Fibre producer Lenzing is launching a new eco fibre called EcoVero which it says is helping it achieve the next milestone in its sustainability journey by offering eco-friendly viscose with the lowest environmental impact in the industry, setting a new industry wide benchmark.
In a press statement today it confirmed that 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 minimal eco-footprint. Achieving low environmental impact requires developing eco-friendly raw materials and a sustainable manufacturing process.
EcoVero fibres are made from wood, a natural and renewable raw material which, according to Lenzing comes from sustainable forestry plantations that are certified by industry-leading associations such as FSC. Lenzing has a comprehensive wood sourcing policy that it says “goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the most sustainable wood sources are used for viscose production. The company enforces strict environmental standards during viscose production and has invested millions over the years to achieve an eco-friendly production process.
The EU Eco Label is a sign of environmental excellence and is awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their lifecycles: from raw material extraction to production, distribution and disposal. In addition, Lenzing says, its flagship viscose production site in Austria uses a significant amount of renewable bio-energy in the manufacturing process.
Lenzing is keen to emphasize EcoVero’s transparent supply chain. Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer, explains that with this special identification technology for EcoVero fibres, the company are supporting the trend in the fashion industry towards greater transparency.
EcoVero fibres offer an extensive marketing service package and are part of Lenzing's branding and licensing program. Fabrics containing EcoVero fibres can be certified at the company’s in-house certification centres in Europe and Asia.
Lenzing concludes that the new fibres will be launched at the global textile trade shows from this autumn onwards. At present, the sampling phase has started and special customers are developing products using EcoVero fibres.
