which use a high proportion of eco-friendly and recycled materials. Turning red carpet moments into sustainable design movements in 2020 and beyond, the organization will continue its sustainable collaborations with impact brands, educational initiatives for emerging talent, in addition to the creation of groundbreaking digital content.

Leading fashion houses Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Elie Saab, Swarovski, Christian Siriano, Bulgari, Dunhill and Reformation have joined the campaign to create sustainable gowns for the biggest award show in the world, The Academy Awards®. Established campaign representatives have included Naomie Harris, Olga Kurylenko, Kellan Lutz, Gina Rodriguez, Sophie Turner, Emma Roberts, Priyanka Bose, Lakeith Stanfield, Zoey Deutch, Camila Alves, Danielle Macdonald and Laura Harrier. RCGD™ has received international coverage from a respected platforms including Vanity Fair, W Magazine, People, Hello Giggles, The Hollywood Reporter, WWD, Washington Post, Harper's Bazaar, VOGUE, Refinery29, The Guardian, ELLE, LA Times, NY Times, InStyle and other respected platforms.

About Louis Vuitton:
Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewelry, and fragrance. These carefully created products are testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fine craftsmanship. For further information: www.louisvuitton.com

About Kaitlyn Dever:

Golden Globe nominee Kaitlyn Dever has amassed tremendous respect at a young age with her dynamic and impactful performances in film and television. Currently, Dever is in production on Hulu’s upcoming anthology series, MONSTERLAND, opposite Jonathan Tucker. Based on the short stories by Nathan Ballingrud, the series will follow a group of people who, after experiencing encounters with mermaids, fallen angels, and other strange beasts, are desperate to repair their lives, ultimately showing that there is a thin line between man and monster. She presently stars in Netflix’s 8-episode limited series UNBELIEVABLE, the true story of Marie, a teenager who was charged with lying about having been raped, and the two female detectives (Toni Collette and Merritt Wever) who followed a twisting path to arrive at the truth. The series debuted on September 13, 2019. Dever’s standout performance earned her nominations in the Lead Actress of a Limited Series category for both the Golden Globe Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards. In May 2019, Dever starred in Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, BOOKSMART, opposite Beanie Feldstein, Billie Lourd, and Noah Galvin. Dever and Feldstein lead as two overachieving high schoolers who set out to cram four years of fun into one night before they graduate. Annapurna Pictures produced the film, which was released to critical acclaim in May 2019 following a successful world premiere at SXSW Festival. Dever was recognized by the Hollywood Critics Association as the 2020 Breakthrough Artist Under the Age of 23, and was named an EE BAFTA Rising Star nominee for her performance.

Media Contact:
Red Carpet Green Dress

Christina Garvin

T: 805.229.1612

E: [email protected]

Eco-friendly gown features one-of-a-kind ethical textile created & launched by RCGD x TENCEL™ Luxe

LOS ANGELES (FEB. 9, 2020) ​– James Bond Spectre actress Léa Seydoux represented Suzy Amis Cameron’s Red Carpet Green Dress™(RCGD) initiative in collaboration with TENCEL™ Luxe, as she shined on the red carpet at 92nd Academy Awards ® wearing an ethical and eco-responsible Louis Vuitton custom-made gown in a newly launched Red Carpet Green Dress™ textile made from TENCEL™Luxe filament yarn and organic silk faille paired with custom-made organic Louis Vuitton satin sandals.

This is the second consecutive year, Louis Vuitton has partnered with the global change-making organization and has dressed three celebrity ambassadors: Unbelievable actress Kaitlyn Dever who arrived earlier today in custom Louis Vuitton, and last year the global fashion house dressed RCGD ambassador Laura Harrier (BlackKklansman). It is with partners like Louis Vuitton, Seydoux, Dever, Harrier and TENCEL™ Luxe, RCGD is able to continue to create red carpet “moments” and make them “movements” bringing sustainable designs to the forefront of conversation and action within the fashion industry.

RCGD was conceived in 2009 by Suzy Amis Cameron during the press tour for her husband, James Cameron's film “Avatar”. In partnership with The Academy Awards®, RCGD challenges designers from around the world to deliver eco-friendly garments through a no-waste, circular economy approach, social impact consideration, fair and humane treatment of manufacturers, a clear supply chain and, importantly, materials which use a high proportion of eco-friendly and recycled materials. Turning red carpet moments into sustainable design movements in 2020 and beyond, the organization will continue its sustainable collaborations with impact brands, educational initiatives for emerging talent, in addition to the creation of groundbreaking digital content.

Leading fashion houses Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Elie Saab, Swarovski, Christian Siriano, Bulgari, Dunhill and Reformation have joined the campaign to create sustainable gowns for the biggest award show in the world, The Academy Awards®. Established campaign representatives have included Naomie Harris, Olga Kurylenko, Kellan Lutz, Gina Rodriguez, Sophie Turner, Emma Roberts, Priyanka Bose, Lakeith Stanfield, Zoey Deutch, Camila Alves, Danielle Macdonald and Laura Harrier.

To qualify as a RCGD eco-conscious garment, each piece must either be made from sustainable materials, including organic, recycled or repurposed fibers. Other features include using hand-made detailing or incorporating natural dye processing, with a dedicated focus on minimal negative impact on the environment, and environmentally and socially responsible design. TENCEL™ Luxe filament yarns are made from sustainable wood resources using a close loop production process awarded with the EU Ecolabel.

The sustainable criteria is overseen by Good On You, a partner of RCGD. Good On You is the world’s leading rating system on ethical and sustainable fashion to assist people in making positive shopping choices--all delivered through an accessible app.

For more information please visit: www.rcgdglobal.com.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

About Red Carpet Green Dress™:

Red Carpet Green Dress™ (RCGD) is a women-led global change-making organization. Conceived in 2009 by Suzy Amis Cameron, RCGD challenges designers from around the world to deliver eco-friendly garments through a no-waste approach, focusing on social impact consideration, fair and humane treatment of manufacturers, a clear supply chain, and materials which use a high proportion of recycled and biodegradable materials.

Leading fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Elie Saab, Swarovski, Christian Siriano, Bulgari, Dunhill and Reformation have joined the campaign to create sustainable red carpet wear. Celebrities including Sophie Turner, Emma Roberts, Gina Rodriguez, LaKeith Stanfield, Kellan Lutz, Camila Alves, and Naomie Harris have joined the campaign as representatives. RCGD™ has been featured in Vanity Fair, W Magazine, People, Hello Giggles, The Hollywood Reporter, WWD, Washington Post, Harper's Bazaar, VOGUE, Refinery29, The Guardian, ELLE, LA Times, The New York Times, InStyle and others.

About Louis Vuitton:

Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewelry, and fragrance. These carefully created products are testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fine craftsmanship. For further information: www.louisvuitton.com

About Léa Seydoux:

Léa Seydoux is an award-winning actress who will reprise her role as ‘Madeleine Swann’ in the upcoming James Bond franchise, NO TIME TO DIE, opposite Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, and Lashana Lynch later this year. Additionally, she will star in the upcoming Wes Anderson film, THE FRENCH DISPATCH alongside Timothée Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Willem Dafoe, and Bill Murray, among others. Seydoux is known for her previous work in Drake Doremus’ ZOE opposite Ewan McGregor, and Thomas Vinterburg’s KURSK opposite Colin Firth and Matthias Schoenaerts. She also starred alongside Marion Cotillard, Vincent Cassel and Gaspard Ulliel in Xavier Dolan's film, IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD, winner of the Grand Prix and the Ecumenical Jury Prize at Cannes. Other credits include Mosco Boucault’s French Drama, OH MERCY! Sam Mendes’ SPECTRE, Benoît Jacquot’s DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID, and Yorgos Lanthimos’ THE LOBSTER, opposite Rachel Weisz, Colin Farrell and John C. Reilly, which won the Jury Prize at Cannes. In 2014, Seydoux starred in several films including Bertrand Bonello’s SAINT LAURENT, which was nominated for several awards at Cannes; Wes Anderson’s THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL opposite Ed Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody and Billy Murray, which went on to win four Oscars® ; Christophe Gans’ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST alongside Vincent Cassel, winning the César Award for “Best Production Design.” In 2013, Seydoux starred opposite Adèle Exarchopoulos in Abdellatif Kechiche’s BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR. The French romantic coming-of-age drama was the first film to have the Palme d'Or awarded to both the director and the lead actresses, with Seydoux and Exarchopoulos becoming the only women (apart from director Jane Campion) to have ever won the award.

Media Contact:
Red Carpet Green Dress
Christina Garvin
T: 805.229.1612
E: [email protected]

Pantone announced “Classic Blue” as the color of 2020, a boundless blue evocative of the infinite evening sky which will possibly add to our closet the freshness and vibrancy it deserves in 2020.

Realizing color as an impactful tool to attract consumers, especially millennials, and stimulate shopping desire, fashions brands are well prepared to release a heap of Classic Blue style collection. As a foundation of every denim collection, which we will never get bored of, the color of 2020 is expected to set off a new wave of stylish denim curations.

However, not all denim collections can win shoppers’ hearts. In an age when the world is taking sustainability more seriously day by day, only brands that embody green commitment in their collections will stand out from the competition of blue fashion. Shown in the report released by Nielsen, alone in the U.S., compared with Baby Boomers, millennials are more willing to pay more for products that contain sustainable ingredients (90% vs. 61%) and products that have social responsibility claims (80% vs. 48%).[1]

For years, jeans can be found in almost everyone’s closet, but most of us barely know how it is produced and its impact to the environment. Traditionally, it takes toxic chemicals and hundreds of gallons of water to dye and finish one pair of jeans, making the textile industry a major source of pollution globally. Luckily, propelled by the rising eco-consciousness, the industry is evolving as more eco-responsible companies along the supply chain, from manufacturers to retailers, are looking for sustainable ways to produce denim.

To reduce environmental footprint at root, manufacturers are striving to find sustainable raw materials and innovate technologies to increase recycling rate. Lenzing, as the pioneer in producing eco-friendly fibers with TENCEL™ as the flagship brand for textiles, is strengthening commitment to sustainability for decades. Derived from sustainable wood sources, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are produced in environmentally responsible closed loop production processes, which helps to save water and reduce environmental impact. The use of TENCEL™ fibers and technology enables more innovation in denim. Empowered by TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ technology which involves upcycling of cotton scraps, the denim brands are enabled to reduce the environmental footprint in jeans production, as well as to drive the circularity in the industry.

In line with the same belief, fashion brands are joining hands with Lenzing to produce trendy jeans in a sustainable process. DL1961, a popular name among fashion lovers, is trying to lessen its impact on the planet for future generations. Each pair of DL1961 jeans is ensured to be made from ethically sourced, premium cotton and water-efficient botanic fibers, such as Tencel™ Modal fibers or TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers powered by REFIBRA™ technology, offering stylish yet sustainable denim to consumers.

Boyish, a young brand from California focusing on sustainable women’s denim, is also making efforts to change for the better. At the core of all Boyish collections lies a deep commitment to leaving as little impact on the earth as possible. Boyish utilizes ethical and sustainable practices when developing and manufacturing products. All jeans are produced with sustainable fabrics, like TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, through an environmentally-friendly process.

In Japan, where the street fashion is getting attention from the world, brands are also blending sustainable elements into fashion looks. Something, a denim brand under the Japanese fashion brand EDWIN, adopts TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers powered by REFIBRA™ technology in their jeans line-up to reduce environmental footprint in production process.

Denim is a big and important part of all our wardrobes. It is exciting and encouraging to see denim brands, designers and manufacturers are taking actions to make our purchase more meaningful with no compromise to design and quality. When blue meets green, the denim fashion is being redefined and taking a big step to preserve the environment for the next generations. Let your 2020 start off with a pair of sustainable classic blue jeans!

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[1] https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2018/was-2018-the-year-of-the-influential-sustainable-consumer/

Undergarment, innerwear or lingerie have gone through a huge transformation in the past 200 years. The once severely restrictive torture devices now become the focal point of an outfit. In an age when change is constant in fashion, innerwear is also undergoing fashion cycles just like other fashion categories, presenting enormous opportunities for brands.

According to a research by Zion Market Research, the global lingerie market will reach a whopping $59.15 billion by 2024 [1]. The rise in this market segment is not only fueled by rising sense of self-consciousness among women, but also because they have been having greater purchasing power and put money where the values are. That’s where innerwear starts to evolve from a form of control to a fashion statement.

In the 16^th century, women wore corsets, which is a symbol of status, to control body shape However, it never feels comfortable to wear hard and tight-fitting corsets made with whalebone. When worn for a long period, it may also harm organs and disfigure the body. Thanks to economic freedom and culture changes, by the 1920s, the corset was gradually abandoned, and the female body is gradually liberated. A big step to liberty is the emergence of “bikini” in 1946, which symbolizes women power and reflects the ideological and cultural shift towards freedom. With less fabric and comfortable close-fitting design, bikini has quickly gained popularity among women across the border.

In 2020, an age where millennials dominate, innerwear seems to be undergoing a more diverse change beyond style. As innerwear is some of the most intimate garments of the body, comfort is always the top priority for consumers go shopping. However, nowadays, comfort is not the only thing that matters, consumers are looking for something more. According to a report conducted by Nielsen, about 75 percent of millennials are altering their buying habits with the environment in mind [2]. Aware that consumers value and choose brands which can contribute to the environment, a lot of fashion brands have been making sustainability a core strategy in their production. For instance, brands have been looking out for materials which ensures comfort and sustainability. TENCEL™ Modal fiber is one of such materials which allows is produced by environmentally responsible processes from the sustainably sourced natural wood and known for being exquisitely soft and pleasant to the skin.

Europe always stands in the frontline of sustainability. As a company whose manufacturing operations are located next to a nature reserve in Austria, Wolford always views sustainability as an essential element of its business. Its ‘Cradle to Cradle’ collection is designed to contribute to circular economy and targets to ensure 50% of all Wolford products will either be biodegradable or technologically recyclable by 2025. To achieve this goal, Wolford has been using TENCEL™ Modal fibers which are sourced from renewable raw material beech wood, in its collection. With the ability to biodegrade and fully revert back to the nature, TENCEL™ Modal fibers have become some of the key elements which support Wolford’s strive for greater sustainability.

Established in Japan in 1949, Wacoal commits to bringing high quality beautiful intimate apparel to women, without causing burden on the environment. The eco-conscious i-earth collection from Wacoal is made from TENCEL™ fibers, which are derived from nature and will return to nature with its biodegradability. More importantly, it is an ideal material that enables innerwear to offer intimate protection and elevate wearing experience. Compared to synthetic fibers, TENCEL™ fibers have an efficient moisture uptake – in some cases an improvement in moisture management of up to 50% was measured with TENCEL™ fibers, offering greater breathability and effectively preventing bacteria growth.

EASY SHOP, the young lingerie brand from Taiwan is dedicated to making every woman feel good. Thy Life® collection made with TENCEL™ Modal fibers is one of steps moving forward to their goal. EASY SHOP's Thy Life® collection is especially designed for sensitive skin. Empowered by Micro technology, TENCEL™ Modal fibers are produced under environmentally-responsible process, which transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibers by saving energy and reducing pollution. As a nature-friendly product, TENCEL™ Modal fibers can also offer quality of lightness and long-lasting softness to every inch of skin after repeated washes.

Innerwear is always depicted as human’s second skin and has been gaining more spotlight in recent years amidst the ever-changing society and culture. As sustainability become the top-of-mind priority for consumers besides comfort, brands should embrace sustainable solutions which not only enhances comfort and experience, but also cares about the planet.

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[1] https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/news/lingerie-market

[2] https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/...

Winner of the Franca Sozzani GCFA Award for the Best Emerging Designer at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards Italy 2019, flavialarocca propose a new attitude towards clothing.

A responsible, dynamic and modern way of clothing.

MODULAR

The entire collections are built on the modular concept. The garments are composed of interchangeable modules which, through hidden zips, can be "disassembled and reassembled" creating different combinations. Modules of the same size can be mixed together to create an endless and always renewable wardrobe. Having the opportunity to change outfits and customize the pieces with a simple and fast action, saving time and space. Dedicated to the contemporary woman who works, travels, studies, moves around the city and the world.

The modules are designed to be interpreted by the wearer and experience them in a mix of elegance and sensuality, without seasonality limits. Bold and geometric lines with a feminine attitude, a dialogue between seasonal perspectives and a timeless, modern and functional design.

RESPONSIBLE

The possibility of wearing the same garment in different ways reduces the waste of water, energy and raw materials during production process, limiting the environmental impact. Being able to renew the items already present in the wardrobe season after season make the life cycle of the product longer. Production is entirely Made in Italy allowing to reduce the negative impact of transport on the environment and CO2 emissions. The production chain and suppliers are directly controlled to ensure that they work in full respect of the environment and people. The garments are entirely made with certified, recycled, natural or produced by new technologies fabrics and materials, with a transparent and traceable process.

THIS COLLECTION

Fluid modules made in TENCEL™ Luxe, the eco-botanical version of silk, in pastel colors [1] compose genderless suits, chemisier dresses, suits and slip dresses. Convertible coats in earth colors for her and him are made of recycled wool [2]. Combined with trousers or skirts modules they can be worn short or long. Denim [3] in unusual shades creates corset dresses and suits. Adjustable drawstrings on the sides of the skirts and on the tops add sensuality and movement to modules with geometric and clean lines.
Removable panels play with volumes together with modular and transformable accessories made of leftover cork from old productions. All in tone-on-tone play that can be turned upside down with a single action. Zip and Unzip!

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[1]The dye is RECYCROMTM, a revolutionary range of sustainable dyes, patented by Officina + 39, which uses recycled used clothing, fibrous material and textile waste to
create a "recycled dye powder". A dye therefore that does not require chemical synthesis, but which derives from a sustainable recycling of processing waste.

[2] The wool looks are composed of recycled wool supplied by Manteco, a textile company in the Prato district with a strategy and vision that determine the sustainable
footprint since 1943. Obtained from the reuse of old clothes, through mechanical processes, without the use of chemicals, recycled wool is based on a circular economy that allows you to save water, release CO2 into the atmosphere and save energy. The fabrics are made of recycled wool or blended with TENCEL ™, and are designed to be
recycled again in the future.

[3] The denim piece are made of a 12oz, rigid denim constructed using 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, and sustainably dyed using Candiani Denim’s water and chemical
saving N-Denim technology, in addition to Candiani exclusives – EarthCotton® by Archroma, dye made from cotton plant residues, and Kitotex®, a biodegradable sizing
agent derived from shrimp shell waste from the food industry.

The Lampo zips, the key of the innovation, are in nickel free brushed metal (Oeko Tex Standard 100 certified), with New Life recycled polyester ribbon. All accessories from buttons to ribbons and linings are made with certified natural raw materials. The production is made by Sartoria E' in Novara, a project of the Emmaus Cooperative. The cooperative was founded in 1994 with the aim of using work as a key to social reintegration for people in difficulty. The tailoring follows the sustainability criteria of the
environments and processes, combining high quality work for its customers with values such as solidarity and attention to others.

Lenzing, in association with branding agency Siegel+Gale, was awarded Silver Award for Best Brand Architecture Solution and Gold Award for Best Visual Identity from the Engineering and Manufacturing Sector at the Transform Awards Europe award presentation ceremony.

The Transform Awards Europe, a key event of the brand development industry, is conducted every year to celebrate the best-in-class in rebranding, brand strategy and brand development. The judging panel indicated that the winners of this year’s Transform Awards Europe had demonstrated creative and strategic brilliance in rebranding and brand development, setting the benchmark for excellence in brand transformation.

According the judging panel, Lenzing’s new brand strategy gave the company a greater differentiation over competitors. The simplified product portfolio with enhanced positioning, architecture and brand identity highlighted the value that Lenzing brings to customers and partners. Lenzing’s new visual identity, including lifestyle photography, demonstrated a fusion of engineering input and creative output, provided a sense of skill behind the brand.

In February 2020, leading fabric producers unite at Munich Fabric Start, one of the principal international textile trade shows. Setting the standard for innovation, the show plays host to an extensive range of collections from plains to haute couture fabrics and accessories. With more than 20,000 visitors each season globally, buyers and designers for leading retailers and brands come together with key business, technology and fashion experts. For nine years, Lenzing has played an integral role in the fair, with many leading exhibitors already using Lenzing fiber in their collections.

This time, a special collaboration between TENCEL™ Denim, Jeanologia® and ENDRIME® took place at the KEYHOUSE, the center for innovation in textiles at the fair. This garment collection is the result of a unique project, the focus of which was to create a true workwear wardrobe based on fabrics made from TENCEL™ Denim fibers.

The TENCEL™ Denim Team and Jeanologia® Brainbox Team have worked in partnership on previous projects. Following their attendance at a Denim History lecture at Bluezone Munich Fabric Start, both teams were inspired to connect with the presenter to discuss the collaboration. Following a subsequent visit to husband and wife designers, Mohsin Sajid and Sadia Rafique from ENDRIME®, at their UK design studio, the “Hardwear” concept was born.

One of the highlights of Munich Fabric Start is the broad range of seminars and panel discussions on offer. Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development, Denim, at Lenzing, was part of two discussions. The first, led by Rivet 50 on “2020 Vision”, saw authorities in denim, forecast the future of business, technology and fashion from an innovation and sustainability perspective and discuss what the new decade will bring for denim fashion. The second talk “Hardwear: Mixing Tradition and Technology” covered the exciting collaboration between the TENCEL™ brand, Jeanologia® and Endrime®.

Munich Fabric Start is continuously seeking ways to raise standards in sustainability and innovation. The exhibition of project CirculART, an artistic project and call to action for the industry, curated and produced by Cittadellarte, was an exceptional example. Using artistic research to challenge the different processes involved within the textile production chain, four artists from the UK, Italy and Colombia worked closely with textile companies including Lenzing to investigate the entire textile supply chain. Inspired by circular economy, the resulting artworks sought to highlight the need for greater supply chain transparency. Thought-provoking and original, we can’t wait to meet with industry insiders again at next season’s Munich Fabric Start!

Madeleine Alizadeh, known on the internet as dariadaria, is one of the most famous influencers in the Austrian social media scene. An activist, podcaster, author and unstoppable in her plight to raise awareness on topics such as sustainability and the fast fashion industry, Madeleine is a true pioneer in the fight for a greener planet. Stepping outside the digital world, Madeleine has reached a broader audience with her book “Strong Soft Heart” which addresses climate change, and together with the launch of her sustainable and ethical fashion label, dariadèh in 2017. Madeleine is truly an environmental crusader.

2020 marks the second year which Madeleine has acted as ambassador for the TENCEL™ brand and we are delighted she has chosen to work with us once again. With our TEN ABOUT TENCEL™ (#TenAboutTencel) campaign firmly underway, we recently invited Madeleine to join us at the Lenzing pulp plant where our team of experts walked her through the different processes that take place in producing TENCEL™ branded fibers.

Offering firsthand experience like the pulp plant visit and getting to the core of what we do, enabled the Lenzing team to showcase their dedication to sustainability and inspire Madeleine further. In fact, she also recently teamed up with fashion influencer Marie Nasemann from Germany, where together they answered ten questions about the TENCEL™ brand, fair fashion and circular economy. With Madeleine dressed in ethical brands, including Armed Angels that use TENCEL™ branded fibers in their collection, both influencers gave their views on the changes that need to happen in the fashion industry, and their favorite eco-fashion brands. You can check out what else they had to say here!

With sustainable fashion taking the industry by storm, we are proud to have once again been part of the Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020, held this February in Mumbai, India. This year, we were honored to collaborate with one of India’s most respected designer, Padma Shri Ritu Kumar on her environmentally-friendly collection, “Nature’s Origami” which contains LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers to create iconic laid out prints. The partnership collection which showcased on the finale of “Sustainable Fashion Day”, was a natural fit given Kumar’s dedication to using natural fibers and dyes and her brand’s commitment to sustainability for a cleaner planet.

Nature’s Origami is engendered on the central theme of tribal and contemporary Indian art forms which allude to nature and rejuvenation. The collection is a culmination of four stories – Mrinalini Mukherjee’s exhibit at the MET, Neo Origami, Flora & Fauna, and Sundarvan.

Lenzing’s past work with Lakmé Fashion Week helped to share the message about sustainable fashion amongst the industry, and we believe our collaboration with Ritu Kumar will further inspire and influence others in the field to think about the materials they are using, their origins, production and how they will ultimately impact the planet in years to come. We want to keep the conversation flowing, to seamlessly blend fashion and sustainability so that environmentally responsible fashion choices can be made that have a low environmental impact. Lenzing is proud of its partnerships to date and hope that further education on sustainable fashion will direct more brands to towards eco-responsibility.

Speaking on the collaboration, Ritu Kumar said “’Sustainable Living’ is one of our core values and we are proud to partner with the LENZING™ ECOVERO™ brand at the root level for the showcase of Nature’s Origami at the Lakme Fashion Week. Through this collection, our aim is to provide trend-setting styles made of sustainable viscose fiber; a shift to responsible fashion. The fashion industry is doing their bit to promote ecofriendly clothing and we believe that our creative outlook and Lenzing’s commitment would result in contributing to a healthier environment”.

At Lenzing, we couldn’t agree more, and we will continue to seek ways to reduce our impact on the environment, working with like-minded partners and consumers to make sustainable fashion mainstream.

Neonyt, is the international mecca for fashion and sustainability with innovation at its core. This year’s three-day extravaganza was held during Berlin Fashion Week, for industry friends to collaborate and focus on the big questions that can lead to positive change in the world of fashion. On January 14, Harold Weghorst, Lenzing’s Vice President of Global Brand Management, spoke in an expert discussion panel at Neonyt - “SDGs X Fashion – The UN’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action”, which contains the vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

2020 is the year that many businesses chose to pick for their sustainably goals, as such it is a critical year for the sustainable fashion community. As a signatory on the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, Lenzing is striving hard to be the first carbon neutral fiber producer in the world and reduce its CO₂ emissions drastically over the coming years.

Alongside key stakeholders, experts and other leaders within the fashion industry, the panel shared their motives for signing the charter along with the perceived challenges to come. It’s clear that to deliver on our promises enshrined in the charter, collaboration is vital for advances in sustainability – together we can achieve more to protect our planet and make a more eco-friendly environment for all.

Paving the way for a more eco-friendly fashion industry, the TENCEL^TM brand and Indonesian fashion brand LANIVATTI, started the year with purpose, collaborating on the launch of LANIVATTI’s first sustainable fashion collection, “Beyond Borders 2020”. With 80% of LANIVATTI materials made from TENCEL^TM branded fibers, both brands are strongly committed to providing travel-friendly, sustainable fashion pieces that are durable yet lightweight and comfortable. To commemorate the launch, a grand event was held with top influencers, experts in fashion, and local media all in attendance.

TENCEL^TM branded fiber was the chosen material for the collection due to its minimal impact towards the environment, longevity of wear and sustainable production process. Derived from nature, all TENCEL^TM branded fiber types are certified biodegradable and compostable, meaning they can fully revert to the environment. The natural choice for a fashion collection that embodies the spirit of freedom and sophistication, TENCEL^TM branded fibers glide lightly over the skin supporting the body’s normal thermal regulation. Naturally soft and smooth to the touch, the fabric was the clear choice for LANIVATTI’s capsule collection.

