Biorefinery is at the centre of Lenzing’s innovation agenda
Lenzing is a global leader in the production of sustainable fibres derived from natural wood, with a rich history spanning 80 years. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Lenzing provides eco-conscious solutions to a wide range of industries, including fashion, beauty care, hygiene, and medical applications. The company’s focus goes beyond fibre production, aiming to create meaningful impacts on the environment, industry partners, and consumers’ daily lives. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Avinash Mane, Senior Commercial Director AMEA & NEA (Asia, Middle East, North East Asia) discusses how Lenzing India embodies these global values, contributing to the development of sustainable fibres in alignment with Lenzing’s environmental and economic goals. With cutting-edge technologies like biorefinery, Lenzing ensures that its processes are resource-efficient and environmentally responsible.
The textile industry is increasingly shifting towards sustainability. How do you see this trend evolving in India over the next five years?
The trend towards sustainability in India’s textile industry is expected to accelerate significantly over the next five years. As consumer awareness about eco-friendly products grows, brands are increasingly adopting sustainable fibres, reducing water usage, and cutting down on carbon emissions. India’s participation in global sustainability movements, such as the adoption of LENZING ECOVERO and TENCEL fibres, will likely drive innovation, with a focus on biodegradable materials and ethical manufacturing. This shift will also be propelled by government regulations promoting sustainable practices, positioning India as a hub for responsible textile production.
Lenzing has a long history of innovation and sustainability. How does Lenzing India contribute to the company’s global mission of developing fibres that address environmental challenges?
LENZING significantly contributes to the company’s global mission of sustainability by producing eco-friendly fibres like TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO, which are derived from controlled or certified wood sources. TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibres are made with at least 50 per cent less carbon emissions and water consumption compared to generic lyocell and modal fibres, according to Higg MSI^, thereby saving precious resources for future generations. Additionally, Lenzing India fosters local partnerships via strategic conclaves and industry events to promote sustainable textiles and actively engages in R&D to innovate fibre solutions that address environmental challenges specific to the region.
(Lenzing fibre production processes are continuously refined to maximise resource efficiency and minimise environmental impact. LENZING ECOVERO Viscose fibres are made with at least 50 per cent less carbon emissions and water consumption compared to generic viscose. ^ Higg MSI Version 3.7.)
Lenzing emphasises strong partnerships. How do you foster and maintain trustful relationships with your B2B partners in the Indian market?
Lenzing fosters and maintains trustful relationships with its B2B partners in the Indian market by actively participating in key industry events and hosting various conclaves across the country. By having a strong presence at textile fairs, sustainability forums, and fashion expos, Lenzing India showcases its latest innovations and sustainable solutions, engaging directly with partners to align on mutual goals. Additionally, Lenzing organises exclusive vendor conclaves and partner meetups, creating platforms for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. These events help strengthen relationships by addressing industry challenges, exploring new opportunities, and ensuring that partners remain informed about Lenzing’s ongoing efforts in innovation and sustainability. This consistent engagement reinforces trust and fosters long-term partnerships built on shared values and common objectives.
Could you elaborate on the role Lenzing’s biorefinery concept plays in the Indian context, particularly in terms of reducing CO2 emissions?
Wood is far too valuable to only use it for extracting pulp to produce fibres. We respect the assets of every tree: Use all, spoil none—we make the best use of this natural resource and turn it into as many valuable products as possible. This concept is called the biorefinery.
The Lenzing biorefinery is at the centre of our innovation agenda. Fully based on wood as the source material, our biorefinery produces cellulose fibre and biorefinery products, as well as bio-energy for our facilities.
Cellulose makes for about half of a tree’s natural content. The remaining parts, however, are equally precious. Therefore, we aim to utilise and commercialise all of the wood’s natural components by turning them into useful solutions for various industries.
Our biorefinery products, for example, are valuable supplies to the food industry: acetic acid acts as the perfect ingredient to pickle vegetables, and xylitol is used as a low-calorie sugar substitute.
