Lenzing AG launches TENCEL™ Modal fiber with Indigo Color Technology for the denim industry

Combining Indigo Color technology with TENCEL™ branded modal fibers, the Lenzing Group is building up sustainable offerings for the denim industry. Using a one-step spun-dyeing process, the dominating Indigo Color technology is incorporating indigo pigments directly into TENCEL branded modal fibers. In comparison to conventional indigo dyeing, this process delivers colorfastness along with consuming fewer resources. The EU Ecolabel which is a label of environmental excellence given to products that meet high environmental standards throughout their life cycle is also awarded to this innovative offering.

As brands and supply chain partners seek greater sustainability, the eco-responsible alternatives demand the denim industry is continuously rising. With such partners, Lenzing is working closely to prevent environmentally harmful denim production processes using the botanic origin of its raw materials and responsible production processes.

For Lenzing, denim is a dominant market and the development of TENCEL Modal with Indigo Color technology will help in reducing the ecological footprint of denim fabrics and garments.  This new offering is produced in Austria using beech wood derived from sustainably managed wood sources and has been identified as BioPreferred® by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Vice president, Global Textiles Business at Lenzing AG Florian Heubrandner said that with the ever-present goal of protecting the environment, from sustainable fiber sourcing through industry-leading features and production processes, innovation is the core of what they do. He added that in the denim industry by combining renewable and eco-responsible materials with their pioneering technology and upending traditional manufacturing processes, TENCEL Modal with Indigo Color technology will set a new benchmark for indigo application and sustainability.

The founder of House of Gold- Adriano Goldschmied is among the early launch collaborators for TENCEL Modal with Indigo Color technology. For his progressive vision in denim development, he is also known as “Godfather of Denim”. He said that using TENCEL Modal with Indigo Color technology, they are thrilled to launch the ‘Seed of Joy’ concept capsule using woven, circular, and sweater knit fabrics. For this, they have also partnered with mills such as Blue Diamond and In The Loop, as well as machinery producer Shima Seiki.

The strong credentials of TENCEL Modal fibers and their new benefits are building up with the implementation of Indigo Color technology. The color retention of TENCEL Modal with Indigo Color technology is loftier through dry and wet crocking and rubbing when compared to conventional indigo dyeing. The new innovation is inherently versatile and enables implementation in a range of multi-fiber blends.

In comparison to conventional indigo dyeing which consumes an intensive amount of water and energy, the new technology not only reduces the consumption of water, chemical, and electricity but also produces less amount of wastewater along with no usage of heat energy.  The indigo pigment is manufactured by DyStar® which enables TENCEL Modal with Indigo Color technology can be certified with STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX which means that there are ultra-low levels of aniline present. Head of Technology, Denim of DyStar Günther Widler said that it took more than a decade of experience to produce this specially commissioned indigo pigment. To meet the demand for sustainable manufacturing and production they invented this most eco awarded DyStar® Indigo Vat 40% 25 years ago.

Lenzing has also partnered with leading supply chain partners such as denim mills Candiani and Cone Denim to make the commercial launch of TENCEL Modal with Indigo Color technology possible.