As leaders in reshaping the future for a better fashion industry, the TENCEL^TM brand gives our customers the chance to give back to nature through the one thing they adore: fashion. Fortunately, more consumers are aware of the ecological strain caused by fashion and the demand for sustainable textile products is on the rise. This increase in awareness, coupled with Lenzing urging the public to start changing their buying behavior, has put the power back in the hands of the consumer.

The TENCEL^TM brand believes in doing things right. Our fiber products are made for people, and our processes are designed for the planet. With consumer education being crucial, the LANIVATTI collection provided a unique opportunity to encourage Indonesian consumers to start checking their clothing labels and learn to make the right choices when making their purchases. Through our #Make It Feel Right campaign and the partnership with LANIVATTI, we were able to target consumers in Indonesia and encourage them to join the sustainable fashion movement and start making a positive impact on the environment.

We’ve heard a lot about sustainability, but we seldom think they are “good enough” to be associated with more premium fabric as if there could be a compromise on quality when a clothing is produced in an eco-friendly way. But this is no longer the case. In recent years, organizations like Redress, Textile Exchange, Sustainable Fashion Academy, Sustainable Angle, Green is the New Black and Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD) have demonstrated that sustainable fashion can be glamourous, too. For example, RCGD has delivered its noteworthy Oscars red carpet design initiative with the Annual Academy Awards® for over a decade and has dressed many Hollywood celebrities and talents in sustainable formal wear. These all show that green fashion is gaining more attention and respect across the fashion industry.

Kit Willow, founder and designer of the Australian sustainable fashion label KITX, is a keen supporter for sustainable fibers and holds a wealth of knowledge on how we can combine our love of fashion with our love of the planet. One of the materials she loves working with is from TENCEL™, cellulosic fibers made from sustainably sourced wood sources. She names the KITX Global Nomad Trench as her current favourite certified piece made from TENCEL™ branded fibers and says the best part about working with TENCEL™ is that the fibers “wears well, it’s durable, it’s soft and you can wash it and wash it and it just gets better and better.”

KITX Global Nomad Trench

Mara Hoffman is another brand which often features TENCEL™ branded fibers in their products. Well-recognized for her sustainable initiatives, New York-based designer Mara Hoffman loves to use TENCEL™ fibers as she comments “working with TENCEL™ fibers is inspiring as it opens up our options and enables us to expand our narrative through our textures and qualities.” Her brand’s recent collection introduces a few beautifully crafted dresses fully made of TENCEL™ fibers.

Now, let us find out what is special about TENCEL™ and why designers love it.

To start with, there are two types of cellulosic fibers under TENCEL™ branded fibers – TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and TENCEL™ Modal fibers. Founded in the collections of many leading designers and renowned retailers, TENCEL™ branded Lyocell and Modal fibers are produced by environmentally responsible processes from the sustainably sourced natural raw material wood, defining a new standard of sustainability and natural comfort. With the use of these botanic fibers, fabrics can be transformed to ensure their suitability to everyday consumer needs, offering great versatility to designers in their designs. These fibers can also be combined with textile fibers in order to enhance aesthetics, softness, and functionality, making them the ideal option for fabric across different styles. In fact, some of your favorite fashion brands might already have been using TENCEL™ branded fibers.

While TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers known for many features such as their natural comfort and their great strength, fantastic breathability, efficient moisture absorption and gentleness to skin, clothing containing TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers also has a flattering drape that moves with your body as well as a sleek and luxurious-looking sheen that keeps colors vibrant, which is perfect for all of us who want our clothes to look brand new every day.

Meanwhile, TENCEL™ Modal fibers are exquisitely soft and pleasant to the skin. Exhibiting high flexibility, TENCEL™ Modal fibers enhance textiles with long-lasting softness and offer endless design possibilities. As color pigments are embedded into TENCEL™ Modal fibers, the fibers can retain color vibrancy more than conventionally dyed fibers and are less prone to fade even after repeated washing.

These features all make TENCEL™ branded fibers a perfect choice for forward-looking fashion designers who want to make a positive impact on our environment despite their passion for fashion.

This secret ingredient for high-quality fabrics, TENCEL™ branded fibers, is nothing but a game changer to designer fashion.

Mara Hoffman Daija Dress

Lenzing has always been proud to partner with brands who demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable future and GUESS is one such brand. This summer, GUESS will grow their Smart GUESS collection, launching a mixture of men’s and women’s apparel made with environmentally friendly materials. Alongside organic cotton and recycled polyester, the Smart GUESS collection uses TENCEL™ branded lyocell and TENCEL™ branded modal fibers, which are produced from wood pulp from sustainably managed and certified forests. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers are also used throughout the collection; being traceable throughout the supply value chain, they meet high environmental standards through their life cycle, enabling GUESS to make the best choices for their apparel.

Representing approximately 20% of GUESS’s overall seasonal selection, the Smart GUESS collection includes an assortment of styles for women, including eco blue fabric jumpsuits, recycled polyester dresses, organic cotton knit tees as well as a variety of TENCEL™ Denim styles. The men’s collection includes a variety of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers for short-sleeve button down tops in a mixture of prints. With this collection, GUESS is certainly on track to offer at least 25% of its product as “eco” by 2021, a commendable commitment and one we are happy to be in collaboration with.

At Lenzing, we are committed to finding innovative ways to expand our industry partner’s sustainability efforts to transform the fashion industry. Supporting fashion brands like GUESS is an important step in reducing the industry’s environmental impact, while raising consumer awareness through big brand names. The Smart GUESS collection will certainly help to fuel progress in this area and the brand’s commitment to sustainability sets the stage for more to follow.

The TENCEL™ Denim segment seeks to continuously promote sustainability through multiple initiatives and we know that industry insight is key to keeping ourselves ahead of the game. That’s why we use Jean Therapy, the Denim Sustainability report produced by Rivet, for the latest on the denim industry, including vital intelligence on how to further reduce our environmental impact. The report also gives us a glimpse of what to expect in the future of sustainable denim with details on the latest technological innovations and materials that are helping our partners become more environmentally responsible. And the message is clear: consumers are demanding detoxification of their purchases and with the power in their hands, the denim industry cannot afford to turn a blind eye. Now more than ever, is the time to come together to produce sustainable merchandise and to show our customers they can buy their denim with a green conscience.

With the denim community always front of mind, the TENCEL™ Denim team knows that giving our devotees a voice and enabling them to share their experiences more broadly will have a positive impact for all and with that in mind we launched a new YouTube channel called Blue Lenz. A video channel for brands, mills and influencers to share the latest trends, Blue Lenz also provides a space for educational and sustainability videos to be shared. So, let’s see them! Send us videos and we’ll write a short synopsis making sure to credit any designers, engineers, stylists and directors. At the end of the year, we’ll announce winners in various categories and those names will be released in trade publications.

And it’s not just us who are showing support to the denim community, over the past few months we’ve been speaking with industry insiders gleaning insight on the industry from their perspective. Michelle Branch of Markt&Twigs shared about the importance of community, how denim has always been favored by the young and our responsibility towards reducing toxicity in its production. Tony Tonnaer, Founder and CEO of Kings of Indigo, believes that while fast fashion is still strong, so too is the conscience of the consumer, as the industry can no longer afford to make excuses when it comes to our planet’s future. Also, the team at Jeanologia believe technology is vital for advances in sustainability and that we have a moral obligation to create circular products for our consumers. With clear synergy between the thoughts of our industry friends and the findings of the Denim Sustainability report, we continue to be eager to communicate with different stakeholders on how to improve the current denim industry.

With 2020 already off to a flying start, we’re excited to continue these conversations with industry experts and our partners. In fact, we’ve already got some wonderful collaborations in the pipeline. This summer, GUESS will continue to grow their Smart Guess collection using TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers derived from sustainably managed and certified forests. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers, known for their traceability throughout the supply chain, will also be used in the collection.

Keep looking out for more what’s to come from us! Let’s keep the conversation flowing, keep sharing valuable ideas and work as a community towards a more sustainable planet for all.

While Italy’s apparel sector continues to dominate fashion world, the TENCEL™ brand is eager to collaborate with the nation’s designers and participate in local trade shows to support interesting fashion initiatives and promote sustainability.

At this year’s Milano Moda Donna in February, an international event featuring novelties and pret-à-porter collections created by Italian fashion's most prestigious designers, one of the event spotlights was the collection presented by Flavia La Rocca, the winner of the Franca Sozzani Green Carpet Fashion Award for “Best Emerging Designer”. Flavia La Rocca is the founder and designer of her own brand, the values of which are centered on modularity, sustainability and ethical practices. Flavia La Rocca aspires to promote a dynamic, responsible and modern attitude towards clothing.

Her fashion collection, “just Zip and Unzip!”, featured over 10 bespoke designs that incorporated TENCEL™ Luxe Lyocell filament yarns into the fabrics. The positively-reviewed show attracted many high-profile attendees, including leading fashion publications such as VOGUE.

As an eco-fashion advocate, it came as no surprise when Flavia La Rocca made the decision to incorporate TENCEL™ Luxe into her collection. She also used TENCEL™ Luxe Lyocell filament yarns in her winning dress at the “CNMI Green Carpet Talent Competition 2019”.

As an avid supporter of eco-couture, the TENCEL™ Luxe team also took part in Milan’s White Show. In addition to Flavia la Rocca, the team was also invited to the show by Cittadellarte (an Italian art and creativity institution) and The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (an NGO which promotes Italian fashion). Some main topics of discussion at this year’s White Show were sustainable materials, water reduction, and more, addressing the rising demand for eco-friendly items. This opportunity perfectly positioned the TENCEL™ brand to advocate sustainable fashion and increase the brand’s visibility. In addition, Laura Cortinovis, one of Flavia La Rocca’s partner on color dyeing and development of the Green Carpet Fashion Award design piece, also exhibited color dyeing artwork which featured sustainable dyes from RECYCROM^TM on fabrics made from TENCEL™ Luxe filament yarns.

In fact, Lenzing had previously partnered with Cittadellarte and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana supporting student design projects, demonstrating our commitment to promoting sustainability to different markets through diverse channels.

Collaborating with fashion designers and associations plays an important part in fulfilling the TENCEL™ Luxe brand’s sustainability promise and showcases our serious commitment to greening-up the industry. We will continue to expand our reach in the industry and discover ways to make eco-couture more common, combing style, glamour and eco-friendliness.

For the TENCEL^TM brand, we know we are stronger and can make a bigger impact in sustainability if we work together, by partnering with like-minded brands in the fashion industry. Collaboration is an important step in raising greater environmental awareness and ensuring we can keep our promises in promoting sustainability. Alongside using TENCEL™ branded fibers in a co-brand’s fashion collection, there is much more that can be done to create greater awareness and strengthen industry partnerships, and some of the most effective strategies take place through social media campaigns and engaging in marketing activities.

This January, one such campaign showcased our dedication to protecting our natural surroundings through the partnership between the TENCEL™ brand and SELECTED FEMME, a brand that shares the same values for a sustainable future. Leveraging SELECTED FEMME’s new brand statement “Responsibly Crafted”, we created a social media collaboration campaign, focusing on the topic of “Determination”, a binding element between SELECTED FEMME and the TENCEL™ brand, where we talked about what it takes to go a step further in the quest for sustainability. Throughout the campaign, we created assets that showcased both brand’s determination to speak out loud and our willingness to go a step further in our efforts to protect earth’s ecosystem.

With our partner Esprit, we took a different approach with our campaign theme “Joining Vibes”, using social media to spread positivity about what is good for the world. After all, real change never happens alone, it’s only through our connections with like-minded people that we can make things happen. For Esprit and the TENCEL™ brand, our connection comes through our shared positivity and mutual sustainability goals. We created inspirational social clips, shot in a studio to the backdrop of colorful TENCEL™ branded panels with our models exuding the cool, positive vibes synonymous with our campaign.

Together the two social media campaigns helped to generate greater brand awareness and drove social media impression and engagements. With a mission to gain more brand visibility, the TENCEL™ brand is delighted and eager to join forces with trusted industry partners who share the same vision, to educate consumers and raise awareness together, driving towards a more sustainable future.

Please look out for more to come from these collaborations and other brand partners in the future!

As modern citizens, many of us have busy schedules and we all want to feel comfortable when home. From a psychological perspective, the way we design and structure our home environment affects our mood. Even small changes to colors, layout, and fabrics can improve one’s mood and evoke positive feelings. Especially in areas such as living room, bathroom and bedrooms, the choice of fabrics is extremely important as these places are where we relax after a long busy day.

Some people struggle to get a few relaxing hours at home, let alone precious eight hours of sleep. They may blame the busy and stressful schedules as culprits of bad quality sleep or less enjoyable time at home. But sometimes, it could be just the texture and breathability of the fabrics used in carpets, towels and bedding that make you feel “meh”. Good quality fabrics in home products such as bath towels and carpets can give a naturally soft touch on your skin. Especially fabrics made of botanic and natural materials are less likely to irritate or trigger skin allergies, making you feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Sheridan, an Australian brand specializing in home textiles understands the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Therefore, Sheridan’s sustainable collection, the TENCEL™ X REFIBRA™ technology sheet set using 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, is lightweight and silky-soft. Despite being light and smooth to touch, the fabric is durable. It is naturally breathable and has moisture management properties, as TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers supports body’s natural thermal regulating mechanism, keeping your skin feeling pleasantly cool and dry for a sweet and comfortable night’s sleep.

Featuring an award-winning technology called REFIBRA™ technology, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are manufactured sustainably in a closed loop production process which involves upcycling cotton scraps from garment production and wood pulp from sustainably managed forests. With sustainability in mind from the very beginning of the production process, purchase of this sustainable sheet set, and other home textile products made from TENCEL™ fibers will do good to the environment

TENCEL™ fibers of botanic origin can also be applied in a wide range of home products, such as carpets, upholstery and bath towels, bringing the gentle essence of nature into your home to create a sanctuary of long-lasting and pure comfort. Displaying a luxurious sheen and silky surface, TENCEL™ fibers make carpets and upholstery shine radiantly with vibrant colors. It also generates a less favorable ambience for bacterial and dust mite growth with its high moisture absorption ability.

TENCEL™ Modal fibers especially works well in towels, as it is exceptionally soft on skin and has efficient moisture absorption, enabling towels to dry quickly. In comparison to cotton, TENCEL™ Modal fibers remain soft over time and can withstand repeated wash and dry cycles, allowing fabrics to retain their softness.

When you spend almost half of your life at home, you’d want to make sure it is not only cozy, but natural and safe. If you feel slightly uneasy, check your home textiles, be it bedding, towels or carpets. Switching to products made with botanic fibers like TENCEL™ which are naturally soft and gentle may already help improve your mood and sleep. With botanic materials, not only will your sleep quality benefit, but you’ll gain the peace of mind by choosing responsible products that contribute to making the world a more sustainable and eco-conscious place.

Fancy clothes can impress many, but they may not fit all occasions. When off for holidays, we’d love to dress more casually and comfortably in order to feel our best. Clothing which are simple in style, easy to carry and mix and match are something we’d look for. They are the everyday basics for our wardrobe and are ideal for almost any kind of gatherings with our family and friends – be it a beach day or just a relaxing stroll in the park. Therefore, when shopping casual wear, what matters most is really the material. It is so important that our clothing is made of good fabrics which are comfortable to wear and gentle on our skin. And if it is produced sustainably, that’ll be a plus!

These years, the fashion industry has evolved a lot. Seeing a rising demand for simple and quality casual wear, the industry has started offering clothing alternatives which are not just ideal for everyday wear, but also produced in a more eco-conscious way. TENCEL™ branded fibers are among the most popular sustainable fibers increasingly known and adopted by fashion brands. In fact, brands like Arnhem, oblekt, SELECTED and The North Face, which are committed to producing more sustainable and better-quality garments, have already introduced TENCEL™ branded fibers in some of their collections.

Arnhem had its first-ever collection made entirely from TENCEL™ branded fibers in May 2019 – a compilation of floaty, feminine pieces in dainty prints, and an earthy, desert palette of shades that appeared kissed by the sun. Jyoti Durrant, Sustainability Officer at Arnhem, called TENCEL™ the most powerful tool In Arnhem’s sustainable fiber arsenal. The soft feel, lightweight, print color saturation and durability are her favorite parts about TENCEL™ branded fibers. What’s more, the fibers are produced responsibly and using sustainably sourced natural raw material wood. These all explains why the brands’ Wisteria collection, where every piece is made using 100% TENCEL™ branded fibers, has been completely sold out quickly.

Scandinavian brand SELECTED, as a part of BESTSELLER, is also on a journey of transformation to becoming climate positive, fair for all and circular by design. The brand has started using more sustainable materials including TENCEL™ fibers into its production and design. In the 2019 Christmas campaign, SELECTED launched an elegant blue midi dress made from 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. The minimalist design is perfect for ladies who want a greener addition to their wardrobe while still looking and feeling great with the breathable and smooth fibers. With the ability to absorb moisture efficiently, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers can provide a less favorable environment for bacterial growth while keeping our skin feeling pleasantly cool and dry throughout the day and night. Produced in a closed-loop process where almost all the solvent is recovered and reused, the production of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers also contribute to circular economy in the fashion industry.

Switching to clothing made of TENCEL™ branded fibers is not only the key to feeling great ourselves, but also to making it right for the environment. When you go shopping next time, don’t forget to read the product labels and look out for sustainable materials like TENCEL™ branded fibers - they are available in so many brands and styles! Remember – even our smallest choices can bring huge impact to the world.

Arnhem


SELECTED

The TENCEL™ brand knows how vital the younger generation is for the future of our planet, so we started a project for, and with them, called BEDifferent. We asked talented design students from top European universities, such as Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano, University of the Arts London, and Aalto University Finland to create a bedding collection that respects the environment using TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers. Once the students were introduced to the TENCEL™ brand and our sustainable fiber offerings, they only had one brief: get creative and design a collection that expresses the future of bed linen!

We chose, Heimtextil, the biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles, to announce the three winners who were selected for their creative designs in bed linen, sheets, bedspreads and decorative pillows. The winning students saw their designs go into production and come to life, giving them the chance to share how they view sustainable fibers with the public. Alongside encouraging today’s youth to think about the environment, we wanted to inspire home textile producers to consider the future of their bedding concepts with sustainability front of mind; the BEDifferent campaign was a great way to do that.

Our three winners were clearly impassioned by the project and the TENCEL™ brand team were equally inspired by the creations. Ebru Bayramoglu, Head of Global Business Development Home and Interiors for Lenzing AG said, “Innovative thinking minds created TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers. Young and creative thinking minds created the BEDifferent collection. We hope you will like them as much as our inspiration level from the younger generation’s way of thinking during the entire process”.

One of our winners, Juliene Quaglio called her collection "Oh My Gaia". She applied the principles of ecopsychology using a green and brown color palette to show the interdependence between people and nature, saying of her collection, “I believe it is necessary to create empathy between human beings and the environment because we are not separated, isolated beings but part of the great myth of creation!".

"Oh My Gaia"

Cecilia Ceccherini created her "Deep Dream" collection, inspired by geological maps and the archaeological finds of primitive cultures. Cecilia says, "We could start working on sustainable solutions with the help of Mother Earth, both materially and visually.”

"Deep Dream"

Our final winner, Minttumeri Hirsimaa was inspired by archipelago landscapes and flowers for her collection "Dreamworld". Her prints were hand drawn using a mixture of vivid and relaxing colors. Minttumeri says, "Nature has always been a source of happiness for me, a place where I find peace and quiet. The result was a collection of beautiful landscapes and colorful flowers from my homeland."

“Dreamworld"

While the BEDifferent collections are not for sale, the TENCEL™ brand hope this insight into how the young generation see the environment around them, will be inspiration for this, and future generations, towards a sustainable future.

For the past 9 years Canadian brand Bn3th has been transforming the men’s underwear market with its bold designs and custom-made fabrics. Bn3th has developed a cult following with their unique proprietary MyPackage Pouch Technology™ that lifts and supports, but it’s their growing commitment to sustainability and their use of TENCEL™ branded modal fibers that has enabled Bn3th to elevate the conversation of men’s underwear.

Used in over 90% of the brand’s collection of underwear, sleepwear and tees, TENCEL™ Modal fibers allows Bn3th to craft beautifully designed products with attributes that are sustainably sound. TENCEL™ Modal fibers originate from renewable wood sources and are manufactured using an environmentally responsible production process. The fiber’s botanic origin gives fabrics made with TENCEL™ Modal premium properties that include a luxuriously soft hand, moisture management, enhanced breathability and color retention.

Bn3th’s premium fits and luxury fabrics made with TENCEL Modal fibers will convert even the most demanding men out there. Whether you prefer the classic boxer brief or something with a shorter inseam, such as the classic trunk, Bn3th delivers on fit and style. Both are cut with slim fits and no fly, and feature the brand’s patented MyPackage Pouch Technology™ for ultimate comfort. Available in an array of unique color designs, Bn3th brings style and performance back to the long-forgotten underwear drawer.

But it doesn’t end there; Bn3th ups the ante with its premium t-shirts crafted with TENCEL™ Modal fibers. Offered in white, black and heather grey, the brand’s Select Tee features a relaxed neckline, tapered fit and a scoop-tail, perfect for the gym or a day at the beach. And if you’re wanting to dress up your look for a night out with the boys, you are covered. New for this season, Bn3th has introduced the Crew Tee. Cut with a crew neckline and tapered fit, the Crew Tee comes in heather grey and black making for the perfect layer piece.

Shop the full collection of Bn3th underwear, sleepwear and tees made with TENCEL™ Modal fibers at https://www.bn3th.com/collections/tencel?page=1

What started as an idea to change the way women (and men) shop for lingerie has grown into a global lifestyle brand that embraces women and their individuality. Victoria’s Secret has transformed the idea of what is sexy for today's woman with their offerings from lingerie to loungewear, and everything in between.

This season Victoria's Secret looks to luxe new fabrics to elevate their collection of sleepwear, and the brand's line of Supersoft Modal Sleepwear^[1] is no exception. Whether you are lounging by the fireplace or getting tucked in for the night, Victoria's Secret delivers just the right mix of fashion and comfort.

Crafted with TENCEL™ branded modal fibers, the Supersoft Modal Sleepwear collection by Victoria's Secret brings luxury and sustainability to the forefront. TENCEL™ Modal fibers are extracted from naturally grown beech wood by an environmentally responsible production process, resulting in a fiber that retains color, enhances breathability and gives fabrics long-lasting softness.

It's all about attention to detail and the Supersoft Modal Sleepwear collection does not disappoint. The design team at Victoria's Secret hits on all the right notes with the brand's Supersoft Modal Jumpsuit and Cami and Short Set. The delicate lace trim and bold colors add the perfect touch of style, while the adjustable straps and an elastic waist ensure the ideal fit. Get ready to be swept away with the soft, sumptuous feel and classic design elements of the Victoria's Secret collection of Supersoft Modal Sleepwear.

Supersoft Modal Jumpsuit : https://www.victoriassecret.com/vs/search?q=Supersoft%20Modal%20Jumpsuit&searchLocation=header

Supersoft Modal Cami and Short Set: https://www.victoriassecret.com/vs/search?q=Modal%20Cami%20and%20Short%20Set&searchLocation=header

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[1]This is what VS calls the line

• Pioneering pilot project conducted with Hong Kong based brand Chicks
• A large majority of consumers wants brands to disclose their supply chain
• Transparency ensured from fiber-to-retail

Lenzing – The Lenzing Group has made a huge leap forward in introducing blockchain technology, allowing for a new level of transparency and traceability in the textile industry. After joining the platform of the technology company TextileGenesis™ earlier this year, the world market leader in specialty fibers made from the renewable raw material wood presented the first pilot at this year’s Fashion Summit in Hong Kong on September 05, 2019. This pioneering pilot project was conducted in close cooperation with TextileGenesis™, WWF and Hong Kong based brand Chicks.

A baseline survey on EU consumer attitudes to sustainability and supply chain transparency in the fashion industry conducted by Ipsos MORI in October 2018 shows that a large majority of consumers (80 %) wants brands to disclose their supply chain. The blockchain technology enables brands and consumers to identify TENCEL™ branded fibers across each production and distribution step from fiber-to-retail of the finished garment or home textiles. The technology also allows consumers to verify the garment composition and the underlying textile supply chain at the point of sale, simply by scanning the barcode with a mobile device.

“Together with TextileGenesis™ we pursue the ambitious goal to achieve an unparalleled level of transparency for fashion brands and consumers. We will use blockchain technology to maximize the digital traceability of fibers, thus making an important contribution to green up the fashion industry”, says Stefan Doboczky, Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group. “This strong belief in and commitment to sustainability will support the business with TENCEL™ fibers.”

In an industry’s first, Lenzing issued blockchain based TENCEL™ fibercoins to its supply chain partners in direct relation to physical shipments. These digital tokens serve as an authentication mechanism, against any adulteration, and provides secure digital chain-of-custody across the entire textile value chain. Recognizing that data integrity and ease of use are critical, the supply chain players conducted transactions through the data upload mechanism on the platform. To ensure real-world complexity, a total of 49 distinct garment stock-keeping unit (~25000 pieces), of Chicks, were tracked on the digital platform from fibers up to retail.

“This is an important milestone for the apparel industry. Our focus is to drive meaningful step-change in an industry where less than 5 percent of top 250 apparel brands can track their garments back to the fiber origin”, says Amit Gautam, CEO & Founder of TextileGenesis™.

Lenzing is carrying out further pilot tests over the next few months involving partners along the entire value chain and expects the platform to be fully operational as of 2020.

Italian entrepreneurs, Gio Giacobbe and Edoardo Iannuzzi wanted an innovative solution to the footwear industry’s negative impact on the environment. Their idea? Design a modular shoe concept that splits the shoe into two separate parts: the skin and the sole. In December 2019, their brand, “Advanced Commuter Basic Concept” (ACBC) launched the patented zipper system, which meant that the two parts of the shoes could easily be separated and zipped back together again within seconds.

Photo credit: ACBC

Now customers have the chance to create different shoes (up to 12 different uppers) with one single sole whilst remain environmentally friendly as it aims at cutting down more than 45% the CO₂ impact produced. How? Well the “skin” (uppers) of the Jogger style shoe is made with bio-based and 100% biodegradable TENCEL™ branded fibers, making ACBC shoes a very sustainable footwear option.

With enhanced breathability, TENCEL™ branded fibers are gentle on skin with long-lasting softness, and their ability to regulate the absorption and release of moisture make them ideal for footwear options. With travelers in mind, ACBC knew they wanted a shoe that was compact and lightweight giving customers the option to customize their look as often as they want. And they got just that, not only can the wearer interchange the components of their shoes, but they can now recycle them too. By bringing the soles back to the ACBC stores, they will decompose the materials and turn them into anti-injury flooring sheets for kid’s playgrounds as charity gifts.

Photo credit: ACBC

The TENCEL™ brand is always delighted to partner with like-minded industry friends and ACBC have designed fun and flexible shoes, without the negative environment footprint that typically occurs within the footwear industry. We are really excited to see what is next in this area of fashion, so consumers can make conscious purchasing decisions to ensure they always put their best foot forward!

