Lenzing partners with Orange Fiber to launch citrus-blended Tencel

Austrian textile manufacturer Lenzing Group has partnered with Orange Fiber, an Italian company, that has patented the pulp production process for citrus by-products, to create the world’s first TENCEL™ branded lyocell fiber made of orange and wood pulp.

This innovative product strives to achieve both firms’ common objective of improving sustainability in the textile and fashion industry. Through reinventing TENCEL™ branded fibers using unusual sustainable raw materials, the new TENCEL™ Limited Edition project unites the vision, innovation, and inspiration of eco-responsible textiles.

The Lenzing Group’s Vice President of Global Research and Development, Gert Kroner, said that the launch of TENCEL™ Limited Edition capitalizes on their leading edge in highly sustainable manufacturing techniques, and they’re excited to partner with Orange Fiber on this limited-edition fiber series. By using upcycled waste materials in their goods, such as orange peels, they are taking proactive measures toward a more sustainable future and reducing waste’s environmental impact.

The TENCEL™ Limited Edition, created in collaboration with Orange Fiber, introduces a new cellulosic fiber that aims to inspire sustainability throughout the industrial value chain while also pushing the frontiers of innovation. The fibers are presently being turned into a new fabric collection, which Orange Fiber plans to launch in October 2021.

Enrica Arena, CEO of Orange Fiber, said that Lenzing is a market leader in sustainable fibers, and they’re excited to collaborate with them on this new material, which will be a significant resource for the textile and fashion industries. This ground-breaking production approach has the potential to transform the fashion industry and empower companies searching for environmentally responsible textile value chains.

Arena added that as customers become more environmentally concerned, it is critical for the industry to move in a different direction and innovate with sustainable materials in order to remain efficient, competitive, and save our world for future generations. This virtuous synergy is a critical milestone in their journey toward sustainable fabric manufacturing from renewable sources, as it validates their patent in the marketplace and allows them to expand their production capacity to meet the demands of fashion brands.

Increased sustainability standards bring new difficulties at all levels of the supply chain, therefore all stakeholders must work together to make this transition a success. Partnerships enable the sharing of resources and knowledge to address the issue of textile pollution, from manufacturers to retailers.

The TENCEL™ brand aspires to assist its numerous worldwide textile partners in implementing and maintaining an effective closed-loop process, as well as achieving high industry requirements.

Kroner said that their collaboration with Orange Fiber exemplifies Lenzing’s dedication to change-making partnerships. They’re delighted to help up-and-coming industry trailblazers realize their creative ideas. Collaborations like this may lead to significant change, and their TENCEL™ Limited Edition program allows businesses of all sizes to partner with Lenzing.

TENCEL™ Limited Edition with Orange Fiber collections will feature specialized marketing materials, such as limited-edition co-branded swing tags, that will give important information about the manufacturing process and materials used. To completely accomplish sustainable industrial practices, the objective is to stimulate co-development of creative solutions to give waste a new life and to promote more transparency in the textile and fashion industries.