Lenzing has developed a web technology platform. This is a nonwoven web formation process that starts with botanic wood pulp and produces a nonwoven fabric made of 100 per cent continuous Lyocell filament. This web can be integrated with standard non-thermal based nonwoven bonding technologies, such as hydro entangling and needle punching. In addition, the patented technology enables a unique self-bonding mechanism where filaments bond into a fabric during the laydown process. This self-bonding mechanism enables a product range with a much wider variety of surface textures, drapeability and dimensional stability than other nonwoven technologies utilizing 100 per cent cellulosic fibers.

Currently, most nonwoven products are made with plastic materials like polyester or polypropylene, which take hundreds of years to decompose. Coupled with inadequate disposal techniques, the nonwoven industry is a leading contributor to landfill issues globally. With the Lenzing web technology, absorbent nonwoven fabrics with botanic origin will be manufactured using an environmentally responsible production process.

While the nonwoven segment currently making up 30 per cent of Lenzing’s core business, it is committed to driving stronger growth through more active involvement in innovations across the value chain. The nonwoven fabric market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.5 per cent a year through 2022.