New state-of-the-art fiber testing center in place

• Development of new products on site
• Expansion of cooperation with partners along the value chain
• Full fiber to fashion innovation capabilities in Asia

Purwakarta – The Lenzing Group underpins its commitment to customer intimacy in providing the new “Lenzing Center of Excellence” (LCOE) at its Indonesian premises in Purwakarta. With the LCOE the Lenzing Group is setting a further milestone in intensifying its cooperation with the partners along the value chain. Herewith it further increases its effort to jointly conduct research & development on new yarns. To further improve product quality, the Lenzing Center of Excellence also provides laboratory and analytical facilities to conduct trials and analyses of various types of fibers and yarns.

“The LCOE is already running full speed and draws a lot of interest from customers and partners. It is an important step to implementing our corporate strategy sCore TEN”, Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lenzing Group says. “The proximity to important Asian customers and partners creates a new dimension in our service offering. We can react more quickly to current trends and handle a broad spectrum of aspects on location relating to the application with our full range of fibers as well as unique fiber blends in collaboration with our supply chain partners”, van de Kerkhof adds.

“After the opening of the Application and Innovation Center in Hong Kong the Indonesian LCOE is another defined step to further strengthen Lenzing’s partnership with its customer. LCOE captures activities and innovation capabilities in the area of fiber to yarn. The Hong Kong Center focuses on yarn to fashion. With this, we have brought full fiber to fashion innovation capabilities to Asia. I hope that this center becomes truly an example of excellence both in conversion technology and partnership with customers”, Vineet Singhal, Senior Vice President AMEA says.

The Lenzing Center of Excellence started its operation end of the year and is open for visitors from the whole industry. It completes the chain of innovation and application centers of the Lenzing Group in Lenzing (Austria), Purwakarta and Hong Kong.

For the TENCEL™ brand, in addition to our commitment to sustainability, we are constantly working to better consumer experience and make the sustainable lifestyle more enjoyable. With this belief, we are excited to step up our partnership with sustainable activewear brand Athleta, to upgrade the workout experience at the Athleta Studio.

Athleta won’t be a new name to those who enjoy yoga and working out. In addition to producing eco-friendly activewear with a high level of comfort, the brand is also striving to deliver more to its community. Previously, Athleta joined forces with the TENCEL™ brand to create its eco-friendly Nirvana fabric and promote sustainability at the NYC Marathon Expo where the brand introduced sustainable activewear to the public.

The brand has recently collaborated with the TENCEL™ brand again to bring a sustainable product to the community through Athleta Studio, a community that invites consumers of all kinds to join fitness classes and social workshops. To upgrade the sustainable workout experience in the studio, TENCEL™ Modal fibers are now being used to make sustainable towels, transforming the classic gym necessity into an eco-friendly product.

Sourced from sustainable forests, TENCEL™ brand modal fibers are produced in an environmentally sound production process using renewable energy. When compared to cotton, TENCEL™ Modal fibers feel twice as soft, making the Athleta branded towel exceptionally gentle on the skin. This smoothness is exceptionally long-lasting, even after repeated washing. Enabled by Eco Color technology, TENCEL™ Modal fibers can also retain color vibrancy, more so than conventionally dyed fibers that are more prone to fading.

The initial feedback on these sustainable towels has been immensely positive. According to Athleta Studio manager Paige Horton, their guests “love the feel and color of them and love how they are Athleta branded.” Horten added that as more sweat towels are needed given the expansion of the Athleta Studio, stepping up its collaboration with TENCEL™ is a welcome idea to a Benefit corporation (B-corp) like Athleta.

As a B-corp, Athleta meets the highest standard of social and environmental responsibility and has hosted a range of sustainability-related activities in recent years. In 2020, the brand is aiming to have up to 80% of its materials be made with sustainable fibers.

At Lenzing, we are always working closely with different partners to minimize the environmental footprint of the fashion industry and help consumers make conscious purchases. It is encouraging to see that our partner, Athleta, shares this value and is setting out to positively influence the community. By partnering with like-minded brands, we can collectively make the change for good.

• Winning Designers to Dress Prominent Influencers in the Fashion & Entertainment Industry

May 12, 2020 (LOS ANGELES) - Red Carpet Green Dress™ is launching the RCGD Global Design Contest 2020 in partnership with TENCEL™ Luxe. Founded by leading environmentalist Suzy Amis Cameron, the international design contest is open to anyone over the age of 21, talented and serious designers whether they are emerging or established professionals from all over the world are welcome to enter. The designers can submit their application through rcgdglobal.com, from May 12th - July 30th. The winners will be selected in late August by an international panel of sustainable fashion experts. The winning designers will get the opportunity to dress prominent influencers in the fashion and entertainment industry for an exciting red carpet moment and present their work to an audience of eco-influencers in LA at the RCGD Gala, along with a monetary award, and business mentorship and more.

Supported by the Conscious Fashion Campaign in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, the campaign and contest will be directing a percentage of funds raised towards two crucial organizations: Awaj Foundation in Bangladesh and The Fifth Pillar (in cooperation with Fair Wear) in Myanmar, by directing funds to the disproportionately vulnerable garment workers severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At RCGD, we believe this is an important time for our sustainable design contest, which champions a message of hope and opportunity, particularly when spirits are so low. When Suzy Amis Cameron started the initiative in 2009, her motivations were to create opportunities and visibility for fashion designers and to fundraise for environmental or socially responsible causes. We could not think of a more relevant time to step up for both of those reasons, over 10 years later. We are excited to partner with TENCEL™ Luxe and put the crucial spotlight on emerging design talent, and at the same time the incredible work our allies at Awaj Foundation in Bangladesh and The Fifth Pillar in Myanmar are doing to support garment workers right now,” said Samata Pattinson, CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress™. “For decades, sustainability has always been sidelined in eco-couture. Through our partnership with Red Carpet Green Dress™, we are able to put the spotlight on sustainability on the red carpet. We are thrilled to join hands with Red Carpet Green Dress™ in the RCGD Global Design Contest 2020 and together, we will take a greater stride forward to build a more sustainable industry ecosystem. We look forward to seeing many creative eco-couture entries and inspire designers all over the world to support us in driving sustainability in the fashion industry,” said Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Marketing, Lenzing AG. “Red Carpet Green Dress™ shares our vision in impacting positive change within the fashion industry. Working hand in hand with the United Nations Office for Partnerships we aim to support meaningful multi-stakeholder collaborations which secure a future where no one is left behind. RCGD Global Design Contest 2020 is the epitome of aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals as a roadmap to recovery in these unprecedented times to shape the future of fashion. Empowering next generation talent along with supporting women garment workers is a catalyst to commitment towards dynamic and lasting change,” said Kerry Bannigan, Founder Conscious Fashion Campaign in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships.

Red Carpet Green Dress™ was conceived in response to the growing need for sustainable fashion. When faced with the lack of ethical fashion choices whilst attending global premieres of husband James Camerons’ ‘Avatar’, campaign founder Suzy Amis Cameron decided that it was time for a change. She created a design contest which challenged emerging and established designers across the globe to create sustainable Oscar-worthy gowns, thus fulfilling the Green Dress criteria to serve the obvious need for more sustainability in the industry. During this current pandemic so many have lost their jobs including garment workers. By directing a percentage of funds raised through entries – there is a nominal $30 entry fee – and direct contributions from RCGD and partners to the Awaj Foundation and The Fifth Pillar (in cooperation with Fair Wear), they aim to step up for these workers and create opportunities for the global design community at the same time. RCGD will be also providing face masks to the garment workers, many of whom are either being forced back to factory work prematurely or are in precarious and vulnerable positions.

The Prize

Winning designers will be announced in late August.

The prize includes:

• The opportunity to dress prominent influencers in the fashion and entertainment industry for a red carpet moment. The unveiling event(s) will be announced at a later date.
• Present your work to an audience of eco-influencers in LA along
• A monetary award of $1,000
• Business mentorships with Laura Basci and RCGD CEO Samata
• An invitation to join the Red Carpet Green Dress™ Oscars Gala in Los Angeles

The Judges:

• Suzy Cameron, Founder - A noted environmental leader, business pioneer, mom of five and new grandma, Suzy Amis Cameron is committed to caring for our wild, living Earth, with an emphasis on plant-based food to address climate change. In 2009, she launched Red Carpet Green Dress™, a global sustainable fashion campaign showcasing environmentally responsible fashions on the red carpet in partnership with The Oscars. RCGD also co-creates sustainable garments with luxury international fashion brands.
• Nazma Akter - The founder and Executive Director of Awaj Foundation. Nazma has been fighting to improve workers’ rights, especially women workers, in the garment sector in Bangladesh for over 32 years. Nazma is also the President of Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation, one of the largest union federations in Bangladesh, and co-chair of Asia Pacific Women’s Committee of IndustriALL Global Union.
• Laura Basci - Swiss fashion designer and haute couture tailor based in Los Angeles. She delivers flawless fits for celebrities for countless award shows, red carpet events, video & photo shoots and TV & movie productions. Top designers, stylists and celebrities have made Laura Basci one of the most in demand names for haute couture tailoring and fashion design in Los Angeles and the rest of the world.
• Harold Weghorst - Vice President of Global Brand Management at Lenzing AG. A veteran in the global branding and marketing sector, Weghorst has been driving the leading cellulose fibers company's transformation from a B2B company to a B2B2C company since June 2016, whilst heading the company's international marketing efforts.

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Red Carpet Green Dress™:
Red Carpet Green Dress™ (RCGD) is a women-led global change-making organization. Conceived in 2009 by Suzy Amis Cameron, RCGD challenges designers from around the world to deliver eco-friendly garments through a no-waste approach, focusing on social impact consideration, fair and humane treatment of manufacturers, a clear supply chain, and materials which use a high proportion of recycled and biodegradable materials. Since its inception, the campaign has grown to include brand collaborations, internships, knowledge-share platforms and educational experiences for students, and our remit continues to grow.

Leading fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Elie Saab, Swarovski, Christian Siriano, Bulgari, Dunhill and Reformation have joined the design campaign initiative to create sustainable red carpet wear with celebrities including Kaitlyn Dever, Léa Seydoux, Sophie Turner, Emma Roberts, LaKeith Stanfield, Camila Alves, and Naomie Harris stepping up as representatives. RCGD has been featured in Vanity Fair, W Magazine, People, The Hollywood Reporter, WWD, Washington Post, Harper's Bazaar, VOGUE, Refinery29, The Guardian, ELLE, LA Times, The New York Times, InStyle and others.

Awaj Foundation:
Through its projects, services, research and advocacy, Awaj Foundation aims to empower workers and enable harmonious industrial relations. Awaj Foundation particularly focuses on supporting women workers, because they believe that leadership from women can transform society towards greater equity and justice. As a grassroots organization with an extensive network among garment workers and their families, Awaj Foundation are seeing first-hand the devastating impact the pandemic is having on workers. Many of their members have reported that factories have been shut down indefinitely and workers were given only 23 days of salary as severance. Some factories have closed without giving any payments. Awaj Foundation are also working to establish a decent and living wage for garment workers in Bangladesh.

The Fifth Pillar:
The Fifth Pillar (TFP), a registered local organization of human rights lawyers, will work in cooperation with respected industry body Fair Wear to manage the funds raised. TFP is a rights and legal based NGO with a mission of strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, which has a strong network with the trade unions, labour organizations, and a payment system to ensure safe fund distribution. TFP was founded in 2016 and currently running with 17 staff members in two offices across Myanmar. Industry body Fair Wear works with 130 member brands who are committed to finding a fairer way to making clothes, and engage directly with factories, trade unions, NGOs and governments to find answers to problems which others think are unsolvable.

The Conscious Fashion Campaign:
The Conscious Fashion Campaign, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, engages the global fashion industry to commit to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative champions fashion as an influential sector to address the world’s most pressing issues and lead a future that leaves no one behind. The campaign is dedicated to driving change through advocacy, education and engagement of industry stakeholders to create a sustainable future for all. The Conscious Fashion Campaign commits to actively support the Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development by bridging the gap between the United Nations and global major fashion activations to enable the Sustainable Development Goals to scale and create multi-stakeholder partnerships with concrete strategies for action.

Lenzing is delighted to have been named winner in the “Global PR Breakthrough” category at this year’s PRWeek Global Awards on May 19, with the TENCEL™ “Feels So Right” movement.

An international awards program that celebrates global excellence in the PR and communications industry, PRWeek Global Awards is one of the most recognized awards in the in-house and agency sectors of the global communications and marketing industry. Being awarded “Global PR Breakthrough” is testament to Lenzing’s achievements and recognition of the impressive results that Lenzing has accomplished in the transformational journey of TENCEL™ from a B2B to a B2B2C brand.

The award entry was entitled, “Salvaging the reputation of fashion by enabling the industry to ‘Feels So Right’ with the TENCEL™ brand”. We showcased how the launch of the integrated TENCEL™ “Feels So Right” movement campaign enabled us to tackle issues and leverage different communication channels, such as PR, Digital and co-branding campaigns to communicate our message. Through our ongoing efforts and catering for a B2B audience, consumers, media and influencers, our achievements spanned across the business whilst increasing media awareness and encouraging a change in consumer behavior.

According to the judging panel, Lenzing was able to strategically showcase the achievements of the TENCEL™ “Feels So Right” movement and it was praised as an “authentic” campaign. “We are honored to receive this prestigious award,” shared Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Brand Management, Lenzing AG. “To win in this category is not only great recognition of our work but this award will further establish Lenzing as a driver in sustainability and a catalyst for positive change in the global fashion and home textile industry. We look forward to joining forces with more of you to create a more sustainable world together!”

What do you look for when purchasing bedding? Softness, comfort and durability are often considered to be the influencing top factors. In addition to those factors, sustainability has become a hot topic in recent years. In the U.S. alone, 71% of consumers are aware of eco-friendly home textiles and think of them favorably.

For decades, sustainability has been a core value at Lenzing as we endeavor to extend our reach across a range of product segments. Given this, the TENCEL™ brand has partnered up with mattress and bedding provider, MOLECULE, in a social campaign to link our everyday sleep with environmental conservation.

Since its establishment, MOLECULE has been dedicated to helping customers achieve optimal recovery-focused sleep through trusted scientific research. Popular sports personalities such as Russell Wilson and Nastia Liukin^[1], have been invited collaborate with the brand and test out the eco-friendly bedding. Olympic gold medalist and soccer player, Alex Morgan, is among those who are in love with the eco-friendly MOLECULE Air-Engineered™ sheet which features TENCEL™ branded fibers.

“MOLECULE has really helped to improve my sleep and I love my MOLECULE mattress and sheets,” said Morgan. “I’m excited to give my fans the gift of recovery-focused sleep this holiday season!”

So, what makes MOLECULE sheets made from TENCEL™ branded fibers so special? Derived from natural materials, TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers can absorb moisture more efficiently than cotton, meaning the sheets made from TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers can help regulate your temperature throughout the night, keeping you cool and dry as you dream. And that’s not all – these fibers are also naturally soft and suitable for sensitive skin. The fibers feel like silk to the touch but are far more durable. Even after repeated washing, they provide long-lasting smoothness and quality.

Moreover, as bedding is private and comes into close contact with the skin, consumers often expect higher hygiene standards. According to the Lifestyle Monitor Survey, 40% of consumers look for moisture management in their sheets, while 39% focus on bacteria resistance/anti-microbial properties and temperature control respectively. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are efficiently absorbent, which results in less moisture on the surface of the sheets where bacteria could grow. Last but not least, for those looking to make a sustainable purchase, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are sourced from sustainable wood and can fully revert to nature without causing damage to the environment.

The journey to improving sleep by TENCEL™ and MOLECULE does not end here. The collaboration campaign has also been expanded to an airline loyalty program, with the aim of tapping into new consumer groups. By offering a free MOLECULE sheet set made with TENCEL™ alongside any mattress purchases to loyalty customers of United Airlines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, we hope to build relationships with more like-minded consumers who are also willing to make contributions to the environment.

Launching this social media campaign with MOLECULE effectively helps us to build relationships with friends who share the same beliefs. We will never cease to strengthen our commitment to sustainability. In the future, we shall continue to join forces with like-minded industry partners to influence more people and create a more sustainable world together.

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*Ambassador Nastia Liukin was part of the MOLECULE 2019 campaign.

Now more than ever, Earth Month, with a dedicated Earth Day on April 22^nd, has never been more important. In fact, 2020 marked the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day, set up back in 1970 with the intention to encourage education and address global environmental issues.

While this year’s Earth Month and Earth Day anniversary may have been overshadowed by the global COVID-19 crisis, however the crisis itself has worked to highlight that the planet is able to recover quickly when given the opportunity, and one of the positives to come out of the lockdown situation is that pollution levels have fallen by 60%^[1], and it has been widely reported that our planet is beginning to heal a little. Surely this should be a wake-up call to everyone about how we treat the planet and perhaps food for thought as to how we will travel, work and generally live in the future?

To mark Earth Month and the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day, the TENCEL™ brand team in USA executed a month-long social media & digital campaign to promote environmental responsibility. In partnership with 27 dedicated brand partners, each day of Earth Month, leading up to Earth Day on April 22^nd, the TENCEL™ brand and our brand partners highlighted one brand and the good work they are doing every day to both sustain and improve the longevity of our planet. Furthermore, through the collaboration with 9 influencer partners, the campaign also encouraged TENCEL™ fans and the general public to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

The campaign also provided the opportunity to reinforce long term strategies such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This incorporates 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)^[2], a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The plan provides an urgent call for action by all countries (both developed and developing), in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Of the 2020 Earth Month Campaign, Director of Global Business Development of TENCEL™ Denim, Tricia Carey, shared, “this year, more than ever, it has been imperative to raise awareness for Earth Day and the mission driven for the past half- century. Realizing how interconnected we are in the world, collaborations with our brand partners will allow strides in reducing environmental impacts and ultimately achieving results for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Sustainable shoe brand, and TENCEL™ brand partner, Allbirds is continuously strengthening its commitment to sustainability. Allbirds has become the first brand to label their products with a carbon footprint counter, along the lines of calorie information printed on processed food.

Sustainability has arguably become the most important issue in fashion and textiles over the last few years along with transparency and production ethics. The global eco fiber market size is growing, with natural eco fibers the second largest segment - accounting for 22.6% of the global market^[3].

Many clothing brands, including TENCEL™ brand partners Guess and Mara Hoffman, have slowly moved away from traditional textile production and sourcing in view of this trend. The Guess eco-conscious collection “SmartGUESS” now features sustainable materials for 15% of their entire collection, while Mara Hoffman have continued adopting eco-friendly materials in its SS20 collection as the brand had been for a few seasons already.

Sarah Hayes, Senior Manager for Materials, Innovation and Development at Patagonia said, “We’ve been working with Lenzing since 2003 and we love TENCEL™ branded fibers. We like it for its technical properties, it’s soft, it’s strong, it has amazing drape. The absorbency makes it super comfortable to wear in hot weather. We also really like the work Lenzing does in sustainability, we love the fact that TENCEL™ Lyocell is produced in a closed-loop manufacturing process with a non-toxic solvent. And most excitingly for us was Lenzing pioneering to bring REFIBRA™ to market.” (The REFIBRA™ technology can now feature up to 30% of pulp produced from upcycled cotton scraps.)

Ultimately, the 2020 Earth Month campaign had garnered over 2.2 million impressions across both traditional and social media, as well as excitement and praise from our brand partners during this difficult time. To learn more about TENCEL™ x Earth Month, please tap this link: www.tencel.com/earth-day-2020

The 50^th anniversary of Earth Month has been like no other, accompanying the climate crisis is the COVID-19 crisis, human health and planetary health are inextricably linked. To protect one, we must protect the other and, as some brands have begun to show us, the best way to do this is to work together.

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^[1]https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-52202974

^[2]https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300

^[3]https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/eco-fiber-market

Mumbai, 9 June 2020 - To observe the World Environment Day, TENCEL™️ brand is running a month-long campaign #LoveLettersToNature to encourage its users to live a more balanced lifestyle. #LoveLettersToNature is a unique campaign dedicated to educating and encouraging people to take actionable measures to address environmental issues. The social media campaign will kickstart with a photography submission followed by a series of knowledge sessions with experts and DIY tips and tricks to maintain a quintessential #CapsuleCloset.

To promote environmental responsibility, the fiber brand TENCEL™️ will execute this campaign on its Instagram and Facebook handles. Individuals can follow the handles and tag that perfect photograph of nature that inspires them. They can submit their entries on TENCEL™️ IG handle tencel_india and use the hashtags, #LoveLettersToNature, #TencelCapsuleCloset, #Ecotherepy

Additionally, as part of the #LoveLettersToNature campaign, TENCEL™️ will also share little-known facts and information that promotes the longevity of our planet through simple sustainable practices. Throughout the month of June, followers can watch out the social media handles for some quick tips and tricks on how to recycle and reuse items of our closets as part of the #TencelCapsuleCloset series. The awareness of recycling, reusing, and repurposing fashion can always be a gift to nature, a more responsible practice instead of simply discarding them.

Speaking on the launch, Arpit Srivastava - Country Marketing and Branding Manager, South Asia & Thailand at Lenzing Group says, “Our small steps can bring a big difference and there is no better time than now to extend our actions. We continue to focus on our responsibilities towards making environment-friendly life choices now more than ever. Through this campaign, we aim to build awareness and engage with the youth across India who have been and will further bring actionable changes in their habits. For us at Lenzing, sustainability is of utmost importance and the ethos of the brand resonates with the environment day.”

On the occasion of World Environment Day, TENCEL™️ will also invite experts across the world for a knowledge exchange series on InstaLive. Through these sessions, the TENCEL™️ team will initiate an open conversation with of the Pause Label and Tricia Carey, the Director of Global Business Development - Denims at Lenzing Fibers. These sessions will explore topics such as the rise of responsible new-age fashion and future trends in the industry, the importance, and benefits of recycling and upcycling garments, and the development of sustainable material, as well as, the role of fashion in spreading awareness about environmental degradation. This environment day may be overshadowed by COVID19 crisis that has been a wakeup call for consumers that #ItsTimeForNature, the current theme for the World Environment Day.

G-Star is taking on the challenge to do good for the planet and look good while doing it.

“Our philosophy is and has always been ‘just the product,’ meaning that G-Star is focused on constantly reinventing denim. Designing denim for the future also includes taking responsibility for the social and environmental impact of our products. That is why, for G-Star, sustainability is a condition for doing business,” explained G-Star RAW Corporate Responsibility Manager Maaike Kokke.

Since 2008, Amsterdam-based G-Star has been a pioneer in sustainable denim. Highlights have included the Spring ’11 debut of the RAW Sustainable collection, consisting of three lines: RAW Nettle, RAW Recycled and RAW Organic. The brand changed the game in 2012 when it shifted its attention to using sustainable materials throughout its entire collection, focusing on bestselling styles.

With this move, G-Star has been able to increase the share of sustainable materials to around 15 percent of its collection and counting.

“Our aim is to make the entire production process of denim more sustainable. We work on innovations in all aspects of making denim, focusing on the materials, washes, dyes, the manufacturing process, etc.,” Kokke explained.

One of G-Star’s many strengths is viewing what others would consider roadblocks as creative challenges.

“Roadblocks can be passed left or right and force you to find another route to the solution and to continuously set new goals,” Kokke quipped. “We have a dedicated global team to work towards our goals and continuously improve our sustainable performance.”

Part of G-Star’s continuous progress toward improvement includes MODE Tracker, a holistic, transparent and verified progress tracking tool launched by MADE-BY to support brands and retailers in improving their sustainability performance through measuring and communicating year-over-year progress. G-Star reports its progress via MODE Tracker and give consumers the opportunity to check if the brand is “on track.”

“We developed our definition of sustainable materials together with MADE-BY. We consider materials ranked in category A, B and C of the MADE-BY Fiber Benchmark as sustainable. Of these materials, we mostly use organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester and TENCEL® in our products. We use TENCEL® in several products, including some of our most important denim fabrics,” Kokke said.

G-Star has written the playbook for sharing sustainable efforts with consumers, most notably its pioneering denim collection, RAW for the Oceans. The denim, made with bionic yarn created out of plastic waste reclaimed from the sea, has been the brand’s biggest campaign with a focus on sustainability, amplified by the support of its now co-owner Pharrell Williams.

“We were able to create demand and awareness for the ocean plastic pollution problem by communicating the serious subject of sustainability in a positive and fun way with products that have a high relevancy and universality like jeans,” Kokke said.

Being a European company, where sustainability is a hot topic in the media, G-Star realizes it is under the watchful eye of consumers calling for brands to act responsibly. Kokke said consumers want to know where a product is made and have the opportunity to make informed choices. As a result, G-Star has integrated a ‘where-is-it-made’ button in its online store to find out in which factory the product is made, one of several ways the brand aims to become more transparent.

“We see that our customers expect G-Star products to be of high quality, fashionable and well crafted, and buy our products primarily for their unique look and feel. But at the same time, they do seek the assurance of knowing that the clothing they choose is manufactured in a socially and environmentally responsible way,” Kokke said.

Carved in Blue: What, in your opinion, is the best denim city? Maaike: Amsterdam, where G-Star was born and our HQ is still located.

Carved in Blue: What was your first job in the fashion industry? Maaike: I have always been working in corporate responsibility, and when I started to work for G-Star almost six years ago, I had the chance to start in fashion.

Carved in Blue: Dark wash or light wash? Maaike: Raw, dark wash.

Carved in Blue: Who is your environmental hero? Maaike: Pharrell Williams. He uses his fame to create awareness and also does a lot for social and environmental sustainability outside of the spotlights.

Carved in Blue: What is your favorite part of your job? Maaike: The great thing about working in sustainability is that you are building on something positive, collaborating instead of competing with other stakeholders, such as other brands, in the textile industry.

Carved in Blue: What does “Carved in Blue” mean to you? Maaike: The unlimited possibilities of denim.

Tags:

#CarvedInBlue #G-Star #denim

Mindful of your carbon footprint? Eco-lifestyle is going to be even more achievable than ever! From now till 2030, the Lenzing Group, mother of the TENCEL™ brand, will drastically reduce its CO₂ emissions by 50%. With an investment of EUR 100 million, Lenzing and TENCEL™ will work with partners to reduce carbon footprint together.

Since the introduction of the TENCEL™ brand in 2018, the push for the fashion industry to go green has been growing. With a co-branding partner portfolio that ranges from Ted Baker London, Victoria’s Secret to Mara Hoffman and Levi’s, TENCEL™’s stride towards carbon neutral will not only enable consumers to “feel so right”, but also pave the way for a greener world of fashion.

For more information about Lenzing Group’s commitment to becoming the first carbon neutral fiber producer in the world, please refer to https://www.lenzing.com/newsroom/press-releases/press-release/article/lenzing-group-to-become-the-first-carbon-neutral-f/. For more information about the TENCEL™ brand, please visit https://www.tencel.com/.

Navigating the challenges of the first half of 2020 has led many businesses to adapt their way of working, but for the TENCEL™ brand, it has strengthened our commitment to driving sustainability for an eco-friendly future. As part of our dedication to protecting our planet, we are always excited to partner with like-minded fabric suppliers or supply chain partners who share the same vision and want to make a difference for the better. Our recent collaboration with Design Knit, weavers of eco-responsible fabric, is another great example of an inspiring brand who want to create consciously.