How do Lenzing’s fibres, derived from natural wood, align with the growing demand for eco-friendly materials in the Indian textile industry?
The demand for eco-friendly material is increasing in the Indian textile industry. Young generations are well aware of the word ‘sustainability’ and its importance to the industry. Changes in consumer habits are driving the textiles industry to improve transparency. Consumers today are keen to understand more about the quality, environmental impact, and origin of the products they are purchasing. This means that adhering to regulations is key in the fast-changing and complex environment for claims. LENZING ECOVERO fibres are backed up with certified claims by globally recognised certifications and awards, such as the EU Ecolabel for meeting high environmental standards throughout their life cycle. (TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibres are certified with the EU Ecolabel (license no. AT/016/001) for environmental excellence.)
TENCEL fibres can even return to the earth, and they are certified as biodegradable and compostable. (LENZING Lyocell and Modal standard fibres are certified by TÜV Austria as biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine environments, and compostable under home and industrial conditions.)
Sustainability is at the core of Lenzing’s ethos. Can you share any specific initiatives or projects undertaken by Lenzing India to promote resource-conserving technologies?
The smartest and most sustainable fibre innovations can only create value if all subsequent stages of processing commit to equally high levels of sustainability. For this reason, we are open to sharing expertise and to develop solutions together with all our partners along the value chain.
The requirement for sustainability means considerable challenges for companies in the textile and nonwovens industry at all stages of the value chain. The topics mainly relate to preserving natural resources, protecting the climate, offering fair working conditions and promoting the circular economy.
For many years now, we passionately commit to the approach of ‘value chain thinking’. We focus on the needs of consumers and work closely with our partners along the value chain to meet these needs while adhering to our sustainability principles.
Climate change is the most important issue mankind is facing. With our strategic commitment to be net-zero by 2050, we are taking responsibility for future generations.
In line with the Paris Agreement (1.5°C target) and the UN SDG 13, the Lenzing Group set ambitious science-based targets (SBTs) for reducing absolute GHG emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by 42 per cent and in Scope 3 by 25 per cent until 2030 (baseline 2021) and aims to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
How does Lenzing India adapt its product offerings to meet the needs of different sectors like fashion, beauty care, and hygiene in the Indian market?
The VEOCEL fibre brand is Lenzing’s sustainable solution for health and environmentally compatible hygiene. The applications of our wood-based and biodegradable VEOCEL fibres range from baby wipes and facial sheet masks to surface cleaning.
VEOCEL fibres are used for delicate purposes in body and health care. Looking beyond fibre, we passionately comply to users’ high demands — be it parents who seek the best wet wipes for their babies or women who want to pamper themselves with facial sheet masks.
VEOCEL fibres have become essential in the market for nonwovens. These fibres’ top qualities, regarding liquid absorption, make them an ideal ingredient for sanitary and baby care products, facial sheet masks, cosmetic pads, and all other kinds of wet and dry wipes. Converters and consumers value VEOCEL fibres for their outstanding liquid management qualities.
Lenzing’s innovative fibres are used in a range of products, from garments to medical applications. Are there any upcoming innovations or product launches we can expect from Lenzing India?
Lenzing was the first cellulosic fibre producer to set concrete science-based target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative aiming for a reduction of GHG emissions. Accordingly, Lenzing conducts its engagements with policy makers in alignment with the goals of Paris agreement.
We improve products to have lower footprint to support our customers and consumers to keep the momentum and make progress. In 2020, we launched a programme for contributing to greenhouse gas compensation projects using fibre products with the lowest CO2 footprint in their category and offset unavoidable emissions with verified carbon reduction measures while reducing our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions continuously. We periodically engage with various stakeholders to improve the state of the industry and influence policymakers in alignment with our commitment to the Paris Agreement. This plan is a work-in-progress, and we are improving continuously based on the market context, new technologies and evolving legislations globally. Therefore, our plans may change based on the circumstances. However, our resolve to reach net-zero by 2050 at the latest remains unchanged.