Founded in Los Angeles since 1986, Design Knit is dedicated to designing high-quality knit fabrics for contemporary, athleisure wear, sportswear, and loungewear. When crafting their fabric, exceptional quality, innovation and sustainability are always top of mind for the company.

To achieve their goals, Design Knit work closely with supply chain partners who also value sustainability without compromise to product quality, which is exactly why the TENCEL™ brand and Design Knit have built a strong partnership. Derived from sustainable wood sources, TENCEL™ branded fibers are produced environmentally with high efficiency and low environmental impact and the biodegradable fibers fully revert back to nature. Through our partnership, Design Knit can offer more eco-responsible fabrics to designers, thus positively transforming the textile industry.

Pat Tabassi, Product Development and Marketing Manager of Design Knit, said: “We always strive to look for innovative fabric solutions. This requires strong relationships and collaborations with our partners (such as Lenzing) as well as a deep desire to truly understand the importance of circularity. This is why REFIBRA™ technology was of particular interest to us. Upcycling cotton scraps from the garment manufacturing process and mixing them with wood pulp to produce new TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers is a great solution for reducing waste. It offers us the opportunity to create eco-responsible fabric options, while continuing to offer high quality, design-driven products.”

To further their efforts and armed with the knowledge that new designers often find it difficult to source quality knit fabrics locally, without high minimum quantity restrictions, Design Knit launched its STUDIO DK showroom last July. The showroom aims to offer eco-responsible fabrics to designers with flexibility on the quantity purchased making it easier for them to launch their collections.


At Lenzing, we know the negative impacts of the last few months have been challenging for many, but for nature, the restriction in human movement has seen a swift reduction in worldwide pollution emissions, and cleaner oceans. It seems that the planet is slowly recovering, and these encouraging changes motivate us to continue to put our best foot forward, staying committed to finding ways to create a more sustainable world. By partnering with more fabric suppliers or supply chain partners, like Design Knit, who share the same values, and with each other’s support, we will continue to strengthen the fashion community and nurture a more eco-friendly society.

Over six months into the outbreak of COVID-19, the economic impacts of the pandemic across all industries have now become apparent. In the fashion segment, high-street stores have been massively affected by the decrease in consumption, with Zara and H&M announcing large-scale store closedowns recently. On top of this, as consumers are becoming more eco-conscious, the global fashion industry had also been confronted by concerns surrounding its sustainability.

In light of this, the TENCEL™ brand is now introducing “TENCEL™ Insights”, a newsletter series featuring conversations with textile industry experts to discuss trends, insights and opportunities in the post-pandemic world. “TENCEL™ Insights” will cover various segments in the textile industry, ranging from home textiles, intimate wear, everyday ready-to-wear, functional clothing and footwear to denim.

To kick-start the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, we will first take a look at the overall change the textile industry is now experiencing with Florian Heubrandner, Vice President Global Business Management Textiles at Lenzing AG.

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Q: How has COVID-19 re-shaped fashion and textile? What other changes are you expecting for the industry?

Florian: The textile industry has been undergoing many changes over the past few years, even before the pandemic hit. For instance, in recent years, we have witnessed an increasing number of brands trying to enhance sustainability and transparency in their supply chains.

As more industry practitioners realize the need for greater transparency and sustainability, established industry indicators like the Higg Index and Canopy’s Hot Button Ranking have been receiving more attention. Very soon, fast fashion will be replaced with a new era of sustainable fashion in the textile industry ecosystem that values higher quality.

While COVID-19 is affecting global economies, it has been a wake-up call to many. More consumers now realize the detrimental impact “business as usual” has on the environment. This prompts accelerated change among consumers towards thinking more sustainably. We have already observed that many consumers are more likely to pay closer attention to their consumption patterns and make more conscious shopping decisions as we recover from the pandemic.

With such change, fashion brands are yet to face the new challenges brought about by the lack of transparency in their supply chains as they try to add sustainable products to their collections. At the same time, it could also be costly for less experienced fabric mills or brands to commit to eco-products, when the whole industry is under pressure to reduce production costs.

Q: In view of these challenges, what has TENCEL™ been doing to support business partners?

Florian: Lenzing has been in this industry for over 80 years, and to us, building and sustaining long-term relationships with industry partners and customers is key to our success. As we face the global pandemic alongside partners and customers, we are committed to facilitating business recovery, where our ultimate goal is to help brands move towards a more competitive and sustainable business model. In order to achieve this, instead of being a mere supplier of fiber materials, we also hold discussions with partners and customers on how to best source high quality raw materials for their sustainable collections.

For instance, with limited experience and low levels of transparency along the supply chain, some brands are unsure about whether the fabric mills or spinners they work with can really provide sustainable solutions. This is where we step in as an industry consultant to deliver added value to brands through connecting them with the right partners who also commit to sustainable products. This could help brands save time and cost while identifying the perfect sustainable partners in their supply chain.

At Lenzing, we are committed to producing high quality sustainable fibers, including fibers made from recycled materials. Additionally, our partnership with TextileGenesis™, a pioneering blockchain fiber tracing system, can help brand partners achieve transparency across their supply chains at ease. Our pilot project with Hong Kong-based brand Chicks last year was a great success, as we were able to drive data integrity and demonstrate ease of technology use for the brand.

Lenzing Transparency Map on TextileGenesis™platform

Q: As the world looks towards an eco-friendlier post-pandemic world, what are your three top tips for incorporating sustainability into our daily routine?

Florian: As we start thinking about returning to our everyday lives, I think everyone can find their own little ways to be more sustainable on a daily basis. There are a few things that I usually try to do. Instead of driving my car all the time, I opt for public transport, cycling or walking whenever possible. Secondly, I try to “eat consciously”, and go for more organic or sustainable food options – which I find often taste better too. Thirdly, to reduce waste, I go for quality garments that last longer rather than low quality clothing that needs more frequent replacing.

Jos Berry is Founder and Creative Director of Concepts Paris, the world’s leading lingerie and beachwear design source. With over 30 years’ experience, Jos is dedicated to bringing her inspiring ideas to every piece of lingerie she designs. In recent years, Jos partnered with TENCEL™ Luxe on her loungewear collections to bring a new dimension to eco-couture and eco-lingerie.

In a two-part series, we engage in conversation with Jos on the partnership and her insights on sustainability in the fashion industry. Part one will feature Jos’ thoughts about TENCEL™ Luxe and the story behind her partnership with the brand. This will be followed by part two, where Jos will share her views on the top five industry trends for upcoming seasons, and how the industry needs to prepare for transformation to a new model – sustainable fashion. She will also offer her observations on consumers’ perceptions of the textile industry during the COVID-19 crisis.

Jos Berry

Q: Why did you choose TENCEL ™ Luxe filament yarns for your loungewear designs?

Jos: TENCEL™ Luxe branded filaments perfectly matched our needs, at a time where sustainable fabrics are so widely called for. Alongside the eco-benefits, we were looking for fabric that really stood out from the other eco-friendly options in the market, one that has a luxurious touch. When I was first introduced to the TENCEL™ Luxe brand, I already knew that the fabric would work wonderfully on beautiful silky designs and I instantly fell in love with it! Smooth to the touch with exquisite appeal and a delicate sheen, TENCEL™ Luxe branded filaments were an excellent sustainable alternative for my loungewear materials.

For many still in lockdown throughout the crisis, comfort remains a top consideration for apparel shoppers, so I see great potential for TENCEL™ Luxe filaments, particularly at a time when consumer demand for comfortable clothes is growing.

Q: Why did you choose to partner with Lenzing? What are the advantages of TENCEL™ Luxe filament?

Jos: Well, I have to say it’s largely because of Lenzing’s credibility as a pioneer in the industry, having invested in sustainable solutions for many years. After all, Lenzing is an Austrian company which has been developing eco-friendly solutions for over 80 years, with a culture deeply rooted in sustainability. To me, the advantages of TENCEL™ branded fibers extend beyond their high quality, it’s about trust. In a market that is still growing, it is enormously powerful to have a trusted product launched by a leading company.

The fact that Lenzing has taken great strides in technology innovation and research, following the strictest environmental standards, gives me confidence of the credibility of TENCEL™ branded fibers. When it comes to the origins of the fibers, we fully trust the sources Lenzing adopts are biodegradable and natural.

Moreover, the practical functionalities of the filaments also stand out. What I really love about TENCEL™ Luxe filament is its feel, which is incredibly pleasant, silky and smooth. It also weighs more than silk and can therefore produce better drape effects.

Q: What is the story or inspiration behind the design pieces that you have created?

Jos: I have been in the industry for over 30 years and seen an enormous change in women’s demand. Lately, the quality of garments and the lifecycle of purchases is of paramount importance. Everyone is already talking about durability and quality. At this point I often wonder: what’s next?

This is where the idea of versatility comes into my designs. Garments for the next generation of women need to adapt to our increasingly flexible schedules and be wearable on different occasions. They should be easy to take care of, whether dressing up or down and be easy to pack along with the rest of their luggage. Garments need to have an enormous scope in the ways they can serve women.

Another dimension of versatility is inclusivity, the ability to serve women of all ethnicities, body shapes and ages. Therefore, we developed the “typical hybrid collection” which includes versatile products that can be worn on different occasions by women of any age.

Photo credit: Jos Berry

Q: How would you describe TENCEL ™ Luxe in five words?

Jos: I would say that TENCEL™ Luxe branded filament is versatile, luxurious, essential, flexible and unique.

Versatility and flexibility can be reflected in the wide range of applications that TENCEL™ Luxe filaments support. What I enjoy the most about these wood-based fibers is how seamlessly they blend with other luxurious materials including silk, cashmere or wool, producing fabrics with diverse functionality.

Luxurious to the touch, TENCEL™ Luxe filaments are essential for meeting industry standards such as comfort and versatility. Here we have TENCEL ™ Luxe blended with micro Modal, which weaves into the most delicate and soft fabrics. At the same time, the filaments are excellent for yoga wear, underwear, as well as lounge wear with its stretchiness. Finally, when it comes to being unique, TENCEL™ Luxe filaments stands out from other existing materials with their special environmental benefits and all-round unique functionality.

Q: What do you think of the TENCEL ™ Luxe image?

Jos: I think TENCEL™ Luxe is a relatively young brand in the industry and consumers, but there is a lot of potential for it to win in the market. This is because TENCEL™ Luxe filaments offer the exact qualities that the industry is demanding right now – something sustainable and functional. I am also eager to see TENCEL™ Luxe putting out a print collection, which am sure will bring in new creative ideas to the industry.

We, as designers, never cease to stop looking for creative ways to bring our brands to life. Therefore, it is important for the TENCEL™ brand team to communicate and cooperate with more brands and designers and introduce them to more choices in raw materials, not only for the silky feel and natural origin, but also for the saturated and long-lasting color vibrancy. By partnering with like-minded brands, I believe the TENCEL™ Luxe brand will have a brilliant future.

Stay tuned for the second part of this story, where we continue our conversation with Jos on industry trends and sustainability transformation in the fashion industry.

Photo credit: Jos Berry

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Click HERE to read the second part of the interview.

The ZALORA Basics capsule offers 44 styles, and is live on the site now.

ZALORA has launched its first collection from sustainable materials under the ZALORA Basics label, in collaboration with TENCEL™, the specialty fiber brand for textile . The capsule is made up of stylish classics with an updated twist, and aims to encourage customers to shop fashion more consciously.

ZALORA Basics’ with TENCEL™ branded fibers collection offers 44 styles, including tops, bottoms, dresses, jumpsuits, a hijab and a turban. TENCEL™ fibers originate from the renewable raw material wood, and are certified compostable and biodegradable, thus able to fully revert back to nature. TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers have a commendable reputation for their responsible sourcing of raw material from sustainably managed forests, and their closed-loop production process which transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibres with high resource efficiency and low environmental impact.

“Southeast Asia's fashion ecosystem is now growing rapidly - thanks to the rise of digital technology and e-commerce platforms. Moreover, we're also starting to see a rising trend in sustainable fashion products. We are thrilled to have partnered with a vibrant and dazzling brand like Zalora. Together, we can pave the way to a greener future of fashion industry, and embracing the opportunity to fulfill consumers' demand, who have been longing for fashion item that is good for them and the Earth, too.” said Mariam Tania, Marketing and Branding Manager for Lenzing Group, Southeast Asia and Oceania. Lenzing Group is the producer of TENCEL™ fibers.

Giulio Xiloyannis, ZALORA’s Chief Commercial Officer, added, “At ZALORA we are committed to promote sustainability in the region and to shape a sustainable fashion ecosystem. As part of our sustainability strategy, we strive to offer our customers a large choice of sustainable fashion, beginning with our ZALORA Basics label. This collection made with TENCEL™ fibers is the first step for our own in house labels to make sustainable fashion accessible to our customers, in hopes of educating and inspiring more conscious fashion consumption.”

The ZALORA Basics capsule collection with TENCEL™ fiber assures consumers that their fashion choices have lower impacts on the environment. TENCEL™ fiber is gentle on skin, breathable, retains colour, and manages moisture to repel unfavourable bacterial growth. Comprising both Lyocell and Modal, TENCEL™ fiber boasts comfort in softness and luster, while flattering figures with its smooth drape silhouette.

ZALORA recently announced its sustainability strategy, and intends in 2020 through 2025 to inspire consumers to make sustainable fashion choices while driving a circular fashion movement in the region. ZALORA’s commitment to shaping a sustainable fashion ecosystem includes minimising the environmental impact and encouraging social and environmental improvement in the supply chain through ethical sourcing. The ZALORA Basics TENCEL™ fibers collection delivers the promise of an annual capsule made of sustainable materials within the private label, with consequent efforts to follow as part of our commitment to continuously increase the use of sustainable materials in our products.

ZALORA Basics with TENCEL™ fibers capsule collection is available now on https://www.zalora.com.my/women/zalora-basics/.

Historically, industry discussions around innerwear have not been as significant as general apparel. However, this is now changing and it is clear that the market has much bigger potential than first imagined. Innerwear refers to clothes that come into direct contact with our skin, from categories like underwear such as bras, panties, boxers, etc., lounge wear such as knit tops and bottoms, tank tops, t-shirts to, of course, socks! In fact, innerwear is a booming industry. According to a report from Euromonitor, the global innerwear market was estimated to be worth USD 505 billion in 2019 with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3 percent from 2018 to 2023.

The impact of COVID-19 across the globe has seen an increase in the amount of time consumers spend at home. With less time spent outside of the house, the need to dress fashionably has been taken over by the desire to dress simply and comfortably while at home. This has resulted in an increased need for quality innerwear, as consumers seek comfortable, sustainable and durable products with a longer lifespan.

As part of the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, we sat down with Judy Chen, Head of Global Business Development, Innerwear at Lenzing, to discuss the current standing of the innerwear segment and emerging trends amid COVID-19.

Judy Chen, Head of Global Business Development, Innerwear at Lenzing

Q: With the outbreak of COVID-19 this year, what changes have you observed in the innerwear industry? What are the new industry trends?

Judy: The pandemic has brought about several lifestyle shifts. We know that consumers are now spending more time at home due to quarantine restrictions, so comfort has become a key consideration for many when it comes to home and innerwear. Home workouts are a great example of a new, but now common habit for many, so clothing materials and designs that fit our daily needs are of utmost importance. Consumers want products that are multi-functional – for example, a comfortable bra that can be worn even for low-intensity workouts like yoga or Pilates.

In fact, sports bras that are easy to wear on any occasion can offer added value to consumers, who are making more conscious purchasing decisions. If the fabrics are soft-stretch, breathable and anti-odor, that increases their appeal. In terms of fashion and style, consumers are gearing towards the “less is more” concept and prioritizing comfort over style. The past few months have also pushed consumers towards being more conscious of the environment and its protection, guiding them to make more sustainable garment choices such as considering factors like durability and longevity.

With retail outlets closed, consumers are being temporarily moved to online shopping platforms. For innerwear brands and retailers, this creates a challenge as consumers often want to make sure their innerwear fits perfectly. Without being able to try on their garments before buying, consumers may be hindered from making their purchases online. As a result, the innerwear industry is now promoting the idea of “one size fits all” - a design that is so versatile and adaptable, that it can fit many different shapes and sizes, with a softer stretch. I believe that this smart-sizing idea is going to penetrate traditional innerwear designs as e-commerce prevails, and as people look to avoid the hassle of returning clothing. Simplified sizing will not only minimize returns, but will boost confidence in online innerwear purchases, which traditionally have been lagging behind the wider apparel category.

Q: Given the current situation, what are the changes in consumer behavior and what are some of the challenges that lie ahead for the innerwear sector?

Judy: During this economic downturn, consumers have been more cautious with their spending and have less of a tendency to “impulse buy”. Carefully thought-out purchases lead consumers to looking for high-quality products that are value for money. They now opt for products that are not just comfortable, but also come with good support and will not easily wear out. There is a demand for products that offer freedom of movement and exceptional fabrics for everyday wear. Therefore, being able to use new technologies to innovate with sustainable materials and new product design while maintaining reasonable costs is key. This should be a clear goal for all industry players.

Photo credit: Holy*Holy

Jos Berry is Founder and Creative Director of Concepts Paris, the world’s leading lingerie and beachwear design source. With over 30 years’ experience, Jos is dedicated to bringing her inspiring ideas to every piece of lingerie she designs. In recent years, Jos partnered with TENCEL™ Luxe on her latest loungewear collection to bring a new dimension to eco-couture and eco-lingerie.

In this two-part series, we engage in conversation with Jos on the partnership and her insights on sustainability in the fashion industry. Part one saw Jos talk about her thoughts on TENCEL™ Luxe and the story behind her partnership with the brand. In this second part, Jos will share her views on the top five industry trends for upcoming seasons, and how the industry needs to prepare for transformation to a new model – sustainable fashion. She will also offer her observations on consumers’ perceptions of the textile industry during the COVID-19 crisis.

Jos Berry

Q: How is sustainable fashion going to evolve and do you think the industry is prepared? What are the essential elements that designers or brands need to consider?

Jos: Sustainable fashion will certainly revolutionize the industry. Led by leading luxury brands, the concept of sustainability has been weaved into the strategy of many fashion houses. However, achieving the ultimate goal of sustainable fashion as the industry norm, requires all-round effort, not just at the product level but in everything a brand does such as internal policy and social responsibility.

Winning trust is an important aspect that brands should take note of during this transformation. With more knowledge and interest surrounding the subject, consumers are easily capable of identifying truly sustainable corporations. It’s easy to lose trust, but winning it back can be difficult, so showing sincerity to the industry and to consumers that you care about the environment and taking real action to help achieve a sustainable world, goes a long way.

Q: What do you think will be the top fashion trends for 2020?

Jos: The top trends will surround the elements of sustainable comfort, easy to wear and new luxury in fashion. As social distancing measures continue in many countries, demand for casual clothing will remain high. On top of that, we also expect consumers will be seeking new twists in traditional casual clothing, something different, perhaps an interesting new look, something that is more sensual, a luxurious product or one that is eco-friendly.

The second trend is activewear, where new materials and designs are popping up to make sportswear more diverse and fit for different occasions. As I mentioned before, garments that look after consumer’s basic needs and beyond are in high demand, like a versatile piece of clothing suitable for different occasions, for example. In recent years, activewear such as track suits, sports bra and yoga pants are seen not only in gyms, but also as a daily fashion item that can be mixed and matched for different styles.

Romantic and vintage styles, along with print designs are up-and-coming trends, ones that I have already seen frequently on Parisian streets. I think almost every woman in Paris has some kind of romantic print or maxi dress in their wardrobe right now.

Lastly, a sense of sexiness and freedom will be highly favored as people come out of confinement. It is not difficult to understand why there is an urge to look nice, as people have not seen each other for a long time. They want to express themselves and connect with nature through sexy, light and sensual clothing.

Photo credit: Jos Berry

Q: With most of the world still dealing with lockdown measures, how do you think consumer perception or preference towards textile products will evolve? Have you observed any significant changes so far?

Jos: Yes, I have noticed some changes during this difficult period. When the first lockdown orders were put in place, I found that people felt more comfortable talking about what they were wearing and what made them feel more comfortable. For example, I heard lots of women saying, “I don’t wear bras anymore” or “I’m only wearing my jogging clothes”. This rise in comfortable clothing has been further heightened as remote working becomes the new norm, with most communications conducted online, even in places where the lockdown has eased.

Nevertheless, the desire to “dress up” for many still exist, though it’s worth noting that dressing up has been redefined in the last few months. Something that’s comfortable yet classy and represents home leisure with a unique touch has become increasingly popular, creating a new trend of loungewear. Consumers are looking for something that’s easy to wear and high quality but with character. I know for instance, that one of the successes of Isimiaki was the “Pleats, Please” collection, made especially for working artistic women such as architects, where buyers could rely on the comfort and unique designs of the products. I remember being at an art exhibition opening, with its wonderful artsy crowd and suddenly realizing that half of the women were wearing Isimiaki – what an incredible acknowledgment to a great collection!

Q: In a nutshell, what do you like most about the collaboration with Lenzing and working with TENCEL ™ Luxe filament?

Jos: What I enjoyed most about this partnership was the new perspectives that were brought to me. Though my usual work as a designer differs greatly from a fiber manufacturer, the collaboration was an incredible opportunity to understand more about what’s happening along the fashion supply chain. This forced me to become more aware of my duties as a designer, realizing that I am not only responsible for creating garment silhouettes, but much more. Production methods and raw materials used in my designs, as well as the social-economic factors of fashion, such as how people dress and what is happening in the market, are also of paramount importance.

I especially enjoy working with fiber manufacturers like Lenzing, with their solid background and experience in the industry. Knowing that Lenzing has over 80 years of experience in the field, I trust in their expertise and can learn more about pioneering technologies and eco-friendly fibers. After all, we are all family, belonging to the same industry and it is our duty to join hands and turn what once might have seemed impossible into the future of the fashion industry.

This is the second part of a two-part series discussing Jos Berry’s take on the sustainable fashion industry. Read part one HERE and watch the full interview video with Jos HERE.

Photo credit: Jos Berry

A recent survey on circular economy showed that consumers are now ready to go as far as dropping a brand based on their perception of the environmental credentials of the brand. In the denim segment, brands are responding to this, offering an increased selection of sustainable products. From Q1 2018 to 2020, the number of individual denim styles appearing online doubled from just over 1,400 to almost 2,800. As the impact of coronavirus sweeps through different industries, how can denim brands strive forward and pivot towards sustainability?

As part of the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, we spoke with Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development for Denim at Lenzing, to discuss changing consumer demands in the denim segment amid COVID-19 and ways that brands adapt to the change.

Q: Why is sustainability important in the denim industry?

Tricia: The environmental impact of denim has been widely discussed over the past few years, supplemented by data on purchasing patterns that prove how consumers care about sustainability. As consumers continue to regard sustainability as an important consideration during purchasing, it is now time for denim brands to develop stronger social standards and lower the industry’s environmental impact. In addition, as COVID-19 hits the global economy, consumers have become increasingly careful and selective with their decisions, resulting in greater prioritization towards companies which adopt a more responsible production process.

On an industry supply network level, we have seen greater interest and commitment among fabric mills to promote sustainable raw materials. For instance, more fabric mills are seeking to increase usage of biodegradable materials or recycled materials in their fabric, like TENCEL™ fibers produced with REFIBRA™ technology, which not only ensure comfort, but also enhance the sustainability of denim.

Denim has stood the test of time and will continue to evolve using the best available technology and innovation. Today’s denim has reinvented preconceptions around fiber, construction, weight, and design. Modern denim now represents the temperament and lifestyle of global citizens, as well as our love for our Planet.

Q: What are the challenges that lie ahead for the denim industry amid COVID-19? How should the segment plan to move forward?

Tricia: As discussions on sustainability become more complex across the industry in light of COVID-19, so too has the vocabulary surrounding environmental responsibility given the benefits observed from significantly reduced emissions and pollution during worldwide quarantines. With the industry’s multiple indexes and benchmarks, plus numerous technological advances and organizations enlisted to monitor this, it can be a challenge to stay up to speed. On the operational side, we are also facing a series of challenges such as continual social change, enhancing inclusivity, and COVID-19 recovery.

In general, many brands are still struggling with responsible consumption and production, as is the case across all apparel segments. We can no longer continue to measure success and growth through a brand’s production levels or number of sales. The entire supply network needs to address ways to reduce the environmental impact and improve social standards. Embracing sustainable raw materials is just the beginning. We would need to drive more in-depth discussions about broader aspects of sustainability, including transparency of production, waste management, upcycling, recycling, traceability, and more.

Q: How is Lenzing addressing the problem?

Tricia: We seek to educate the supply chain network about the latest standards and issues surrounding sustainability. Education is essential for brands to enable them to properly define sustainability and understand their supply chain practices, in order to review them accordingly once operations return to normal. At Lenzing, we consider ways to reduce the environmental impact, bringing greater value through discussing the benefits of our wood-based TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers, as well as connecting various supply chain stakeholders.

We are using our platform – Carved in Blue, to connect, inspire and collaborate. We have been hosting conversations with participants from the global denim community to ask how they feel about the changes. Most recently, we hosted a series of talks with female leaders in the segment on how they are navigating the pandemic and seeking progress in the denim industry.

We also value working with like-minded companies, such as Banana Republic, Country Road, Guess and Levis, who have goals similar to ours. One of our mill partners, Candiani Denim, was awarded for their achievement in developing an authentic denim fabric using no new cotton materials, illustrating how the adoption of new environmentally responsible materials will soon be the norm in the industry.

Photo credit: Candiani Denim

Photo credit: Candiani Denim

The environmental impact of the production of home textiles often receives much less attention than that of apparel, despite both falling under the ‘textile’ family. With the worth of the global home textiles market anticipated to reach USD$133.4 billion by 2025, ignoring its environmental effects will undermine the overall sustainability movement across the fashion and textile industry.

As part of the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, we spoke to Ebru Bayramoglu, Head of Global Business, Manager of the Home & Interior segment at Lenzing, on the impact of Covid-19 on the home textile segment, and outlined what some of the key challenges facing the home product markets are following recovery.

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Q: Why is sustainability important in the home textiles segment?

Ebru: As part of the textiles industry, home products contribute to the 1.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions that the textile industry creates every year. While observing trends in the fashion industry, one of the key findings was the rise in consumer awareness around the environmental impact of the home textiles segment and its contribution to pollution. To respond to the everchanging demands of consumers, now is the time for home products producers to recognize the importance of sustainability and act on it in a timely and responsible way.

Q: In what ways has the outbreak of COVID-19 changed the home segment?

Ebru: Lockdown regulations across the world have seen more people spending time at home. Alongside the rising demand for loungewear, consumers are paying more attention to the quality and comfort of their home textiles products. At the same time, economic uncertainty has led to reduced income and spending ability for some, which has pushed many consumers to buy smart and seek better value products that have a longer lifespan.

Besides the change in consumer habits, perhaps one of the most interesting observations of the pandemic is the benefit it has had on the environment, encouraging consumers to be more mindful of the natural world around them. For many, this trigger has led to wiser purchasing decisions and a greater demand for eco-friendly products that can help safeguard the planet.

At the roots of these new trends, consumers are now searching for products with high quality, exquisite touch, and above all, sustainability. At Lenzing, we are expecting greater demand from retail brands for eco-friendly fibers, as more of them will make the switch to meet the new consumer demands. We will continue to do our part by pushing innovation and presenting quality TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers for applications across the segment.

Q: What are some of the key challenges for home textile brands in furthering their sustainability efforts?

Ebru: The home textile segment has a slower innovation cycle than other textile segments. Unlike apparel, which is an extremely time-sensitive industry, trends in bedding, curtains and towels do not change every season. This slower innovation cycle means that the home textiles industry must make a greater effort to catch up to other evolving sustainability trends.

In general, home textile brands tend to wait longer for new products and benefits to be introduced and implemented into the home market, including those related to sustainability. With less eco-friendly resources and materials available in the market, the voice of sustainability in home textiles is less amplified than that of the apparel industry.

At the same time, despite the surging demand for environmentally-friendly home products, not many consumers are aware of how raw materials make a big difference when determining the sustainability of a product. The industry as a whole should actively connect with consumers to discuss raw materials, to give them a more comprehensive idea of what “sustainability” entails.

Mumbai, 19 July 2020: TENCEL™, the textile specialty fiber brand under Lenzing, has announced its partnership with the textile and garment major Arvind Ltd. and have recently launched a collection of trendy, stylish sustainable shirts and suiting for men. Quarantine clothing goes green with the perfect balance of comfort and performance. Made using superior fabrics consisting of TENCEL™ branded fibers, The Arvind x TENCEL™ collection allows customers to make a conscious choice and give back to the environment. This partnership marks a key milestone in the sustainability journey of TENCEL™ fibers that brings a good range for the menswear segment.

The current scenario has increased the focus on outfits which keep you comfortable through the day and this collection helps provide a good solution. The collection has been created with the utmost care and an eye for detail, allowing it to be worn across the year. It’s light, soft, biodegradable and it consumes less water and syncs well with trends and style. Features in workwear like softness and breathability which have been a key parameter for womenswear are now equally important for men as well, this is one of the key benefit male consumers can expect out of this range.

Customers looking to purchase this can visit arvind.nnnow.com or any of the 135 The Arvind Stores across India. The incredibly stylish yet comfortable collection is priced at a range of Rs. 1799 – Rs. 2299.

Commenting on the collaboration, Avinash Mane, Commercial Head, South Asia, Lenzing AG shared, “At Lenzing, we are always working closely with different partners to minimize the environmental footprint of the fashion industry and help consumers make conscious purchases. It is encouraging to see that Arvind, shares this value and is setting out to positively influence the community.”

Speaking about the collaboration, Pranav Dave, CMO – Arvind Limited mentioned, “From innovation in fibre to sustainability in fashion, Arvind has been revolutionizing the fashion industry and powering high-fashion brands across the world with continuous innovative offerings. Therefore, it was only natural for us to partner with TENCEL™ brand. Staying true to TENCEL™’s core promise- each garment is light and breathable with added performance features and at the same time is high on sustainability.

TENCEL™ branded fibers are derived from sustainably managed forests and manufactured using an award-winning closed-loop process that produces fibers with a significantly lower carbon footprint and thus helps lower the ecological balance. With features like smoothness, breathability, colour retention and biodegradability, this is the perfect alternative option for both brands and consumers moving towards eco-fashion.

‘Ready-to-wear’ garments are a key staple in fashion. At every fashion show, brands unveil their latest ready-to-wear collections. It is at these unique events that new fashion trends are defined. That being said, in recent years, the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry has been particularly highlighted worldwide, especially in the ‘ready-to-wear’ field. As the production of this type of apparel tends to be more material and labour intensive, it prompts modern manufacturers to cut expenses by using less sustainable fibers and moving production facilities to regions with lower costs – negatively impacting all areas of sustainability.

As part of the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, we talked to Hale Saraçoğlu, Head of Global Business Development, Fashion Ready to Wear at Lenzing Group, to get her thoughts on the latest ready-to-wear trends and discuss ways the industry can navigate through the challenges it is currently facing.

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Q: How do you define ‘ready-to-wear’ at Lenzing?

Hale: At Lenzing, ‘ready-to-wear’ essentially refers to tailored woven clothing that is suitable for everyday use. This could include dresses, blouses, skirts, trousers, shirts, cardigans, jackets and coats, that aren’t denim, jersey wear (underwear and home wear) or functional wear.

Q: What are the key raw materials often used in ‘ready-to-wear’ clothing?

Hale: When we look at the global fiber demand data for 2019, around 63% of the fibers are synthetic, followed by 25% being cotton and 7% being man-made cellulosic fibers (source: ICAC February 3rd, 2020, The Fiber Year Consulting, Lenzing data). The consumption of raw materials in the ‘ready-to-wear’ segment is expected to be similar. Currently, with the field dominated by non-biodegradable synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon and acrylic, which are often linked to pollution, it is important for the industry to consider sustainable alternatives. To this end, there is ample room for natural raw materials and cellulosic fibers – such as cotton, linen, wool and silk and hemp – to replace synthetics as natural blending partners with lyocell, modal or viscose.

Q: Amid COVID-19, what are the consumer trends or industry challenges you have observed over the past few months in the fashion industry?

Hale: Given the current ‘work from home’ situation imposed on many during COVID-19, the textile industry has observed an increased interest from designers, retailers and consumers alike on the functional benefits of different fibers and fabrics (or of their color dying/finishing processes), particularly in comfort and durability. As the world looks towards the much anticipated ‘new normal’ which may see an increase in flexible working arrangements, many are looking for high-quality clothing that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These highly sought-after garments have the added benefit of being long-lasting, an important consideration for many amid the global economic uncertainty fueled by COVID-19.

Besides comfort and durability, another major topic that has come to light during COVID-19 is climate change and the impact ‘business as usual’ had on the planet. Many discussions are being had across the world on the ‘silver lining’ of the pandemic – environmental recovery. Awareness among consumers on sustainability-related issues such as micro-plastics and overflowing landfills was already increasing prior to the pandemic. The recent events have only heightened this and highlighted the importance of comfortable and sustainable ‘ready-to-wear’ clothing to help mitigate the detrimental impact of ‘fast fashion’. Consumers must continue to drive this demand for greater supply chain transparency as it creates change within the fashion industry, encouraging brands, designers and manufacturers to make more sustainable decisions, rather than opting for synthetic fabrics in the name of competitive pricing. This drive will help address the pressing waste problem as 73% of garments end up in landfills (source: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation) and more than half of these garments made from synthetic materials may not biodegrade for hundreds of years.

Q: How can the ‘ready-to-wear’ industry address these trends or challenges post COVID-19?

Hale: As brands look ahead, they should take this time to consider how best to improve sustainability across their entire product supply chain and increase transparency to gain consumer trust. At Lenzing, we are eager to help the ‘ready-to-wear’ industry move towards greater sustainability with our TENCEL™ branded fiber offerings. These wood-based fibers are not only biodegradable, they also come with a range of features and functions such as being gentle on the skin, moisture management, long-lasting softness, color vibrancy, drape and enhanced breathability.

Blending with these highly versatile fibers can transform fabrics to enhance sustainability and define a new standard of natural comfort for consumers. Meanwhile, these fibers also provide a wide range of functions that are essential for ‘ready-to-wear’ products. For example, TENCEL™ branded fibers are ideal for women’s tops and dresses as they contain a luxurious sheen and are highly comfortable with moisture management and unmatched smoothness. On the same note, the fibers are also ideal for blending with cotton, a material often used in men’s shirts and chinos.

Most of the top 100 fashion brands have announced targets for 100% sustainable fibers target by 2025 [1], but less than 5% of those brands can trace their textile inputs to verify the sustainability credentials of the fiber producers. This help explain why the first ‘core priority for immediate implementation’ of the CEO Agenda (from Global Fashion Agenda) is supply chain traceability [2].

To address this pressing challenge, three sustainability pioneers in the fashion industry – Lenzing, ArmedAngels and Schneider – joined hands with TextileGenesis™ to create an unprecedented level of traceability. The fiber-to-retail traceability pilots covered 45 garment styles each containing LENZING™ ECOVERO™ specialty viscose fibers or AUTHENTICO® organic wool, from supply chains spanning six countries.

Using the innovative Fibercoin™ technology of the TextileGenesis™ platform, Lenzing, ArmedAngels, and Schneider were able to issue digital blockchain ‘assets’ (or tokens) in direct proportion to the physical shipments of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and Authentico® fibers. These digital tokens provide a unique ‘fingerprint’ and authentication mechanism, preventing adulteration and providing a secure, digital chain-of-custody across the entire textile value chain.

“We at ARMEDANGELS believe that sustainable products start with transparency. But product traceability in the textile supply chain can be quite a challenge. Our aim is always to make a difference. To find the best partners, to push boundaries together and find solutions! Cooperating with TextileGenesis™ and conducting two successful real-time blockchain-based traceability projects showed us that it is not only about sustainability, fraud protection, quantification and accountability, but also a true return on invest. Plus, the platform provides a true global language for supply chain tracking” says Martin Hoefler, CEO and Founder of ArmedAngels.

Lenzing has been at the forefront of the digital traceability and showcased a ‘first of a kind’ blockchain-enabled traceability for TENCEL™ branded fibers at the Hong Kong fashion summit last year. “The objective of this pilot was to demonstrate scalability across all generation of wood-based cellulosic fibers and therefore we chose LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers – the most sustainable viscose - for traceability. We believe that traceability and sustainability are deeply interconnected, and as market pioneers we are paving the way for the rest of the industry. The combination of physical markers in LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and the supply chain traceability on TextileGenesis™ creates the industry’s most comprehensive fiber assurance mechanism – brands can be fully sure they actually receive when they pay for Lenzing’s sustainable fibers” says Robert van de Kerkhof, CCO and Board member of Lenzing. In Q4 2020, Lenzing will roll out TextileGenesis™ globally for its TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers portfolio.

Schneider Group – industry’s leading wool tops producer – demonstrated complete farm to retail traceability for its AUTHENTICO® program (a sustainable wool program with deep engagement among sheep-growers in Australia, New Zealand and Argentina).

“Schneider led the way with Organic wool tops production and carbon neutral wool offering, and is again paving the way for the wool industry to an unprecedented level of traceability. Our AUTHENTICO® wool program is unique due to its grass-root engagement with growers, and we wanted to offer the possibility for brands to have the complete supply chain visibility for AUTHENTICO® wool. The pilots with TextileGenesis™ demonstrates the scalability of the technology across the supply chain and creates an innovative way to offer complete assurance to brands and consumers” says Jeffrey Losekoot CEO of The Schneider Group.

TextileGenesis™is an industry-leading traceability platform for the fashion industry and invented Fibercoins™ technology (patent pending). It’s a global network of sustainable fiber producers, leading brands, and key industry organizations to accelerate the adoption of fiber-to-retail traceability. “Fashion & textile is one of the most fragmented industries resulting in highly opaque supply chains. Our focus from the beginning has been to build a truly scalable fiber-to-retail traceability platform for the industry. In five years, we believe that majority of top 100 brands will only source sustainable and traceable textile raw materials” says Amit Gautam, CEO & Founder of TextileGenesis™.

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[1] TextileGenesis™ market research into top 100 brands

[2] https://globalfashionagenda.com/ceo-agenda-2020/#traceability

In recent years, functionality has become a new trend in fashion. Apparel is not only expected to look good but should also deliver specific functional benefits to the wearer and provide pleasant wearing comfort. Clothing that started as functional accessories for sporting activities has quickly become staple features in everyday wardrobes. Take athleisure as an example– yoga pants are now essentials for many ladies.

As part of the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, we spoke to Birgit Schnetzlinger, Head of Global Business Development Functional Wear at Lenzing, on the impact of COVID-19 on the functional wear segment and outlined some of the key observations and learnings from the global pandemic.

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Q: When it comes to functional wear, what special features are consumers looking into and how does sustainability play a role in this?

Birgit: When we talk about functional wear, the scope ranges from athleisure to outdoor to high-performance sportswear for apparel and shoes. Consumers are looking for different features in different areas. If we want to put them under one umbrella, respect for nature and environmental sustainability is important, People love to do sports in nature, and they also now have higher awareness to combat climate change and lower CO₂ emissions

Secondly, it comes as a “feel good feature” because consumers who purchase sportswear want to feel good in their bodies. Since skin is the largest organ in the body, they want to wear clothes that feel comfortable and that allow their skin to breathe through their clothes.

These key features are now especially important when it comes to COVID-19, as we see more people working from home and working out from home. More consumers are looking for comfortable, high-quality and sustainable clothes.

Q: Do you notice any differences in consumer preference or interest regarding functional wear products’ performance, quality or sustainability during COVID-19?

Birgit: A general observation is that many brands have good online platforms that can capture a lot of user data. With many purchases being made online during the pandemic, the typical buying criteria, such as touch and feel cannot be evaluated easily. Since such information is important, it is vital for brands to have adequate product descriptions on their website. This now provides brands with the opportunity to highlight features of quality products, such as those made with TENCEL™ branded fibers, which are credible for its environmental benefits. For example, brands can communicate more on comparison testing. because functional buyers like to analyse and compare different products. Transparency is important to young consumers as they are eager to understand where the product is coming from. This is also something easier to achieve through online selling channels, where information can be displayed more systematically.

Q: How do you think consumers are responding to the sustainability efforts adopted by the functional wear industry?

Birgit: What we can see in today's consumers is that they want more concrete benefits and reassurances. Greenwashing has been around for years so there is definitely a greater demand for transparency. Consumers believe that it is the responsibility of brands to uphold transparency and improve the practices of their suppliers. This will be a long journey, and for the textile industry, we are just at the beginning.

If we look at the food industry, for instance, it has become a norm for supermarkets to offer organic foods when this was not the common practice a few years ago. Food labelling has become a norm and I believe it will be the same for the textile industry with sustainability being a part of every collection.

It will take some time, but I believe this is the direction we are heading now, as there are more consumers demanding for sustainable clothing and there are also many brands who want to make an impact. The demand for testing and transparency has come from consumers, particularly consumers that advocate for nature. We also noticed the younger generation is already more sustainability-oriented.

Q: In light of COVID-19, have you noticed changes in preference among manufacturers or brands?

Birgit: Absolutely. What I see is a growing interest in sustainability and an increasing number of inquiries for sustainable and circular solutions. With the intense development and progress made in sustainable innovation, I believe within the next few years there will be a noticeable increase in sustainable products, partly due to people having more time during COVID-19 to observe the changes within the environment and educate themselves on raw materials.

We have seen upsurge discussion and interaction on this trend during COVID-19, so we believe sustainability will continue to gain more awareness. People are now looking for brands with local and flexible supply chain partners, as this has been highlighted as an important consideration during COVID-19 given dependency from other countries can affect logistics. Also, people now began looking more towards the functional elements of clothing, rather than getting rid of them.

Q: Do you see any challenges for brands or manufacturers for incorporating sustainability into their daily operations? What actions do you recommend for them to drive sustainability?

Birgit: As many brands are now suffering economic difficulties due to the pandemic, some may delay their sustainability innovations.

To incorporate sustainability into daily operations, overall reduction is always the main goal. Brands or manufacturer should first look to reduce the waste problem, review product design and push to eliminate overproduction. They should also lower energy usage by minimising logistics. What we can already see today is an increasing interest in local sourcing, using supply chain partners in the same region to reduce carbon footprint and shorten time-to-market. The ultimate goal for everyone is to reduce the environmental impact, including pollution and water usage.

• Lenzing’s Global Consumer Perception Survey on Sustainable Raw Materials in Fashion and Home Textiles concludes that “Transparency” is key for brands who wish to win consumer trust and confidence, paving the way for greater transparency and collaboration in the industry supply chain.
• 9,000 surveyed consumers from 9 countries responded favorably to terms such as “Eco-friendly”, “Biodegradable”, “Natural” and “Recyclable” and were more likely to buy a product that used these claims.
• When purchase clothing, bedding and home textile products, over 70% of surveyed consumers will actively educate themselves on sustainability through researching the production process and over 85% tend to read product label hangtags.

2 September, 2020, Lenzing – Lenzing Group (Lenzing), a global leader in sustainably produced wood-based specialty fibers, announced findings from its Global Consumer Perception Survey on Sustainable Raw Materials in Fashion and Home Textiles. The survey, which was conducted in early 2020, assessed the perceptions and behaviors of Conscious Consumers[1] towards sustainable clothing and home textile products[2], as well as their views towards sustainable raw materials and product features.

To understand consumer interest in sustainable materials and their current knowledge, a total of 9,000 respondents across nine countries aged between 18 and 64 were surveyed using online questionnaires. The key findings of the survey provided a glimpse into consumer habits towards pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, their knowledge of the raw materials used in clothing and home textile products, their perception towards brands, and preferred product descriptions.

The findings also reflected the imminent need for closer collaboration within the clothing and home textile industries to provide consumers with more transparent information about the products they purchase, in order to enhance consumer trust and maximize business potential.

Three key findings of the survey are outlined below:

1. Conscious Consumers actively engage in pursuing a sustainable lifestyle and are constantly educating themselves about raw materials

Almost all (86%) respondents believe purchasing clothes made from sustainable raw materials is a key component of living a more sustainable lifestyle, and they frequently purchase products from brands that are committed to using sustainable raw materials (80%) or recycled materials (77%) in their products. The survey also revealed that majority of respondents actively learn about sustainability through researching the production process of products before purchasing (76% in clothing and 74% in bedding and home textiles). They also tend to read label hangtags (88% in clothing and 86% in bedding and home textiles), and most respondents are willing to pay an average of 40% more for clothing or home textile products with descriptions that reflect sustainability.

When shopping for clothing and home textile products, respondents consider the material type to be their most important consideration (ranked in the top three factors for consideration by 44% of respondents), which is above price, design, brand reputation and function.

2. Products described as “Eco-friendly" or “Natural” with a “Biodegradable” or “Recyclable” afterlife appeal to consumers

When asked about definition of sustainable clothing, respondents considered products being processed or manufactured using humane, eco-responsible production processes and products made from natural, organic or botanic materials as top considerations. Over 80% of respondents expressed that they are “extremely interested” or “very interested” in sustainable fashion and purchasing clothing made from sustainable raw materials.

When asked about their preference for clothing and home textile products, half of the respondents said they would be more likely to purchase a product described as “eco-friendly” or “natural”, whereas over 60% of respondents are more likely to purchase products with a “recyclable” or “biodegradable” afterlife. Given the popularity of such terms, there are opportunities for brands to provide more descriptions and greater clarity to the materials, production processes and product afterlife information to their products as consumer education.

3. Brands with greater transparency on raw materials and ingredients can gain consumer trust

Most respondents considered brands that are transparent with their ingredients (83%) and the origin of their raw materials (82%) as trustworthy. At the same time, respondents also consider brands that are transparent about their production processes (82%), sustainable practices (81%) and where their raw materials come from (82%) as trusted brands. While respondents believed that knowing what raw materials were used in their clothing and home textile products is important to build confidence in a brand (87%), they also believed that knowing the brand’s environmental impact when deciding to purchase (87%) is very important.

“The findings of this survey prove the value of Lenzing’s ongoing efforts in driving the sustainability dialogue across the textile supply chain, from yarn makers to consumer brands. Based on the survey, we gained a more comprehensive understanding of consumer perceptions globally. The rating of material type being the top consideration factor when shopping for clothing and home textile products has also echoed our belief that consumers value and actively look out for sustainable products. This survey provided us, our partners and brands with insights to curate more targeted strategies and programs to drive sustainability, not only on raw materials, but also product afterlife. In the long run, we hope to bring optimal value for the clothing and home textiles industry supply chain and help brands achieve new heights, drive sustainability and safeguard our planet.” said Florian Heubrandner, Vice President of Global Business Management Textiles at Lenzing.

Collaboration in the fashion and textile industry is essential for driving greater transparency

Though sustainability has been a hot topic among brands, to enhance transparency, there is still room for the supply chain to evolve communications on raw materials, production process and product afterlife. Given consumers are already actively searching for sustainable products, it is important for the industry and brands to revolutionize how technical knowledge is translated into consumer language on websites, product tags and labels.

To drive change, Lenzing has been taking the lead with a three-pillar approach to increase industry collaboration and shift towards sustainability by ensuring a higher degree of transparency and enabling verification of raw material origin from production process to final garment. The three-pillar approach covers special fiber identification technology, a blockchain-based tracking system, and proactive supply chain collaboration and planning. Such approach is also complemented by Lenzing’s bespoke e-branding platform for manufacturers and brands, providing one-stop support for fabric certification, including fabric testing, identification numbers and hangtags to offer reassurance that sustainability is in every step of the supply chain.

“We are thrilled to see more consumers embrace a sustainable fashion lifestyle by making informed purchases based on research and reading product labels. With rising consumer expectations towards sustainability, over the past few years, we have been transforming and upgrading the TENCEL™ brand experience through proactive engagement programs on sustainable cellulosic fibers,” said Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Brand Management at Lenzing.

“Consumer interest in eco-friendly and biodegradable products aligns with our ongoing commitment to bring brands and consumers more sustainable and biodegradable options to the clothing and home textile industries. Derived from sustainably sourced wood, TENCEL™ branded fibers offer breathability, quality and biodegradability to clothing and home textile fabrics that are used in our everyday lives. While we continue to advocate for innovation in sustainable raw materials, we will continue to go beyond fibers and look for new ways to engage brands and consumers, enabling them to embrace sustainability anytime, anywhere,” added Weghorst.

To learn more about this survey, you can also refer to the infographic.

The survey is commissioned by Lenzing in partnership with Wakefield Research, a market research firm, surveyed online a total of 9,000 respondents aged between 18 and 64 from nine countries including China, Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Turkey, Germany, U.K. and the U.S. in early 2020.

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[1] Refers to consumers who: 1) Are image-conscious and value eco-friendly products; 2) Believe that brands play an important role by acting ethically, producing sustainable products and giving back to their communities; 3) Are influenced by deals, others' opinions and environmentally friendly practices of companies and 4) Have purchased clothes and home textiles within the past 2 years.

[2] Home textile products include bedding, draperies, carpets, towels, etc.

TENCEL™ brand has recently partnered with fashion designer Magdalena Brunner from Plural fashion and fabric designer Marie-Louise Rosholm from Studio MLR to create a forward-thinking, sustainable capsule collection. Dubbed the “Black Label” capsule collection, their collaboration spans the entire supply chain, connecting fiber production, fabric creation and garment design under one umbrella: environmental impact reduction and timeless sustainability.

© Stiefkind Fotografie

Magdalena Brunner designed the whole collection consisting of 25 garment pieces and 4 pairs of shoes. The collection includes coats, jackets, pants, skirts, shirts and sweaters for women and men. “As in Plural’s own collections, the main focus in design is on minimalism and timelessness. The collection is made up of comfortable basic elements with minimalistic details and elegant, puristic oversize cuts.” Magdalena explains. The result is a combination of sporty and casual everyday looks for an urban self‐confident person, who wants to make a statement for more minimalism in life and focus on the essentials. Purism, timelessness and sustainability are the themes that the Plural collection wants to convey for Lenzing.

TENCEL™ Modal fibers with Eco Color technology will allow garments to remain vibrant and hold their color for longer even after multiple wash. Using 50% less water and energy as well as 60% less carbon footprint, those TENCEL™ Modal fibers results in a lower environmental impact compared to conventionally dyed fabrics.

Magdalena does not chase trends. “Trends always have an expiration date, which is why I focus on longevity in every collection. Only this can be sustainable,” says Magdalena.

Magdalena Brunner, designer and founder of Plural

This is what made TENCEL™ Modal fibers the natural choice for her. Its ability remain satisfyingly soft to the touch over time was in keeping with her vision for durable and timeless garments.

Whilst many designers may find collaborating across borders to be a challenge during the pandemic, Marie-Louise and Magdalena felt otherwise. They welcomed the opportunity to work across the value chain and design sustainable solutions for stylish streetwear. They hope the new collection can continue to spread awareness on the benefits of sustainable designs.

Marie-Louise’s approach for the new capsule collection was to create a fabric using 100% sustainable fibers without compromising performance. Using a combination of TENCEL™Modal x Eco Color and natural Kapok fibers, the designers created a range of stylish and elegant fashion sweater knits, designed to last with special performance capabilities. She has always pushed boundaries with her designs. She understands customer needs and often incorporates the best possible sustainable solution in her pieces. For this collection, Marie-Louise knew she wanted to use TENCEL™ Modal fibers in black color owing to their durability and long-lasting color retention.

© Stiefkind Fotografie

Marie-Louise Rosholm, fabric designer of Studio MLR

“The idea for creating a fabric with special performance capabilities using 100% sustainable fibers came to me before the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Marie-Louise. “There is a real need for sustainable solutions to the materials we interact with every day. The pandemic simply doesn’t change this. For me, the timing and idea couldn’t have been more spot on.”

The “Black Label” capsule collection is an evolution in sustainable fashion alternatives. The designers see these eco-friendly garments as a “North Star”, guiding the fashion industry toward a sustainable future.

The TENCEL™ brand is always delighted to partner with exciting sustainability-focused designers to create stylish yet eco-friendly garments. The team has a flurry of collaborations with like-minded designers and brands in the pipeline, united by the desire to showcase the benefits of their fibers and continue creating unique and eco-friendly designs.

As an industry pioneer, Lenzing has worked with different mill partners to make a positive sustainable impact on the fashion and textile industries. Recently, Lenzing has developed the “Black Label” capsule collection with a number of mill partners featuring TENCEL™ branded modal fibers with Eco Color technology to highlight the benefits of Lenzing’s spun-dyed fibers and thus addressing the increasing eco consciousness of consumers.

Common across all partners are trends toward closed-loop production processes. Sustainability is now a core element of their business and the durable and versatile TENCEL™ Modal fibers are a natural addition to their sustainable textile product lineups.

We asked our mill partners what sustainability means to them, and their experience working with the TENCEL™ brand’s high quality and sustainable modal fibers offering. Read on for their perspectives.

Q: What is the importance of sustainability in textiles/ footwear production? Where do you see the industry moving?

Çiğdem Kaçar, Calik Denim: Sustainability is not a trend, it is a must for textiles production because there are many aspects of the textile industry that can evolve to contribute to the protection of our planet as well as to offer better working conditions for employees. In addition, both our customers and end-users also care deeply about sustainability much more compared to previous years. So, as a textiles companies we all have to think about the future and act in a sustainable way.

Pilar Tejada López, Pyrates: As textile producers, we believe it is our responsibility to contribute to the industry's journey toward eco-friendly products and production methods. Consumers' demand for sustainable and traceable products has increased greatly in the last few years. This is a trend we expect to remain. Our hope is that this newfound demand will force the industry to catch up and reach a point where production is as eco-friendly as it can be.

Shadow Chan, Tat Fung Textile: We believe that all future activities will need to benefit society, textile industries need to minimize their impact on the environment as low as they could. Therefore, we are investing in ethical strategies and actions in every stage of our business more than ever. We have embraced sustainability as a platform for innovation.

© Stiefkind Fotografie

Q: How does your company approach sustainability trends or the subject of sustainability in general?