In your opinion, how has Lenzing India’s presence influenced the local textile and nonwoven industries, particularly in terms of sustainability practices?
By encouraging the shift from synthetic to biodegradable materials, Lenzing has reduced the industry’s environmental impact, especially in water usage and carbon emissions. Additionally, its innovative production technologies and active engagement with industry stakeholders have raised awareness and driven the adoption of sustainable solutions, positioning India as a key player in responsible textile and nonwoven manufacturing. In association with various textile associations while conducting conclaves/trade fairs, Lenzing consciously keep them educated or addressed about sustainability, and how they can a play major role by taking the first step of choosing the right fibre.
Lenzing has been a pioneer in promoting sustainable practices long before it became a global trend. How does Lenzing India approach educating consumers and businesses about the environmental benefits of its fibres, particularly in a market that is still developing its sustainability consciousness?
Lenzing India approaches educating consumers and businesses about the environmental benefits of its fibres by engaging in a combination of awareness campaigns, industry partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. Lenzing India also organises workshops, seminars, and vendor conclaves across the country, bringing together brands, manufacturers, and stakeholders to discuss sustainable production practices and the long-term benefits of eco-friendly materials. With the Lenzing E-Branding Service (EBS), our partners can distinguish their products featuring Lenzing fibres and craft a compelling narrative that captivates conscious consumers. Lenzing provides ready-made marketing materials to get them started with attractive swing tags which is eye-catching hang tags. EBS supports their business in showcasing the eco-friendly fibres that distinguish their products, fostering trust with customers by aligning with their values.
With automation and digitalisation transforming many industries, how do you think these technologies will impact the textile and apparel sector in the near future?
Automation and digitalisation are set to revolutionise India’s textile and apparel sector by enhancing efficiency and reducing production time. Technologies like AI-driven design tools, smart textiles, and robotic automation in manufacturing will streamline processes, minimise human error, and lower costs. Digital platforms for real-time supply chain monitoring and inventory management will enable better decision-making, quicker response times, and customisation in line with consumer demand. These technologies will not only boost productivity but also help companies meet the growing demand for sustainable, traceable, and ethically produced goods.
Global supply chains have faced significant disruptions in recent years. How do you think companies in the textile industry can build more resilient supply chains moving forward?
To build more resilient supply chains, textile companies need to adopt a diversified sourcing strategy, invest in local manufacturing capabilities, and embrace digital tools for supply chain visibility. Implementing technologies like blockchain for traceability and AI for predictive analytics will help companies foresee and mitigate potential disruptions. Localised production and building strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers can also reduce dependency on global supply chains, making businesses more adaptable to external shocks such as pandemics or geopolitical events.
What role do you think government policies and regulations in India play in shaping the future of sustainable textiles?
Government policies and regulations in India play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable textiles. Initiatives like the Technical Textile Mission and incentives for eco-friendly technologies are encouraging companies to adopt greener practices. Additionally, regulations around reducing water pollution, energy usage, and waste management are pushing manufacturers towards sustainability. The government’s focus on promoting the use of organic and biodegradable fibres, as well as stricter enforcement of environmental laws, will be key drivers in ensuring the textile industry embraces more sustainable methods.
The growing demand for circular economy practices is influencing many industries. How do you see the concept of circularity being applied in the textile and fibre industry in India?
The concept of circularity is gaining momentum in India’s textile and fibre industry as brands and manufacturers increasingly look to close the loop by recycling and reusing materials. Over the next few years, we will likely see an increased adoption of practices such as textile recycling, upcycling, and the use of waste materials to create new fibres. Companies will focus on designing products for durability, easy disassembly, and recycling, supported by advanced technologies. Initiatives around garment take-back programmes and biodegradable fibres will further drive the shift towards a circular economy, reducing waste and the industry’s overall environmental impact.
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