Aaron Sung, Esquel Group: At Esquel, sustainability is core to our business strategy to affect decisions and behaviors. It is also the responsibility of every employee. By embracing our four strategic pillars: People, Planet, Product, and Community, we are constantly measuring our impact on the environment, the society, and the communities in which we operate. Many of our customers seek for sustainable yarns. By blending TENCEL™ Modal fibers and our signature cotton, these blended yarns take us a step further in environmental excellence in the textile industry. To this end, we innovate using technologies and information systems, and invest in people to advance balanced social, economic, and environmental development.

Hürriyet Öztürk, Kipas Denim: Sustainable production is in our DNA, and we are committed to make a positive impact in the fashion and textile industry. Kipas’ spinning mill is committed to improving cotton farming practices globally. We are producing 60% of our products with sustainable resources, recycling 100% of production waste, and embracing waste as a revenue. Our goal is to use 100% sustainable resources in 2025.

Pilar Tejada López, Pyrates: We try to be as eco-friendly as possible and are always looking for new ways to improve, not only through our production process, but also in our products and the way we work. We try to use sustainable fibers in our formulas: natural, organic, biodegradable or upcycled fibers, which consumes less water, energy and CO₂ during their production process. We focus on developing fully traceable, durable fabrics, which, due to their quality, will last in one’s wardrobe for years.

© Stiefkind Fotografie

Q: What is your experience with TENCEL™ Modal fibers produced with Eco Color technology? What contribution do these fibers make to the environment?

Hatice Ates, Ekoten Fabrics: We developed different modal fabrics with TENCEL™ Modal fibers produced with Eco Color technology. The fabrics we produced are spun-dyed, which results in less chemicals used and less energy consumed. The hand-feel of the TENCEL™ Modal fiber is softer, smoother and shinier compared to normal modal fabrics.

Hürriyet Öztürk, Kipas Denim: For us, since TENCEL™ Modal fibers and recycled polyester fibers are already black in color, we do not need an additional coloring process and therefore, we don’t produce extra water and energy waste. Furthermore, we found that even after multiple washes, the fabric produced with TENCEL™ Modal fibers remained soft with no discoloration. All features combined make these fibers very environmentally friendly, which complements our sustainable fiber collection as well.

Marven Chick, Aussco Hong Kong Limited: We are particularly impressed with the excellent hand-feel, fineness and feather lightness of the material. TENCEL™ Modal fibers use an eco-responsible technology to save energy, water, as well as carbon footprint. This results in a smaller environmental impact, which is a very crucial part of sustainability in the fashion industry.

With its long-lasting color fastness and environmental excellence, TENCEL™ Modal fibers produced with Eco Color technology is an exquisite contribution to the environment and gives Aussco the assurance to produce with TENCEL™ Modal fibers.

© Stiefkind Fotografie

© Stiefkind Fotografie

While the textile industry looks toward recovery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, stakeholders must now consider how to go about adapting to the ‘new normal’. A big consideration in the resumption of business operations, particularly in the fashion industry, is sustainability.

In view of this, Florian Heubrandner, Vice President Global Business Management Textiles at Lenzing AG, joins us once again in our “TENCEL™ Insights” series to discuss how brands and consumers can make the change to more sustainable practices and how this trend is already emerging. He will delve into how these conscious changes can move fashion towards more widely available and affordable sustainable products.

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Q: What should retail brands pay attention to when attempting to ‘green up’ their supply chains?

Florian: I believe that the best place to start is by looking at the definition of sustainable raw materials and making the right material choice for your products. Nowadays, there are different international standards such as the Higg Index which compares different sustainable materials, or Canopy’s Hot Button Ranking of wood-based fibers that can help track material sourcing and production. While these standards provide an overview of the sustainable practices being taken, like all other guidelines or regulations, there is no one-size-fits-all standard for sustainability. Brands should also pay attention to other factors such as government regulations, policies and consumer purchasing habits before making a final decision.

Besides the origin and production method of raw materials, the ‘afterlife’ of the fabric is also essential. In simpler terms, look into the level of biodegradability or compostability in your raw materials. At Lenzing, we believe the growing adoption of biodegradable and recyclable products is the way forward and is an essential part of the fiber industry’s future. Such industry shifts can help revolutionize the fashion industry and empower brands that are looking for eco-responsible textile value chains.

When it comes to practices, recycling and recollection are already two common initiatives adopted by brands in recent years. Taking one step ahead, it is important to introduce traceability and transparency to the supply chain. While this may seem difficult at first, with new technologies such as blockchain it is now much easier for companies to re-evaluate their supply chains and remodel their business operations. With increased transparency, brands will have more control over the entire production process along the supply chain to improve aspects such as transparent certification and quality assurance. For consumers, they can also help hold the industry accountable for their actions.

Here at Lenzing, we will continue leading in the advocacy for sustainability and enhanced transparency. To achieve this, we will seek further and closer collaborations with industry partners, brands and consumers. Please do stay tuned for more updates!

Q: What is the true cost of producing sustainable and fair products? What has Lenzing invested in to achieve that?

Florian: The extra cost of sustainable products comes partly from the higher standards held for sourcing. Similar to food, fully natural or organic produce is typically more expensive than conventional produce. Currently, sustainable fabrics and garments are still considered as “niche products” and are therefore produced at lower quantities. Without economies of scale, this often results in higher costs per item.

Hopefully, this will change in the near future. At Lenzing, we believe that as more brands commit to sustainability, eco-fashion will become a norm, rather than being labelled as “niche” or “premium”. If there is greater industry demand and supply, the benefits of economies of scale will help reduce overall production costs and make sustainable fashion more affordable. For us, such change in industry preference is encouraging. We look forward to working closely with our partners on cost measures and see how to make more positive societal impact through our innovative and versatile fibers offerings.

Q: What would you recommend consumers and brands do to make their consumption and production more sustainable?

Florian: For brands, it is crucial to invest more in the development of sustainable and recyclable products, as well as attributing more resources to clean sourcing and production. To achieve this, it is important to engage reliable value chain partners and raw material suppliers. Stronger commitment to sustainability will mean investing in product quality and durability. With a longer lifecycle, products will not need to be discarded after a few uses, reducing waste in the long run. Educating consumers about eco-fashion and telling the right stories will also be vital to implementing successful sustainability strategies.

For consumers, they should take a deeper look at product hangtags and be more proactive in finding out more about the raw materials used, the place of origin and the production processes involved. This information would make it easier for consumers to shop consciously.

We are joined once again on the “TENCEL™ Insights” series by Judy Chen, Head of Global Business Development, Innerwear at Lenzing, to discuss the latest trends on innerwear and hear her practical tips for consumers and retail brands to get a step ahead. Previously Judy discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the innerwear segment with consumers spending more time at home during the pandemic.

Judy Chen, Head of Global Business Development, Innerwear at Lenzing

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Q: What do you think the innerwear industry can do in order to meet the ever-changing consumer demand and stay ahead in the business?

Judy: It is important for companies to have an open mindset and always seek to understand and try to meet consumers’ needs. For instance, we found that consumers exhibit certain preferences in terms of innerwear based on their location. When looking at bras, Chinese consumers seem to prefer “creamy” fabrics (e.g. blending with high-ratio TENCEL™ branded modal fibers) while consumers from the US and EU prefer a more dry and cool feeling fabric (e.g. blending with TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers).

In general, younger consumers may be attracted to more aesthetically pleasing designs such as those that feature lace and other details. They may also prioritize style over comfort. One of our main observations, however, is that simple, wireless and comfortable styles have been gaining popularity across different age groups. Without the bulky stitching, undesirable fabric lines disappear as the body moves. This allows for more comfort and is one of the main reasons why people favor wireless underwear. Super fine and light weight fabrics with a touch of softness that create a barely-there feel are in huge demand.

By knowing consumers’ preferences, brands can innovate new products and adjust their business plans accordingly to their target consumers.

In addition, while some consumers may focus more on fashion trends and overlook the quality of materials and production process. That being said, sustainability is definitely the new trend in the textile industry and brands should be prepared to broaden their product portfolio and enhancing the sustainability of their sourcing and production. It is important for them to own a space in the sustainability conversation and educate consumers on the need to evaluate products individually by reading product tags. The recent focus on climate change has already highlighted the need to further drive supply chain transparency and traceability. More than ever, consumers are seeking to be better informed and make more conscious purchases.

Q: What are the three key actions you would advise innerwear clothing brands to take to incorporate sustainability in their business/day-to-day activities?

Judy: Firstly, brands should start exploring the use of biodegradable materials in their products to achieve true sustainability in the textile industry. Consumers are now increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases. Now is the perfect time for innerwear clothing brands to revisit their raw material selection, production process and supply chains. Secondly, brands should set up programs and initiatives to further encourage the recycling of old garments while educating consumers and driving behavioral change. Lastly, brands can double down on next-generation technologies such as textile bonding technology as a replacement for traditional stitching to achieve a more eco-friendly and simple circular production process.

Q: How do you incorporate sustainability in your day-to-day activities?

Judy: Like most people, I have been spending a lot of time at home which reduces the need to wash my clothes daily. This already helps reduce my water consumption and usage of chemicals, like washing detergent. When it comes to shopping, I normally prefer quality over quantity, and prefer products that are made of sustainable materials. I am also conscious of the amount of food I consume, always trying to avoid food waste. While everyone may have their own way of safeguarding the environment, in the long-term, I believe every small step can help make a big difference.

Award winning designer Flavia La Rocca is a true maverick. She is rethinking sustainable luxe garment design from its core with modular garments made from innovative blends of TENCEL™ Luxe branded filament yarns.

Her latest collection, “Modular Responsible Genderless” is an aptly named and revolutionary addition to eco-fashion. Her designs are composed of interchangeable modules which can be disassembled and reassembled, creating limitless design combinations. The garments are timeless, endless and effortlessly renewable. They are designed to last, not to be thrown away.

Flavia La Rocca

Flavia deeply understood Lenzing’s commitment to sustainability and as a result, the use of TENCEL™ Luxe filaments became the core of her designs. She first laid eyes on the filament during a visit to Lenzing’s headquarters in 2019, where she instantly fell in love with the smooth touch, and adored the texture and weight of the fabrics designed from it

This year, Flavia was invited to showcase her collection at the “Fashion For Good” Experience, the world’s first interactive museum dedicated to sustainable fashion innovations. The collection is displayed at the Amsterdam-based experience for six months and started in July.

Read the full interview below to learn more about her latest collection and how she is helping to create a sustainable fashion forward future.

Q: What are the inspirations behind your “Modular Responsible Genderless” collection?

Flavia: I want to create pieces that generate less impact on the planet. Pieces that are timeless and can be personalised. I dedicate my creations to the contemporaries who work, travel, study and move around the city and the world.

The collection is built on a modular concept, composed of interchangeable modules which are designed to be interpreted by the wearer to experience them in a mix of elegance and sensuality, without seasonality limits. Amongst all, the Green Mint look is my favorite. It is composed of a dress made with a crop top and a midi skirt and an overall made with a short sleeve top and a palazzo pants.

Q: Why did you choose to partner with TENCEL™ Luxe on the collection? What do you like the most about the brand?

Flavia: I chose to use TENCEL™ Luxe filaments after a visit to Lenzing’s headquarters last year. I had a good understanding of Lenzing and the company’s commitment to drive sustainability. When I returned to Italy, I met suppliers who already work with TENCEL™ Luxe filaments and the outcome of the fabrics were amazing.

I like the idea that it comes from nature and can goes back to nature which is completely in line with what I do. I like the natural touch and versatility of the fabrics made with it.

The first time I used TENCEL™ Luxe filaments was in a dress for the Green Carpet Talent Competition. I won the competition, and the rest is a love story with this filament yarn.

Q: How do you describe the role of TENCEL™ Luxe in your collection?

Flavia: I designed all the pieces around TENCEL™ Luxe filaments. It was my starting point. I find the company really open to my reality even as an emerging brand. Lenzing’s staff are always available and have helped me a lot.

“Modular Responsible Genderless” collection

Q: What is one thing you would change about the current fashion industry?

Flavia: That will surely be the practices in manufacturing. The current supply chain system does not enable companies to fully respect workers’ rights during production. That is inadmissible. Another problem is the use of non-recyclable polyester, which is so harmful for our oceans.

I hope every company takes into account of sustainability in terms of processes, materials and ethics of production. This is a need and not a trend.

Q: What led to your passion for driving sustainability in fashion and how do you react to the challenges in designing sustainable fashion?

Flavia: Sustainability is something I really believe in, from everyday life to the development of my brand. As a designer, I feel great responsibility of doing things that have less impact on the environment and that respects my employees.

I see challenges are ways to grow and move forward. When I started the business in 2013, there were few sustainable fabrics options, with few companies working on them and very few people talking about it. Now the concept of sustainability is much more visible, and as a designer that truly commits to the idea, I am as determined than ever to continue my ethos!

Q: How does your personal lifestyle reflect your belief in sustainability? Has being a mother changed or reinforced your belief to that?

Flavia: I believe we can all do a lot to trigger positive change. From home, paying attention to energy use, shopping for local producers, buying products free from plastic and excess packaging, and searching for more sustainable alternatives to the plastics around us. As consumers, paying attention to the composition of clothing and the corporate social responsibility measures of the brand.

Being a mother of two, I now have great responsibilities towards my children more than ever. Every choice I make will have an impact on their life.

Q: Is there a favorite quote related to fashion/lifestyle you could share with us?

Flavia: I always say, “I create clothes that lend themselves to the fashion game, in a responsible, dynamic, contemporary way.”

As the world adapts to the restrictions imposed by the current pandemic, businesses are having to act fast to adjust how they work. The textile industry is no exception. Unable to host a physical trade fair event, Texworld USA, an international textile show that brings together suppliers, buyers and designers bi-annually, held its first three-day virtual fair online in July.

As an avid supporter, Lenzing also took part in the event with the aim of continuing to immerse and engage partners in a full fair experience. The virtual platform provided attendees and buyers with the opportunity to collaborate through a global network with free access to sourcing, education, live chats and dynamic online showrooms to be experienced at their leisure.

Rising to the challenge of an online event, Lenzing worked with the Messe Frankfurt team to set up the Lenzing Innovation Virtual Pavilion, an online version of its usual fair booth. Despite some technical challenges along the way, the Lenzing team were able to efficiently use the platform to deliver speeches and host one-on-one meetings, working closely with the Messe Frankfurt team. Overall, the Lenzing team found the Messe Frankfurt virtual platform easy to navigate and useful for connecting with customers and holding live virtual meetings.

Furthermore, inside the Lenzing Innovation Virtual Pavilion, attendees and buyers had the opportunity to “meet” mill partners from the U.S. and Canada that use TENCEL™ branded fibers, such as Design Knit (Studio DK), KenDor Textiles, Eagle Fabrics and WTS. Additionally, mill partners from China, Korea and Taiwan were also available at their virtual booths to meet with U.S. customers, including Far East Textile, Jiangsu Xintai, Mandarin Textiles, Yadong (Changzhou) Science & Technology Co. and Zheijiang Mizuda Textiles. With such a new virtual experience, the Lenzing team initially did not know what to expect in terms of the turnout rate, however, in the end we hosted over 200 global participants at the Lenzing Innovation Virtual Pavilion! All in all, it was a successful event!

As one of this year’s event highlights, Lenzing hosted five industry seminar sessions, welcoming nearly 1,500 attendees and buyers who observed the following key topics: Becoming Circular; Building Your Business – Why aren’t you nearshoring?; Changemakers – Fibers Companies Driving Textile Sustainability; Setting the Bar, Science-Based Targets and Starting your Sustainable Journey – Resources, Tips & Tools. Each seminar highlighted some important changes within our industry, especially given the current global situation. These essential topics were led by industry experts, allowing participants to pre-register and submit questions during the seminars, meet with the mills, and schedule appointments, just as they would at a live tradeshow – a fantastic way to connect stakeholders and partners alike!

“We always need to be ready to adapt and adjust our way of working to keep our business thriving, so supporting and participating in Texworld USA’s first online fair was an honor,” said Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business for Apparel at Lenzing. “Lenzing is proud to have connected with partners across the globe to drive the sustainability conversation and engage with new stakeholders at this critical time for the industry.”

Previously, as part of the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, we spoke with Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development for Denim at Lenzing, to discuss the denim segment amid COVID-19. She joins us again, this time to talk about how denim brands can look towards sustainability in the long-term.

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Q: How do consumers respond to sustainability efforts adopted by the denim industry? What significant changes would you expect in consumer purchasing pattern over the next five years?

Tricia: As brands continue to adopt more sustainable practices, consumers are also asking more questions about raw materials and looking for better quality garments. One significant change is that more people are now interested in knowing how their denim is produced and what it is made of. This is a reflection of the rising attention given to supply chain transparency in the lead up to and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers have begun to demand as much information as possible to help them determine the exact quality and environmental impact of their purchases.

Within the next five years, I expect to see a continued increase in transparency awareness at the consumer level. Technology now exists to provide data to the consumer through the convenience of their phones. Another concept which should gain prominence is circular economy, as the afterlife of products garner more attention from brands and consumers. Recycling and redesigning will become more common to keep garments in circulation for longer.

Q: Brands and consumers are now working towards Sustainable Development Goals advocated by the UN. How do you think the textile industry is going to transform?

Tricia: The industry is already transforming towards greater sustainability – across all apparel categories, responsible consumption and production (SDG #12) will remain a key action for all. The entire supply network needs to work closely to reduce the environmental impact of the industry and raise social standards. Climate action (SDG #13) is also another major change that the industry needs to address.

Proudly, Lenzing is one of the 384 companies with approved Science-based targets to take positive steps towards reducing our carbon footprint and has committed to the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2018. Combined with the growing trend among consumers to read product tags and conduct online research before making purchases, I believe the textile and apparel industries can impact the Sustainable Development Goals as an ecosystem.

Q: How can denim brands incorporate sustainability in their business/day-to-day activities?

Tricia: At the moment, the growth strategies of most denim brands are focused on progress over perfection. Reduction of water is one-way brands are incorporating sustainability within their material strategy, like sourcing TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers, and usage of laser finishing. This is a good start, but brands must also focus on the quality of their transformation to avoid the greenwashing trap.

One key point that brands should consider incorporating is circularity initiatives. Launching programs such as garment take-back or selecting fibers made from recycled materials, such as TENCEL™ fibers produced with REFIBRA™ technology, will help brands perfect their sustainability plan. Denim brands also need to consider the social standards of their supply network as they commit to ensuring safe work environments and launching sustainable development programs.

Leveraging partnerships with value chain partners can also be very helpful to retail brands. Engaging with like-minded raw material producers, fabric mills or spinners will help brands better manage and improve their supply chain transparency.

Photo credit: CLOSED®

Photo credit: CLOSED®

Q: How do you incorporate sustainability in your day-to-day activities?

Tricia: As a committed responsible citizen, three Rs, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, always come to my mind and guide everything I do. In addition, I always try to reduce my carbon footprint by taking more public transport and finding ways to reduce food waste.

As a mother, I am always cautious about how to set the best example for my children, who deserve to have access to a healthy planet when they grow up. When I shop for the family, I try to buy from responsible and local sources whenever possible and always check the labels for low environmental impact fibers like TENCEL™ Lyocell or Modal.

Introducing new, refined and more sustainable styles for women this season, Camper is delighted to present its first ever collaboration with TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers.

Refreshing the unique styles of Right and Upright, the boot and bootie from the AW2020 collection have been designed with an innovative knitted construction technique that contains TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers from botanic origin, derived from sustainably grown wood sources.

Harvested from certified and controlled sources that are FSC® or PEFC™ certified, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are developed using a closed loop production process, which is highly resource efficient and has a low ecological impact. The process recycles water and uses 95% less in comparison to conventional cotton^[1]. For this collection, the fiber has been blended to create an innovative 3D webbed structure, which creates a sock-style boot with support, comfort and conscious attitude.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Camper, the first footwear brand to feature a knitted upper women’s boot using TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers. The sustainable fibers are not only a great choice for the environment; the soft and breathable material also offers great comfort and feels good. Our partnership with Camper is a perfect example of our commitment for driving sustainability in the footwear industry,” shared Florian Heubrandner, Vice President of Global Business Management Textiles at Lenzing.

Camper’s partnership with Lenzing is part of its long-term commitment to source materials with a lower ecological impact, whilst retaining the performance, durability and unique spirit that makes a Camper shoe. A little better, never perfect.

Cecilia Llorens, Product Design Director for Camper explains: “Long-term partnerships such as those with Lenzing are vital to reducing the environmental impact of the footwear industry. Our designers are focused towards change and developing new innovations in design, but this must be complemented by materials such as TENCEL™. We plan to eliminate the use of virgin plastic in our uppers by 2022, and natural materials that achieve both performance sustainability are essential to being able to achieve this.

The collection will be available from September at Camper stores, selected partners and online at camper.com.

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^[1] Using HIGG MSI data

About Camper

Camper is a contemporary Spanish footwear brand dedicated to creating unique seasonal collections that push boundaries by connecting decades of shoemaking heritage with the latest in design-driven innovation. Today, the company is developing a bolder and more daring generation of products than ever before, guiding consumers forward and emphasizing diversity and collaboration in everything it does. With four generations and more than 140 years dedicated to the industry, Camper remains committed to upholding the same traditional values and pioneer spirit that have defined it since its inception. From its headquarters in Mallorca, dozens of original designs are developed each season, breaking molds and defying odds while remaining true to the brand’s signature aesthetic. With over 400 stores in more than 40 countries and a carefully selected distribution network, Camper continues to be an independent family-run business.

• The TENCEL™ brand is now going carbon neutral with a “reduce-engage-offset” approach, which helps to reduce the product’s carbon footprint, engage industry partners and offset unavoidable emissions to drive decarbonization in the textile industry.
• The TENCEL™ brand launches new carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers, certified as CarbonNeutral^® products. The fibers will contribute to lower carbon emissions and energy consumption across the supply chain.
• As part of Lenzing’s longer-term “true carbon zero” campaign, four key levers will be deployed to cover energy reduction, renewable energy, new technology and supplier engagement to achieve carbon-zero in the long run.

22 September 2020, Lenzing – Following wider corporate commitments made by the Lenzing Group in 2019 to drive sustainability and combat climate change, TENCEL™, Lenzing's flagship brand for textiles, is introducing its very first carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers to the market. Following the strict guidelines of The CarbonNeutral Protocol, the leading global framework for carbon neutrality, carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded fibers are certified CarbonNeutral^® products for the textile industry. This means that the emissions associated with the fibers’ production, manufacturing and distribution have been calculated and offset. Under the guidance of the TENCEL™ “true carbon zero” campaign, the TENCEL™ brand is contributing to Lenzing’s commitment to the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative and its continuous support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to limit global warming.

To date, the Lenzing Group is the first wood-based fiber manufacturer with approved Science Based Targets in the industry. Lenzing’s goal is to reduce its specific greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. Available from September, the newly launched carbon-zero TENCEL™ Modal and Lyocell fibers are contributing to this target through reduced production emissions and its industry engagement to lower energy consumption across the supply chain. In addition to offering new sustainable options to the textile and fashion industry, the new carbon neutral fibers show a clear commitment to Lenzing’s earlier announcement of investing more than EUR 100 million in reducing carbon emissions in its operational boundaries and supply chain.

All-new fiber journey towards achieving carbon zero

Biodegradable and derived from botanic origin, fabrics produced using carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers will have a third party verified label, offering a new level of sustainable transparency to Lenzing’s customers, brands and consumers. In addition to having a higher environmental value, the fibers will also feature the functional benefits of standard TENCEL™ branded fibers including gentleness on the skin, long-lasting softness, silky smoothness, enhanced breathability and color retention.

The introduction of the new carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers is a key milestone in promoting the transparency of raw materials used in textile products. According to Lenzing’s Global Consumer Perception Survey on Sustainable Raw Materials in Fashion and Home Textiles conducted in early 2020, respondents indicated that they actively educate themselves on sustainability through research around the production process of products before purchase. Most respondents also considered brands that are transparent with their ingredients and the origin of their raw materials as trustworthy. These findings demonstrate the significance of raw materials, echoing Lenzing’s ongoing efforts to engage with its partners for new sustainable developments and educate brands and consumers on sustainability in textiles.

Committed to “Reduce”, “Engage” and “Offset” to support net carbon-zero by 2050

In late 2019, Lenzing pledged to reduce specific carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and become net carbon-zero by 2050. Picking up on these commitments, Lenzing’s TENCEL™ brand is taking action via the pillars “Reduce”, “Engage” and “Offset”, which actively reduces the product’s carbon footprint, engages industry partners and offsets unavoidable carbon emissions.

With the priority of achieving continuous reduction of carbon emissions through more efficient production methods across the entire supply chain, using renewable energy sources and embracing new technologies, Lenzing is also working with the leading experts on carbon neutrality and climate finance, Natural Capital Partners, to achieve CarbonNeutral^® product certification for TENCEL^TM Lyocell and Modal fibers. Natural Capital Partners requires an independent third-party assessment of the products’ carbon footprint and works with the highest quality carbon finance projects which produce verifiable, additional and permanent emission reductions that meet International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) approved standards. Furthermore, carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers are produced using renewable energy, whilst also monitoring and engaging with suppliers.

Tom Popple, Senior Manager, Climate Change and Sustainability at Natural Capital Partners, commented: “By achieving CarbonNeutral^® product certification for two TENCEL™ fibers, Lenzing has taken an important step in its long-term journey to reduce its company and product emissions. Not only that, but due to the position of Lenzing in the supply chain of many fashion retailers, this certification sends a message of commitment to climate action for the textile industry. We are delighted to be working with Lenzing and look forward to supporting the company to achieve its future climate commitments.”

In parallel, the TENCEL™ brand is engaging industry partners and raw material suppliers to collaborate and empower brands to take part in the carbon neutral movement. To this end, Lenzing is the first cellulosic fiber producer to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative, as we engage and steer our industry to normalize supply chain transparency, source materials with low carbon footprint and thereby reduce overall carbon emissions.

Until carbon emission levels can be completely eradicated, the TENCEL™ brand will take actions to offset emissions by supporting verified global carbon reduction projects in areas that are linked to the textile industry, such as India, Bangladesh or Thailand. “We as a company and brand have taken steps to reduce our footprint, but not all emissions are avoidable. This motivates us to act on a global level and we found possibilities to help and support the avoidance of CO₂ emissions around the world. The concept of carbon compensation through offsetting helps to contribute to carbon reduction through verified climate finance projects,” said Florian Heubrandner, Vice President of Global Business Management Textiles at Lenzing.

“In the midst of such a climate crisis, Lenzing believes that every company must take action against global warming within its sphere of influence. We are extremely excited to embark on this new initiative featuring CarbonNeutral^® product offerings under the TENCEL™ brand. This is a new step forward for Lenzing’s overall corporate goal, enabling us to assist supply chain partners and motivate textile brands in reassessing carbon emissions in their production lines. Looking forward, we will continue to diversify our product portfolio following stringent internal guidelines that help to avoid greenwashing and involves consumers in the carbon neutral discussion,” said Florian Heubrandner.

Making a fundamental change in operations to reduce carbon emissions

Guided by Science Based Targets to facilitate the seamless transition of Lenzing’s carbon-zero journey, Lenzing will deploy four key levers that cover energy efficiency, reduction of fossil fuel use, integration of pulp and fiber production facilities and ongoing investment in new technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

“The launch of our carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers is just the start of an ongoing battle against climate change. As we continue to innovate our production processes and fiber offerings, we will look beyond being complacent about the inherent climate advantage of the wood-based fiber business model. Our ultimate goal is to offer the carbon neutral benefit across our entire selection of TENCEL™ fibers and the textile supply chain,” says Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer at Lenzing Group. “In parallel, we will continue to work with different partners, from brands and designers to NGOs, to build a more effective ecosystem that strives to achieve the common goal of carbon neutrality. While we continue to support our partners in their journey towards carbon neutral, we encourage everyone to join our ‘true carbon zero’ movement. With the clock already ticking, let us come together against climate change!”

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About Natural Capital Partners

With more than 300 clients in 34 countries, including Microsoft, MetLife, Logitech, PwC, Sky, Ørsted and SITA, Natural Capital Partners is harnessing the power of business to create a more sustainable world. Through a global network of projects, the company delivers the highest quality solutions which make real change possible: reducing carbon emissions, generating renewable energy, building resilience in supply chains, conserving and restoring forests and biodiversity, and improving health and livelihoods.
naturalcapitalpartners.com
carbonneutral.com

As part of the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, Ebru Bayramoglu, Head of Global Business, Manager of the Home & Interior segment at Lenzing, joined us once again to discuss how TENCEL™ is driving sustainability in the home product market, and how brands and consumers can approach sustainability to bring more attention to the issue. Previously on “TENCEL™ Insights”, Ebru discussed the impact of Covid-19 on the segment and outlined some ways the industry could move forward.

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Q: What’s special about TENCEL™ branded home products, in terms of addressing consumer demands and the rising trend of sustainability in the industry?

Ebru: Home textiles include a diverse range of products, including bedding, products filling, upholstery, curtains, rugs and towels, and both brands and consumers look for different functional qualities within each product category.

For products that come into direct contact with the skin such as bed linen and upholstery, TENCEL™ branded fibers offer an exquisitely soft feel and are resistant to bacteria and dust mite growth. As these products require frequent cleaning, the fabric strength, another feature of our lyocell fibers, is essential to the durability of the product.

In addition, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers can also be used in pillow and duvet filling, a category in which comfort and feel are extremely important, creating a more relaxing sensation during sleep. Our fibers support body temperature regulating properties through their excellent moisture management, and effectively prevent allergies with their soft touch and dust mite repellent.

For carpets and rugs, versatile qualities such as comfort, warmth and hygiene are essential product qualities. On top of having a gentle touch, fibers by TENCEL™ Home are also naturally bacteria and dust mite resistant, which offers better hygiene properties. For additional warmth, TENCEL™ branded fibers can be blended with other materials such as wool.

Towels on the other hand, are functional products which are frequently put to wash. TENCEL™ branded fibers offer exquisite moisture absorption properties, better loop security and color retention to cater to these specific needs. Furthermore, when it comes to the look of the fabrics for decorative products such as curtains, our branded fibers perform excellently with a natural look, better drape and wrinkle recovery qualities.

All in all, Lenzing stands at the forefront of tackling sustainability challenges across all segments, including home products, and offers reliable solutions to brands that are looking for eco-friendly fibers for their products. All TENCEL™ branded fibers are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Compared to cotton and other textile materials, our fibers achieved a low score in the “Higg materials sustainability index”, proving its low impact on the environment. Other scientific research has also supported the eco-benefits of TENCEL™ branded fibers in comparison to other fiber materials.

Q: What are your recommendations to consumers who are looking for sustainable home textiles?

Ebru: Whenever I buy a textiles product, be it a fashion item or home product, I always read the care labels and content in detail. Care labels may range according to country or manufacturer, but generally you can find useful information such as the material composition, country of origin, apparel care advice, optimal cleaning methods, and construction techniques which help us determine the eco-footprint of the item. Following the instructions on care labels can also help keep the garment looking better for longer, extending the life-cycle of each piece. Lastly, to ensure quality, I always prefer to walk into a store to feel the fabric, as this is the best way to ensure the materials used in production are durable whilst meeting the important “touch-test”!

Q: How do you incorporate sustainability in your day-to-day activities?

Ebru: I normally pay a lot of attention to my daily purchases. When buying food products, I make sure that they are from eco-friendly and trustworthy sources. From apparel to home textiles, as I mentioned before, it is essential to always check the care labels and content. Another tip is to look into the product’s “end of life”, and ask the question: Can it be recycled?

Lenzing is thrilled to have received three awards at this year’s SABRE Asia-Pacific Awards. Held on September 24, the Lenzing team were awarded the “Diamond SABRE for Measurement and Evaluation” for social media, and the “SABRE Asia-Pacific Award for Geographic - Global (led out of Asia-Pacific with work in other regions)” and “SABRE Asia-Pacific Award for Integrated Marketing” for integrated communications with the TENCEL™ “Feels So Right” movement across our PR, social media, communications and marketing efforts!

The SABRE Asia-Pacific Awards is the leading PR and communications industry honor and the premier showcase to celebrate communications professionals and the incredible work they create. The award recognizes big brand-building ideas, creative content, and strategic reputational management programs that impact the bottom line. Receiving three coveted awards at this year’s ceremony is a testament to Lenzing’s breakthrough accomplishments in driving sustainability across all industries.

This year’s nominations were entered under the theme of “Enabling the fashion world to ‘Feels So Right’ with TENCEL™”, illustrating how the movement effectively leveraged widespread communication channels such as PR, social media and co-branding, to broadcast our message for trade audience, consumers, media and influencers.

By developing customized editorial content through PR and social media channels, launching the #MakeItFeelRight and #FeelsSoRight co-branding campaigns, and hosting effective industry and consumer facing events, the movement garnered impressive and measurable accomplishments. Beyond metrics, the movement has also made a meaningful contribution to the entire fashion industry and encouraged a positive and long-term change in consumer and industry-wide behavior.

“The three SABRE Asia-Pacific awards are great compliments to our team’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainability in fashion and textile,” said Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Marketing & Branding at Lenzing. “To be recognized in these three categories is a tribute to our team’s hard work and forward-thinking creativity in challenging the norm and setting new industry standards. The team has worked tirelessly to position the TENCEL™ brand as a leading advocate for sustainability in the global fashion and textile industry. We look forward to joining forces with even more exciting partners in the coming months to drive a more sustainable world together!”

Beyond this wonderful recognition, we have been automatically nominated for the SABRE Global Awards, which will be announced on October 21^st.

The TENCEL™brand is delighted to announce that our Denim team’s “Carved in Blue” website has been named the winner in the “Best Topic-Specific Blog” category at this year’s Content Marketing Awards (CMA).

The longest-running international awards program for corporate content creation and distribution, CMA honors the best brands and agencies across all industries. Being celebrated as the “Best Topic Specific Blog” is a milestone in the mission of “Carved in Blue” to further connect the denim world through storytelling and build a platform to facilitate discussions and exchange knowledge.

During TENCEL™ Denim’s journey in educating brands and end consumers on TENCEL™ branded fibers, the TENCEL™ brand team realized they were gaining momentum in the denim sector and had many interesting stories to tell, yet did not have the platform to do so. There weren’t any channels to unite the denim industry and thus the TENCEL™ Denim Team seized the opportunity to build that community. “Carved in Blue” strives to educate readers on TENCEL™branded fibers, denim offerings, sustainability initiatives, product developments and collaborations. Furthermore, they aim to foster the cooperative spirit of the denim world for people to share their unique stories. The team also engages through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Linked in, You Tube and Twitter to further the conversation.

Our category win also enters us into the race for one of the Content Marketing Institute’s top awards. We are thrilled that Tricia Carey, Lenzing’s Director of Global Business Development - Denim, is a finalist for B2B Content Marketer of the Year. Winners will be announced on October 14 during Content Marketing World 2020. These achievements are a testament to the TENCEL™brand’s journey, from being a behind the scenes ingredient producer to embracing an advocacy role within the fiber industry.

Work from home trend sparks the introduction of new eco-friendly fibers

September 29, 2020; Lenzing, Austria and Seoul, South Korea – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the clothing preference for many consumers as they now spend much of their time at home. Nowadays, more consumers look for comfortable, versatile, and sustainable apparel that can be worn for multiple occasions and last longer.

Riding on this trend, global fiber producers, Lenzing and Hyosung, have teamed up to develop a Home Everywhere collection of performance fabrics that feature their renowned fibers and yarns to offer consumers comfortable, sustainable and attractive loungewear and activewear.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Hyosung this year to develop more eco-friendly fiber collections that offer the combination of everlasting softness, comfort and performance,” said Andreas Guertler, Senior Manager of Global Business Development Active Sportswear at Lenzing. “With COVID-19, consumers are becoming more mindful of the world around them, triggering a greater demand for sustainable products that can help safeguard the planet. At Lenzing, we are committed to collaborating with more like-minded industry partners like Hyosung, as we continue to promote greater sustainability through textile innovations.”

The Home Everywhere collection is comprised of three fabric concept groups, which includes a variety of unique blends featuring Lenzing’s cellulose fibers and Hyosung’s range of multi-function spandex, polyester and nylon fibers. Key features are as follows:

1. Deep, Rich Color features Hyosung’s creora® Color+ and TENCEL™ branded modal fibers with Eco Color technology to provide all-over, saturated color without grin through.
2. Soft Touch collection highlights Hyosung’s 100% recycled regen aerolight polyester with TENCEL™ Modal fibers with Micro technology for sustainable, ultra-soft and light-weight comfort.
3. Functional collection includes Hyosung’s Mipan aqua-X nylon with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers offering cool-touch, UV protection and moisture management.

“Our friends at Lenzing have been an ideal partner in the development of this innovative and sustainable fabric collection, which will enhance long-lasting comfort, performance and versatility consumers are craving in their apparel today,” said Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, EMEA Marketing Director, Hyosung. “Collaboration is the way forward as the textile industry seeks creative & performance solutions throughout the value chain and to meet changing market dynamics.”

Lenzing and Hyosung will be presenting the Home Everywhere collection at Interfilère Connect taking place online through October 24, 2020, and Performance Days Munich December 9-10, 2020.

About Hyosung

Hyosung is a comprehensive elastane, nylon and polyester fiber manufacturer providing world-class products, innovation and solutions to the textile industry. Hyosung’s creora® elastane is the world’s largest premium stretch brand, delivering the broadest range of performance fiber offerings. In addition, our Mipan® nylon and specialty polyesters provide customers with the functional and sustainable fiber solutions that are essential in today’s dynamic textile market. Visit our blog at blog.hyosungtnc.com for all the latest trend, event and product updates. Hyosung can also be found on Instagram @hyosung_textiles and on LinkedIn at Hyosung Performance Textiles.

The RCGD Global Design Contest 2020, in partnership with TENCEL™, has awarded an exciting opportunity of a lifetime for two winners within the international fashion design community.

Open to emerging and established designers over the age of 21, this year, applicants submitted a digital sketch of their sustainable red carpet design before the international contest closed on the 30th of July 2020. One gown and one suit design were selected by a judging panel which comprised of Suzy Amis Cameron (Founder of Red Carpet Green Dress); Harold Weghorst (Vice President of Global Marketing & Branding at Lenzing AG); Nazma Akter (Founder and Executive Director of Awaj Foundation) and Laura Basci (Founder of Laura Basci Couture).

Sanah Sharma from Chennai, India

Jasmine Kelly Rutherford From New York, USA

The two chosen designs by Sanah Sharma and Jasmine Kelly Rutherford will commence later this year with sustainable eco-couture textiles from the recently announced RCGD X TENCEL™ Luxe collaboration. Two prominent VIPs from the fashion and entertainment industry will wear the designs. These RCGD ambassadors, to be announced, will be attending the 2021 Pre-Oscars Gala in the winners’ designs. Sanah and Jasmine’s work will also be presented to a global sustainable fashion and entertainment audience from across the globe. Alongside a monetary award of $1000 each, the winners will also receive a three-month business mentorship with CEO Samata Pattinson and internship experience with couture designer Laura Basci in her LA-based atelier.

The campaign has directed funds towards two crucial organisations: Awaj Foundation in Bangladesh and The Fifth Pillar in Myanmar, as provision for the disproportionately vulnerable garment workers severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Samata, CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress, comments: “Announcing the winners brings back memories of when I was in their position, and won the contest back in 2011. It completely changed my life. The winners have such an incredible and exciting journey ahead of them. RCGD has been raising awareness of sustainability in the fashion industry for over a decade, changing people’s mindsets and creating a conversation about the issues and leading action. Sanah Sharma and Jasmine Kelly Rutherford will not only dress ambassadors but will receive first-hand experience and mentorship. I am grateful to be a part of the journey they will be embarking on.”

This year's winning gown has a zero-waste design plan. Designer Sanah Sharma graduated from the Pearl Academy in 2015 with a BA in Fashion Design before launching her namesake label. She is the recipient of numerous design accolades across Asia and authored a chapter in the eco-handbook ‘Models for Sustainable Framework in Luxury Fashion: Luxury and Models’, published by Springer Publications in 2018.

Sanah Sharma comments: “Fashion is among the most environmentally destructive industries on the planet owing to the primarily linear supply chain that has become the global industry’s standard. Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles are landfilled or incinerated. Most of these comprise synthetic fibres produced from non-renewable resources like oil, releasing millions of tons of greenhouse gases into the environment. While sustainable materials have existed in the past, we have not seen luxury evening wear textiles developed with high sustainability indices. To make fashion circular, we must revolutionise its primal resource, textile. This is where materials like cellulose-based RCGD X TENCEL™ Luxe can help close the gap.”

Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Marketing & Branding at Lenzing AG, comments: “Sanah’s dress is a perfect symbiosis of fashion and sustainability. The elegance of the design and the smart concept of zero-waste makes Sanah the deserved winner of this contest.”

The winner of the 2020 suit design is Jasmine Kelly Rutherford. A recent graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Jasmine’s past roles include stints at Kendall + Kylie, and Cinq à Sept. She has worked at Nordstrom Inc since 2012. Her tailored design will be created exclusively using an RCGD x TENCEL™ Luxe cashmere fusion fabric that is lightweight and strong enough to hold pleats and smocking.

Jasmine Kelly Rutherford comments: “Having a textile that is both sustainable and long-wearing is a huge asset. I always try to design with the wearer in mind; I want the client to be comfortable and not feel like they are wearing something confining. While wearing my design, I want them to not only look luxurious but feel it too. Winning the RCGD global design contest is beyond exciting because I believe that sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the fashion industry. As I create, I want my designs to not only tell a story but to have a voice and speak on issues that affect us around the world.”

Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Marketing & Branding at Lenzing AG, comments: “Jasmine’s suit is a strong statement of how fashion serves people and planet and not the other way around. A suit that makes the wearer feel comfortable, confident, and conscious of doing the right thing.”

EDITORS NOTES:

• The Contest Winners’ designs will be produced and worn at the Red Carpet Red Dress Pre-Oscars Gala in 2021.
• Each look will be created using RCGD X TENCEL™ Luxe fabrications.
• The two winners are available for interview on special request.
• Further commentary available from Samata, CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress, and Harold Weghorst, Vice President of Global Marketing & Branding at Lenzing AG
• For more information and imagery, please contact [email protected]

ABOUT RCGD

RCGD is a women-led global change-making organisation working from ‘moment’ to movement, bringing sustainability to the forefront of conversation and action within the fashion and apparel industry. Celebrating its 10th year in 2019, the campaign was conceived by Suzy Amis Cameron (actress, environmental advocate, and author of OMD: The Simple, Plant-Based Program to Save Your Health, Save Your Waistline and Save the Planet). When faced with the lack of ethical fashion choices while attending global premieres of husband James Camerons’ ‘Avatar’, Suzy decided that it was time for a change. The RCGD goal is to draw attention to the importance of more sustainable practices in fashion and be part of bringing those solutions to the global market. Suzy created an international design contest, challenging emerging and established designers worldwide to develop sustainable Oscar-worthy gowns, thus fulfilling the Red Carpet Green Dress criteria to serve the need for more sustainability in the industry. Additionally, focusing on social impact consideration, fair and humane treatment of manufacturers, a clear supply chain, and materials that use a high proportion of recycled and biodegradable materials.

As global markets look towards recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, industries must now consider how to go about adapting to the ‘new normal’. A big consideration in the resumption of business operations, particularly in the fashion industry, is sustainability.

A key sector that we have previously discussed in our “TENCEL™ Insights” series is the ‘ready-to-wear’ sector which provides tailored woven clothing for everyday use. However, the sector is currently overrun with synthetic fibers used to create cheap ‘fast fashion’ garments and needs sustainable solutions. Hale Saraçoğlu, Head of Global Business Development, Fashion Ready to Wear at Lenzing Group, joins us once again to discuss the ways the ‘ready-to-wear’ industry can navigate through some of the sustainability challenges it is faced with and how Lenzing is pushing for progress in the sector.

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Q: With 63% of the fibers currently used in ‘ready-to-wear’ garments being synthetic, what are some key changes that the fashion industry needs in order to enhance sustainability?

Hale: During our lockdown times due to COVID-19, we should all remember that we are on the same boat in facing the pandemic. We live in one world and even with a few months of lockdown, the air pollution had dropped significantly in some areas and the ozone layer in the atmosphere had fixed itself. This is a reminder for everyone that what we do, every action of ours will directly impact the world and our surroundings. A key change for the fashion industry is that everyone should also view things from such perspective, and remember that all of our choices, either as a consumer, a designer or a buyer, will have consequences. We can change our actions and make more conscious choices in every step of the value chain of this industry.

In addition to this, I believe the fashion industry need to work hand in hand with supply chain partners to sustain and evolve their businesses in the face of changing consumer demands. Long terms partnerships will help enhance long term businesses.

Enhance transparency is also important for a business to become more sustainable. For example, brands can evaluate and identify the current raw materials used in their products and then prepare a roadmap for reaching their sustainability goals. Currently, many global brands have already announced their near future sustainability goals. This does not simply include sourcing sustainable raw materials, biodegradability is also a key factor to consider when it comes to fiber selection as it directly affects the end-of-life cycle of the products. Furthermore, the evaluation of the production process is also crucial for improving sustainability, brands and the value chain should make sure each stage can minimize the environmental impact as much as possible.

Q: As more fashion brands want to uphold sustainability, how is Lenzing supporting the industry to change?

Hale: At Lenzing, we support brands in lowering their environmental footprint with our branded fiber offerings such as TENCEL™ Lyocell, TENCEL™ Modal, and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose. The impact of Lenzing fibers are much lower than that of the generic man-made cellulosic fibers, between 50% and 80% depending on the fiber. We understand that sustainability starts from the origin. This is why we source our wood and pulp from FSC® and PEFC™ certified forests only. All of our production processes are optimised to allow us to recycle and reuse the water and solvents. Furthermore, our TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers adopt the pioneering REFIBRA™ technology to drive the circular economy by featuring up to 30% of pulp made from upcycled pre- and post-consumer cotton scraps in a closed-loop production process.

Ultimately, I believe the fashion industry need make a collective effort to drive sustainability and educate consumers so that sustainability can become the new normal, potentially make the price-point on sustainable products more consumer-friendly and minimize landfill waste. Instead of promoting a lifestyle surrounded by fast fashion, the industry should find ways to replace that with a more sustainable take on fashion.

Q: How do you incorporate sustainability into your day-to-day activities?

Hale: Sustainability is a different concept to fast fashion, as it involves lifestyle and habit changes. As a consumer, I tend to wear clothing that I like holistically, not just clothes that I like the style of. I generally look for clothing produced using natural materials. If I like a garment’s fabric, feel, style and fit, I am usually willing to pay a bit more than my average budget. I am likely to wear it more often as it may also be more durable. While I clean out my closet each season, I donate or recycle my unused items instead of throwing them away. Furthermore, on a daily basis, I switch from single-use cups to reusable mugs and try my best to use glass containers instead of plastic ones for preserving food.

The TENCEL™ brand’s long-standing sustainability goals encompass clean water and sanitation, life on land, and climate action. On April 22, 2019, we launched several campaigns across the globe in honor of Earth Month to work towards these environmental goals. When we witnessed the devastating wildfires burning over 876,000 acres of California forests, we knew we had to act fast to safeguard the environment. Partnering with US-based nonprofit One Tree Planted and seven other retail partners, the TENCEL™ brand made a commitment to help raise awareness and replant trees.

Since last year, the TENCEL™ brand has donated one tree for every five likes or 10 shares on social media posts, a tree for every purchase of a product with TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers through retailers and matched each retail partner’s donation of a minimum of 1,000 trees. We are delighted by the results. One year on, we have amassed a total of USD$15,000 in donations and 121,740 trees planted. Not only did this restore 454 acres of land, but also positively impacted wildlife habitats and protected species. The area will also serve as community recreation area with no consumptive activities, hence further protecting and reducing the risk of land erosion problems, such as landslides, flooding and fire risks.

This has been a very personal campaign to us because without trees, TENCEL™ branded fibers would not exist. The TENCEL™ brand will continue to engage with retail partners to uphold responsible practices, educate others on the benefits of using eco-friendly preferred fibers and lend support to a multitude of sustainability initiatives.

Although COVID-19 has derailed the TENCEL™ brand’s plans to participate in various fairs such as Munich Fabric Start and Première Vision, we still wanted to promote sustainability by finding innovative ways to provide trade and consumer education. Therefore, our team in Europe created the TENCEL™ brand “Meet the Expert” video series that features our Business Development Managers in Textiles, Sylvia Happel, Pedro Goncalves, and Susanna Pérez who discuss various topics including the production process and sustainable aspects of our TENCEL™ branded fibers on a digital platform.

With our various fiber offerings, Pedro Goncalves expands on the key differences between TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers, TENCEL™ branded modal fibers, and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers. He also elaborates on the species of trees sourced for production of our eco-friendly fibers. Meanwhile, Sylvia Happel shares the properties of TENCEL™ branded fibers and explains what kinds of products they are suitable for. Furthermore, as we develop new technologies and make our fibers more accessible, Susanna Pérez answers the questions of where you can buy fabrics made of TENCEL™ branded fibers and why our fibers are sustainable.

With our “Meet the Expert” video series, the TENCEL™ brand hopes to further improve the conversation among consumers and manufacturers alike on the importance of sustainable supply chains, as well as educate end users on how to find TENCEL™ branded fibers and become a more eco-conscious consumer. The launch of this series will allow us to reach more people with our messages and continue driving for greater sustainability amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Meet the Expert video:

• Episode 1 - Introduction
• Episode 2 - Sustainability
• Episode 3 - Fiber Benefits
• Episode 4 - Where to source TENCEL™ fibers?

For inquires or further information, contact us via email at [email protected] or via the contact form on our website.

Leading Indonesian fashion brand COTTONINK creates casual wear with a twist, catering to Indonesia’s diverse population by creating wearable everyday clothing for women with any body type and personality. This year, COTTONINK turned their attention to the burgeoning sustainable fashion market with the launch of their debut sustainable clothing line in September 2020. COTTONINK’s “Pastel Whimsical” collection, created in collaboration with the TENCEL™ brand, was designed to feel bright and effortless for everyday use, whilst promoting sustainable clothing choices for Indonesian consumers.

TENCEL™ branded fibers were quickly recognised as a natural fit for the brand’s debut sustainable collection. The use of comfortable, durable and versatile fibers meant COTTONINK could create a diverse array of garments, including tops, outerwear, pants and shirtdress, and even a complete outfit set (consisting of a top, dress and bottom) for their children-focused brand - COTTONINK Mini.

Designing apparel to be worn in Indonesia’s unique climate is never an easy task. Warm and humid, tropical weather usually presents a significant challenge for designers. TENCEL™ brand’s cool, breathable and gentle fibers however, were perfect for a collection tailored to Indonesia’s tropical climate.

The “Pastel Whimsical” collection is incredibly resilient thanks to TENCEL™ branded fibers’ superior colour retention, and durability. Featuring COTTONINK’s signature bubbly prints, customers can be sure their garments will look fresh, even after repeat washes. TENCEL™ brand’s long lasting fibers are designed to be worn effortlessly every day, meaning the eco-friendly garments can be kept on heavy rotation for longer.

COTTONINK was drawn to TENCEL™ brand’s innovative and stringent environmental standards from the beginning. TENCEL™ branded fibers are produced from sustainably sourced wood by environmentally responsible processes, which allowed COTTONINK to create a collection which is safer for the environment at every stage of the product’s lifecycle whilst drastically reducing pollution.

With this collection, COTTONINK aims to become a key player in reshaping perception around fashion consumption in Indonesia by creating a broader understanding about the benefits of using sustainable alternatives. COTTONINK hopes their collection will further educate consumers on the benefits of sustainable alternatives, including longer shelf-life, and a smaller environmental footprint.

With the help of the TENCEL™ brand, COTTONINK is embarking on a new chapter, typified by sustainable and renewable, yet effortlessly wearable garments, and a passion for encouraging even more fashion consumers to choose environmentally friendly clothing.

The COTTONINK x TENCEL™ brand “Pastel Whimsical” collection is now available at www.cottonink.co.id.

Previously, as part of the “TENCEL™ Insights” series, we spoke with Birgit Schnetzlinger, Head of Global Business Development Functional Wear at Lenzing, to discuss the functional wear segment amid COVID-19. This time, she joins us once again to talk about the upcoming sustainability trends in functional wear.

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Q: Can you share with us some new trends or challenges for functional wear in 2020?

Birgit: What we have already seen is the tackling of the waste problem. Leading international sports brands have been among the first to introduce sustainability elements and are doing a good job in educating consumers about issues like plastic pollution, the waste problem and recycling options. Another issue to consider is “end of life” status for raw materials as it is important to think about what happens to the product once it is disposed of.

Recycling is today’s solution, but for the future, we should look to reduce the use of resources and negative impact on the environment. If we look at the latest developments, it is all about reducing CO₂ and greenhouse emissions, and carbon footprint. Another goal for us is to find ways to improve water footprint and chemical dye ingredients. It is clear that for stakeholders who take these issues seriously, they are already thinking how they can work to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.

Q: Currently there are also circularity discussions, for example brands that recycle plastics into shoes. For Lenzing, is the REFIBRA™ technology also used a lot in the functional segment?

Birgit: It is coming. To many brands, recycling is easier because recycled materials are around, but if they take it seriously, they should also think about reducing waste.

Our award-winning REFIBRA™ technology has been very well received by the industry. We will see several activewear brands launching products that feature our TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers produced with the REFIBRA™ technology in the next season. As an ideal solution for today's demand, the REFIBRA™ technology contributes to circularity in returning textile waste back to the process to be used again. The process involves upcycling a substantial proportion of cotton scraps e.g. from garment production, in addition to wood pulp, where the raw material is transformed to produce new virgin TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers to make fabrics and garments. With circularity, it is achieving both reducing waste and recycling of materials.

Q: As sustainability in the footwear segment is often overlooked, through the collaboration with brands or manufacturers, is TENCEL™ brand going to push for more labelling, categorising or education in the footwear segment?

Birgit: Compared to other industries, the footwear segment has been slow to adapt to sustainability and sustainable concepts, but it is now picking up rapidly. At my first footwear trade show a few years ago, sustainability was not a topic and there was no communication about sustainability. However, there have been big shifts in the textile trend and discussions around sustainability, hence helping us to bring more sustainability development into the footwear segment.

As Lenzing is still relatively new amongst the footwear industry, we are building TENCEL™ brand’s credibility in footwear leveraging our experience and expertise in other textile segments. It is our goal to educate the industry about true sustainability and to provide sustainable solutions, which can fulfil the functional demands of the segment. We are also working closely with brands and industry partners to offer new innovative sustainable footwear components.

Q: Which parts of the shoe are you currently focusing on? Are you pushing manufacturers and brands to use TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers in different parts of the shoes?

Birgit: During the development stages, we cut a traditional sports shoe in half and analysed every part of it. This was the starting point for the whole footwear segment, and since then it has been our vision to incorporate our eco-fibers into every part of the shoe. We are not there yet, but the proof of concept for using our fibers and cellulose powder was successful.

Today, due to TENCEL™ brand’s expertise in textiles, we are mostly focused on the upper material, the inner lining and the shoelaces, as these are the three textile applications where sustainability can be addressed. We already see soaring demand for TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers in the nonwoven parts of the shoe, such as sustainable insoles or as a backing material. These fibers offer great benefits like moisture management, breathability and smoothness, which create a better microclimate in the shoes.

Brands that have collaborated with us on the textile parts now want to go beyond and incorporate our fibers into the nonwoven parts have shown more interest in our powder. However, this is still in its early stages.

Q: Sometimes we just don’t know how or where to begin with building a sustainable wardrobe. Is there any advice you would give?

Birgit: First of all, I would say buy good quality. The best advice is to buy less but buy good quality. Elongating the life cycle of garments is very important. You can look at the “end of life” of the product and ask questions like “is it biodegradable? Is it harmful to the environment?” These are important questions for achieving a sustainable wardrobe. Using good sustainable fibers like TENCEL™ branded fibers elongates the life of your clothing despite repeated washing with special features like colour retention. This is why the garment’s quality is important to reduce the need to replace your clothing frequently.

Another reason for buying clothes made with natural or botanic fibers is there is less harmful waste produced when washing clothes, such as microplastics that can be shed by synthetic fibers. Another important reason is circularity, because the microplastics released during the washing of synthetic fibers may go through the food chain and end up in your food, further highlighting the need for products to be compostable and biodegradable.

Q: What are your three easy ways to incorporate sustainability into your everyday activities?

Birgit: One way is to continually tackle the waste problem by trying to avoid unnecessary packaging, such as unsustainable food packaging, and using natural or biodegradable alternatives instead, like packaging made using LENZING™ branded fibers. The second would be to consume less to minimise waste and look for companies that seek to reduce their carbon emissions, such as offer shorter logistics and lower water impact. The third is to reduce consumption overall by buying less and buying better quality.

Intertextile Shanghai Autumn 2020 is China’s comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest apparel innovations. This year, 3,400 exhibitors and 73,500 buyers attended the event [1] , which was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre from September 23 - 25.

For this year’s event, the TENCEL™ brand joined forces with 34 customers from across the downstream supply chain to showcase the latest fiber technology. From yarn to fabrics, our partners and Lenzing formed “Lenzing Satellite”, a new collaborative approach allowing visitors to learn more about how customers use our fibers.

"Lenzing Satellite" highlighted TENCEL™ branded lyocell fiber, TENCEL™ branded modal fiber, and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded specialty viscose fiber, each of which are leading sustainable fibers in their class. The exhibition provided visitors with the opportunity to engage directly with Lenzing representatives and "Lenzing Satellite" partners, for first-hand consultations and advice.

Intertextile Shanghai is an important event for the TENCEL™ brand, providing a unique opportunity to interface with customers in China and build stronger relationships with partners and customers across the region.

The TENCEL™ brand has been firmly committed to sustainable fiber development, and has been proud to educate customers, partners and industry influencers in China about the benefits of sustainable fibers for the environment. We look forward to collaborating with more partners for upcoming trade events and is excited to attend next year’s Intertextile Shanghai to engage with even more Chinese customers!

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[1] https://intertextile-shanghai-apparel-fabrics-autumn.hk.messefrankfurt.com/shanghai/en/facts-figures.html

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many of us to change the way we work, socialize, and even how we dress. With people now spending a majority of their time at home, their clothing preferences have evolved to comfortable, durable and sustainable apparel that can be worn for many occasions. Recognizing the shift in market dynamics, Lenzing teamed up with another fiber producer, Hyosung, which started their first collaboration in 2019, to develop “Home Everywhere”, a collection of performance fabrics that feature eco-friendly fibers.

We connected with Andreas Guertler, Senior Manager of Global Business Development Active Sportswear at Lenzing, and Judy Chen, Head of Global Business Development, Innerwear at Lenzing, to discuss the Hyosung collaboration featuring TENCEL™ branded fibers and what the future holds for Lenzing.

Q: What prompted another partnership between Lenzing and Hyosung and how has the process differed? What is the significance of this collaboration?

Andreas: At Lenzing, we have always enjoyed collaborating with like-minded industry partners like Hyosung to promote greater sustainability through textile innovations. With similar values, we strive to develop more eco-fiber collections that enhance Hyosung’s sustainability offerings and meet new consumer demands. The significance of this partnership is featuring Hyosung’s creora® Color+ and TENCEL™ branded modal fibers with Eco Color technology. With this fabric collaboration, garments can retain color vibrancy after multiple washes, use 50% less water and energy, and 60% less carbon footprint.

Judy: COVID-19 did not exist during our previous collaboration. Due to the pandemic, we have encountered more challenges than before, such as communication hurdles, shipping issues and virtual product launches. For this collection, we aimed to diversify and optimize the potential of TENCEL™ Modal fibers into both inner and active wear catalogues. The results were fantastic! More than 95% of the collection adopted TENCEL™ Modal fibers, leveraging our different technologies – such as Eco Soft, Eco Color and Micro-technologies.

Q: What was the inspiration and story behind the “Home Everywhere” collection?

Judy: The collection name - “Home Everywhere”, was derived from the lifestyle shifts brought on by COVID-19. Knowing that consumers are spending more time at home due to quarantine restrictions, comfort is the ultimate consideration when it comes to choosing everyday apparel. The changes in people’s work and exercise routines dictated new clothing needs. This collection provides cozy home-wear and athleisure with unrivaled sustainable credentials.

Q: What was the focus and challenge? How did the team overcome these when developing new eco-friendly performance fiber technologies featuring TENCEL™ branded fibers?

Andreas: We had great success with our previous collaboration in 2019. Bby taking what we learnt, we were able to have another smooth sailing experience this time around. Hyosung’s range of multi-function spandex, polyester and nylon fibers complement TENCEL™ branded fibers nicely. This collection is comprised of three fabric concept groups – “Deep, Rich Color,” “Soft Touch,” and “Functional” – with most being crafted at the Hyosung Fashion Design Center. Prioritizing one’s wellbeing is our utmost priority. Therefore, this fabric collection is designed to be good for the body, the person and the environment.

Q: What were some of the key roles Lenzing played in developing this collection? Which brands and/or designers will be using the new fiber collections in their products?

Andreas: Hyosung’s UK team approached Lenzing intending to expand on the success sparked by our previous collaboration. This time, Lenzing was essential in developing the fabric books. Crafted in Taipei, fabrics and fibers were produced with mill partners as well as Hyosung’s Fashion Design Center. As COVID-19 has impacted our ability to unveil new collections in-person, these fabric books will be published on the online platforms of various tradeshows. This enables the collection to reach consumers across different markets, introduce new trends and advocate for sustainability.

Judy: “Home Everywhere” was first revealed at Interfilière at the end of September and will continue rolling out to push fabric developments to the vast market. Brands and designers who are interested can contact Lenzing to further connect with mill partners and acquire fabrics swatches. In the meantime, we are developing materials for upcoming online webinars jointly hosted by Hyosung and Lenzing to reveal more details on this collection. The first virtual presentation will be hosted on October 23 in the North Asia region.

Q: In your opinion, how do you see Lenzing’s future fiber collections for loungewear and activewear evolving post-COVID-19? Will consumer demand for comfortable, sustainable and versatile textiles remain strong? Have you observed any changes so far?

Andreas: Certainly, the demand for active and loungewear will remain strong and we will continue to see an integration with that and home wear. From my conversations with European sports brands, there is a consensus that the rise in athleisure, particularly for yoga and hiking, is due to people caring more about their health. In regard to materials, sustainability is now the trend, while there is a lesser demand for ordinary Polyester and Cotton. The trend has moved towards natural products like yarns and fibers that preserve water and energy, which goes back to the core of this collection. “Home Everywhere” is a solution to new trend demands.

Q: What is your vision for driving sustainability in the loungewear and activewear industry for 2021?

Andreas: Output should equal input. Achieving a true circular economy is crucial to establishing renewable and recyclable textiles as the industry standard. Consumer behavior will continue to change, but the demand for comfortable and sustainable apparel is here to stay. For us at Lenzing, producing our fibers with REFIBRA^TM technology will remain a priority to facilitate the adoption of circularity among the inner and active wear segments to reduce water and energy footprint.

Judy: COVID-19 has also caused an economic downturn, resulting in consumers being more cautious with their spending. Conscious and thought-out purchases are often high-quality, low-cost products. They, therefore, have the ability to utilize new technologies to experiment with natural materials and product design, which is paramount to our future in driving greater sustainability.

To understand more about this collaboration, please read here.

Across the globe, around 48 million tons of textile waste is produced annually. As a result, 73% of this ends up in landfills. With rising awareness from consumers about this issue, fast-fashion giants and high fashion ateliers have been pressured into rethinking their production practices, given that sustainable, renewable and ethically sourced clothing is now considered a necessity by many.

The urgency of this issue has also reached policymakers, with a rise observed in the number of regulations in place to ensure products are more appropriately disposed of. Currently, there is a particular focus around plastics and greater discussion around how to hold companies more accountable for their waste management.

The increased consideration toward environmental responsibility is making the circular economy an integral consideration across supply chains. However, significant challenges remain as “circular” fashion is yet to become mainstream. With a complex supply chain, many brands and designers face difficulties in supplying eco-friendly textiles. To fully achieve a circular economy, the textile industry needs to work cohesively to address the waste problem. Retailers will need to address the concerns of consumers and push for circularity and transparency throughout the supply chain, at every stage of manufacturing.

The Circle Book, created by the TENCEL™ brand, Officina +39 and Meidea during the lockdown, serves as a “blueprint for working together” on achieving low-impact apparel based on transparency. The book details how “Collaboration” and “Circularity” are leading the charge in transforming textiles and fashion. The book provides promise for the future of sustainability in the industry through knowledge sharing and creates solutions for mills and brands. It is also guided by the mantra “Synergy is Energy”, based on the idea of optimizing company collaborations through a progressive sustainable fashion model.

To tackle society’s worsening waste problem, particularly within the fashion industry, the TENCEL™ brand launched the pioneering REFIBRA™ technology to upcycle cotton waste and produce the new compostable TENCEL™ brand lyocell fiber with REFIBRA™ technology.

“What the industry needs is a fundamental transformation – shifting from a linear production model to a model that focuses on ‘reuse’ across supply chains. For the TENCEL™ brand, we stand for the ecologically responsible production of specialty textile fibers. As such, TENCEL™ lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology is made from renewable raw material wood, combined with upcycled cotton waste in a closed-loop production process. These fibers are not only biodegradable and compostable, but also boast long-lasting softness, gentleness on the skin, effective moisture management and strength,” explains Caroline Ledl, Head of Product Management Textiles at Lenzing.

“Our REFIBRA™ technology gives textile scraps and waste a second life, so as to avoid these being sent to landfills or incinerated. By upcycling the scraps and waste into a brand new cellulosic fiber material, Lenzing is leading the charge for the circular economy in the textile industry. Going forward, all waste from one process will be utilized in another, maintaining circularity,” continues Caroline.

Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development of Denim at Lenzing, adds, “Extending the lifespan of your products is equally important, using sustainable fibers like TENCEL™ branded fibers with REFIBRA™ technology helps to maintain their quality, despite frequent use or cleaning. This facilitates circularity by reducing the need for frequent replacements, which then reduces the amount of textile waste ending up in landfills.”

“We see now how interconnected we are. Today we are not part of a supply chain, we are a supply network where fibers, chemical producers, spinners, weavers, finishers, designers, brands all come together to share their best. Each can make a difference to lower the environmental footprint of the total garment. This is where we come together, as like-minded people who are part of pioneering companies. The Circle Book is a medley of our collaboration where we collected our ideas reducing waste with inspiring designs,” shares Tricia.

The TENCEL™ brand aims to guide its many global textile and non-woven partners in adopting and achieving an efficient closed-loop process, as well as to achieve high industry standards. The future of the textile industry is circular. Looking ahead, all industry players should be considering how to optimize their production processes and minimize waste to pave the way for tomorrow’s textiles processes.

Indonesian-based AGAM Socks has been offering customers with high-end quality socks for over two decades. Knitting fine socks with the highest hosiery technology, AGAM Socks place emphasis on using the best yarn and fabrics to craft timeless designs. A long-time brand partner of the TENCEL™ brand, AGAM Socks has continually chosen TENCEL™ branded fibers to bring its designs to life. This year, AGAM Socks introduced two new collections in collaboration with TENCEL™ to offer diverse sustainable sock choices catering to every occasion for consumers. While the AGAM THERMALSTER series offer crew socks, AGAM PRESTIGE features ankle, short, crew, and knee-high socks.

TENCEL™ Modal fibers were naturally the optimal choice for AGAM Socks with their premium quality and sustainable manufacturing process. Fibers are extracted from sustainably sourced beech wood through an environmentally responsible integrated pulp-to-fiber process. As socks are part of everyday-wear, they need to be comfortable, durable, and versatile – core features that TENCEL™ Modal fibers can offer. Not only are TENCEL™ Modal fibers known for being exquisitely soft and pleasant to the touch, but the fibers also provide endless design possibilities with the ability to blend with other materials and processed with conventional machinery.

Designing high-quality socks is no easy feat. For AGAM Socks, they strive for consumers to enjoy cozy, fresh-dry, and healthy feet. Delivering an exceptionally cool sensation and advanced rapid moisture wicking layer, AGAM PRESTIGE are knitted with 100% TENCEL™️ Modal fiber. Blended with Elastic Lycra™️, 30D elastane, and treated with Japan’s Antibacteria System, the collection presents ergonomic stretch-fit socks of superior comfort. On the other hand, AGAM THERMALSTER is designed for the winter season to keep consumers’ feet warm and cozy. Knitted with 100% TENCEL™️ Modal fibers in the inner layer of the socks and wool at the outer layer, this series’ insulating fabric ensures maximum thermal regulation.

With the help of the TENCEL™️ brand, AGAM Socks offerings can withstand repeated wash to retain color and structure, are gentle on the skin, and has enhanced breathability which prevents the growth of bacteria. The newest collection from AGAM Socks provides new experiences for consumers to switch and contribute to preserving the environment by choosing comfortable and safe fashion products.

The AGAM PRESTIGE and AGAM THERMALSTER collections are now available at https://agamsocks.com/

Roadster, Dressberry, Mast & Harbour, and House of Pataudi (HOP) have created sustainable lines made with LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers

India, October 27, 2020 - Myntra and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fiber brand have joined hands this festive season, to provide apparels made of the environmentally responsible viscose fiber. As a part of this collaboration, Myntra’s in-house fashion brands have created a range of eco-friendly outfits for women’s and men’s wear.

The drive to go-green is accelerating lately, and Indian fashion brands strive to stay two steps ahead. The partnership between Myntra and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ brand brings high on fashion products to the online market. A legion of innovative minds has worked on this collection to offer a wide range of innovative designs across brands. Outfits made of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers will be offered by top brands like Roadster, Dressberry, Mast & Harbour, and House of Pataudi (HOP). The reasonably-priced apparels offer a wide range of choices for buyers with various tastes in fashion.

Tailored to a sustainable lifestyle, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are derived from certified renewable wood sources using an eco-responsible production process meeting high environmental standards. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded specialty viscose fiber has been certified with the EU Ecolabel which is awarded to products and services meeting stringent sustainability requirements throughout their life cycle.

Speaking on the partnership Amar Nagaram, CEO, Myntra said "As one of the leading fashion retailers in the country, we are curiously conscious and committed to working towards serving the evolving fashion preferences of our customers with holistic offerings. This collaboration will further enhance Myntra’s commitment towards the ecosystem".

Speaking about the association, Mr. Avinash Mane, Commercial Head, South Asia, Lenzing Group said, “As global industry leader in sustainability and innovation, we at Lenzing fibers are pleased to collaborate with Myntra to power eco-friendly fashion for Indian consumers. This collection brings a perfect mix of fashion and sustainability. Through this we hope to create a larger outreach among consumers as well as industry on adopting alternative resources and processes in their brands.”

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About Myntra:

Myntra is India's leading platform for fashion brands and pioneer in m-commerce play. An integral part of the Flipkart Group, Myntra brings together technology and fashion to create the best experience in the fashion and lifestyle space in India. The company has partnered with over 5000+ leading fashion and lifestyle brands in the country such as Nike, adidas, Puma, Levis, Wrangler, Arrow, Jealous 21, Diesel, CAT, Harley Davidson, Ferrari, Timberland, US Polo, FabIndia, Biba and many more, to offer a wide range in latest branded fashion and lifestyle wear. Myntra services over 27,000 pin codes across the country. With the largest in-season product catalogue, 100% authentic products, Cash on Delivery and 30-day Exchange/Return policy, Myntra is today the preferred shopping destination in India.

• Complete supply chain traceability will be available for TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers, from fiber to spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, up to garment-making processes
• Brand new blockchain-enabled traceability platform, TextileGenesis™, to be rolled out to Lenzing supply chain partners in South Asia in Q4 2020, followed by China and Turkey in Q1 2021
• Incorporation of Lenzing E-Branding fabric certificates in the TextileGenesis™ platform to be launched in November 2020, where Lenzing supply chain partners and co-branding partners can upload their digitally signed Lenzing E-Branding fabric certificates

5 November 2020, Lenzing – With the COVID-19 pandemic, more changes have been brought to the already transforming fashion and textile industries. To date, supply chain traceability has become a top priority for apparel and home brands[1]. To address both consumer demand and compliance risks increasingly faced by brand partners, Lenzing is introducing a brand-new blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability platform powered by TextileGenesis™. The platform will go live from 5 November 2020 onwards, accessible by all brands using TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers, and supply chain partners globally across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Phased onboarding and new digital certificates to ensure traceability and sustainability

A follow-up of a 12-month pilot program and field trials with four leading sustainable brands (H&M, ArmedAngels, Mara Hoffman and Chicks) and supply chain players from 10 countries in three regions, the global roll-out of Lenzing’s blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability platform will be conducted in phases. During the first phase, Lenzing’s supply chain partners based in South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) will complete the onboarding process within Q4 2020. An estimated 300+ supply chain partners in China and Turkey will also join the program in Q1 2021. It is estimated that by Q2 2021, most eligible Lenzing supply chain partners will be onboarded into the platform, ensuring full supply chain traceability.

One of the core components of the platform powered by TextileGenesis™ is integration with the Lenzing E-Branding fabric certification system, which allows brands and retailers not only to access the full supply chain traceability for TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers but also to view the results of forensic (physical) verification of fabric samples via the digitally signed Lenzing E-Branding fabric certificates.

“Over the past year, during the pilot program and field trials we have been receiving very positive feedback from brands and supply chain partners. Our brand partners have also been encouraging us to accelerate the global roll-out for traceability of Lenzing fibers. With this new system and the integration with Lenzing E-Branding fabric certificates, the entire Lenzing ecosystem will create an unprecedented level of transparency. This will provide consumers with the most sustainable and climate-friendly clothing and home textile products that are made of TENCEL™ or LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers.”, says Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Board at Lenzing,

“With increasing compliance and reputational risks, CEOs and Boards of top 100 fashion brands have committed to using 100% sustainable and traceable fibers over the next 5 years, with transparency being a core part of business priorities[2]. Sustainability and traceability are two sides of the same coin, and it’s great to see Lenzing paving the way for the entire fashion industry to follow. Our supply chain traceability platform will create digital accounting for Lenzing’s innovative and sustainable fibers across the entire supply chain using Fibercoins™ traceability technology.” says Amit Gautam, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of TextileGenesis™.

Fibercoin™ technology to ensure traceability across supply chain

Through using the innovative Fibercoin™ technology of the TextileGenesis™ platform, Lenzing and other brand partners are now able to issue digital tokens (blockchain assets) in direct proportion to the physical shipments of TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers. These digital tokens provide a unique “fingerprint” and authentication mechanism, preventing adulteration, providing a more secure, trustworthy, digital chain-of-custody across the entire textile supply chain, and most importantly, ensuring the materials are sustainably produced.

For more information about the Lenzing Blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability platform and the Lenzing E-Branding Service, please visit https://textilegenesis.com or https://brandingservice.lenzin....

Images related to the announcement can be downloaded HERE.

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[1] TextileGenesis analyses of top 100 apparel brands
[2] TextileGenesis analyses of top 100 apparel brands

About TextileGenesis™ platform

TextileGenesis™ is a pioneering supply chain traceability platform for the fashion and textile industry, enabled by blockchain technology. Our award-winning Fibercoin™ traceability technology creates real-time digital accounting of sustainable fibers across the entire supply chain from fiber-to-retail creating an entirely new level of traceability for brands and retailers. The platform is custom-built for all sustainable fibers such as man-made cellulosic fibers, wool, recycled polyester and organic cotton. The technology is highly scalable with first of its kind fiber-to-retail traceability data protocol (based on GS1 standard) to drive seamless exchange of data across the textile value chain. The modular design ensures easy integration with various forensic (physical) verification methods used in the fashion industry.

Our global network of leading sustainable brands, fiber producers, textile suppliers, and key industry organizations ensures rapid deployment and implementation of end-to-end traceability. The cloud-based delivery model ensures easy accessibility from any device and is available globally in all major textile producing countries in three different languages. The TextileGenesis™ platform goes beyond traceability to incorporate Scope 3 emissions for full value chain, and creates strong business incentives for textile suppliers to pro-actively share supply chain traceability data.

Since the introduction of the groundbreaking TENCEL™ branded lyocell fiber with REFIBRA™ technology, brands around the world have jumped at the chance to work with the TENCEL™ brand’s sustainable offering, whilst subscribing to circular economy. A win-win for designers, brands and end-users alike.

Riding on this wave, Turkish innerwear and homewear brand, DAGİ, recently joined forces with the TENCEL™ brand for their latest “SENSE Collection”, comprising of 22 garments including pajamas, intimates and sleep tees, all featuring the unique TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology.

DAGİ is the first TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers co-branding partner in Turkey, and the first ever to use the new low fibrillation version for innerwear garments. Low fibrillation version improves pilling on clothes and will remain looking fresh for longer.

No stranger to the eco-friendly TENCEL™ branded fibers, DAGİ had used TENCEL™ branded modal fibers in previous collections. DAGİ was excited to continue working with TENCEL™ branded fibers due to their unparalleled quality, gentle touch and most importantly, customer feedback. Customers unanimously loved DAGİ x TENCEL™ branded garments.

TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers offer designers like DAGİ the best of both worlds. The brand’s new collection features the hallmark characteristics of TENCEL™ branded fibers, such as exceptional thermal regulation, durability and superior comfort. Each garment is made perfect for home and sleep, with the added benefit of circularity in fiber production. This approach involves cotton scraps being mixed with wood pulp from sustainably managed forests, enabling garments created with TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers be completely biodegradable.

For this special collection, DAGİ wanted to spread awareness about TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ technology across Turkey. This began with a bespoke collaborative hangtag detailing the fiber’s features and TENCEL™ brand’s innovative circular economy process. To take the collaboration further, DAGİ fitted out four flagship stores with co-branded window displays and published advertorial content in this year’s September issues of Turkish fashion publications InStyle and ALL.

DAGİ also engaged 79 Turkish fashion and lifestyle influencers to share the story behind TENCEL™ brand’s contribution to circular economy and the importance of embracing environmentally responsible lifestyles. Moreover, the TENCEL™ brand and DAGİ gifted influencers with a “Good Things Inside” box, containing one garment from the collection in addition to sleep tea, lavender oil and a TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers info card.

TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers’ first co-branding partner in Turkey marks a significant milestone for the TENCEL™ brand, as it substantiates the shift in the fashion industry towards sustainable and circular alternatives to traditional fibers. The TENCEL™ brand is excited to continue expanding its co-branding partnerships across Turkey and the world, as more brands are switching to sustainable fibers.

The “SENSE Collection” is available in store and online at www.dagi.com.tr/sense

At Lenzing, we are constantly striving towards a sustainable future. Not only do we actively invent new technologies to combat waste internally, but also provide support and resources to likeminded partners in hopes for the textile industry to achieve environmentally responsible processes throughout the supply chain. We are always excited to partner with businesses who want to make a difference and share the same vision. Our recent partnership with Smartex, a behind-the-manufacturing-scene company, is another great example of driving impactful change through collaborative technological innovation.

Founded in 2018, Smartex came to fruition after its founders identified a major problem in defective productions in textiles, particularly in circular knitting machines. The founders realized a majority of waste was produced during the production stage that negatively affected company margins, retail prices, and the environment. In the past, the only solution was to conduct inspections in-person after manufacturing where there’s already fabric wastage. Thus, Smartex came onto the scene with a pioneering idea: to develop a fabric defects detecting device that eliminates textile waste during the manufacturing process.

Armed with innovation, Smartex approached Lenzing in February 2019 and thus sparking the beginning of a rewarding collaboration. Lenzing, impressed by the great willingness, supported their idea by providing necessary resources for further Smartex developments.

“When Smartex approached us with genuine passion to reform the outdated practices of the textile industry, we connected instantly,” said Rex Mok, Vice President of Global Technical Marketing Development at Lenzing. “Fabric wastage had always been unavoidable during production, but with Smartex’s revolutionary invention, we will be able to precisely detect any defects to reduce environmental pollution, which perfectly aligns with Lenzing’s sustainable values.”

Founding members of the Smartex team arrived at the Lenzing Application Innovation Center (AIC) in Hong Kong to utilize Lenzing’s machineries, textiles, and technical knowledge to implement a system of cameras and technologies that can be installed in circular knitting machines to accomplish real-time fabric defect inspections. After extensive R&D and introduction to the market, Smartex successfully commercialized this technology at the end of 2019 to reach the first group of customers. The system is able to create a roadmap of possible types and coordinates of defects, and offer insights about the efficiency of machines and percentage of defective production.

In early 2020, Smartex tested the system for 70-days straight and garnered monumental results. Per month, the Smartex system saved €930 in raw materials, 22 hours of production time, 21,613 liters of water, and reduced 228kg of CO₂ emissions. Moreover, Smartex contacted various brands, such as PVH Corp., Li & Fung, and Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), that could validate the system and potentially implement this device into their internal manufacturing systems.

“It’s not about recycling or reuse. It’s about avoiding textile waste,” said Smartex co-founder Gilberto Loureiro. “We are extremely thankful to Lenzing for lending us their facilities to conduct demonstrations, improve our product, and present this project to major companies. None of this would have been possible without the amazing team at Lenzing.”

Currently, Smartex operates in the United States, Portugal and China with investments