Lenzing’s pioneering Eco Cycle technology involves upcycling up to one-third of pulp from cotton scraps, e.g. from garment production, in addition to wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. Circular business models will be key priority for the Lenzing VEOCEL brand.
Lenzing Group (Lenzing) announced the introduction of Eco Cycle technology under its specialty nonwoven brand, VEOCEL. Eco Cycle technology is a testament to the VEOCEL brand’s commitment to driving sustainability and circularity in the nonwoven industry. The technology involves the upcycling of a substantial proportion of pre-consumer cotton scraps, e.g. from garment production, and mixing with sustainably sourced wood pulp, and to produce pure new virgin VEOCEL branded lyocell fibers for nonwoven applications.
“Since the inception of the VEOCEL brand, we have been pioneering the development and application of sustainable nonwoven technologies and applications. Eco Cycle technology encompasses our commitment to providing the industry with sustainable raw materials and driving circularity in the nonwoven industry ecosystem. Promoting circular economy will be a key strategy of the Lenzing Group in the long run. Eco Cycle technology will enable us to a bold new step in driving the discussion of circularity of natural botanic materials in the ecosystem,” said Jürgen Eizinger, Vice President of Global Business Management Nonwovens, Lenzing AG.
More sustainable textile industry
Eco Cycle technology leverages Lenzing’s award-winning efficient closed-loop production process to produce virgin VEOCEL branded lyocell fibers with upcycled pre-consumer cotton scraps and wood pulp from sustainable sources. The process recovers more than 99% of the solvent and water in a closed loop and repeatedly feeds it back into the production process. This results in extremely low levels of emissions and absence of optical brighteners in the VEOCEL branded lyocell fiber production.
“Produced using an environmentally friendly and sustainable process, VEOCEL Lyocell fibers are certified clean and safe. With Eco Cycle technology, these fibers for nonwoven applications offer nonwoven roll-good manufacturers a convenient way to contribute to the circular economy without the necessity to engage in mechanical recycling which possibly produce harmful byproducts and emissions. This holistic approach enables us to set new benchmarks in circularity,” Eizinger added.
VEOCEL branded lyocell fibers have been certified Biobased by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Blending VEOCEL branded Lyocell fibers with other fibers adds a greater degree of smoothness and absorbency to nonwoven fabrics; and will significantly improve the liquid absorbency in wet wipes, offering a more convenient way to clean surfaces.
Lenzing’s nonwoven solution; Lenzing VEOCEL
VEOCEL is Lenzing Group’s flagship specialty nonwoven brand. Derived from renewable raw material wood, VEOCEL provides natural care, every day; and is committed to driving industry standards around sustainability and natural comfort in the nonwoven sector. VEOCEL transfers the essence of nature into nonwoven products through the beneficial properties of VEOCEL fibers; including natural absorbency, liquid distribution, contribution to breathability, biodegradability and versatility.
The VEOCEL product portfolio includes VEOCEL Lyocell and VEOCEL Specialty Viscose fibers; that are tailored for sustainable lifestyles and helps to maintain environmental balance by being fully integrated into nature´s cycle. These fibers are certified clean and safe, biodegradable, from botanic origin and manufactured in an environmentally responsible production process. The VEOCEL brand is categorized into four branded offers including; VEOCEL Beauty, VEOCEL Body, VEOCEL Intimate and VEOCEL Surface; and its fibers are used in baby care, beauty and body care, intimate care and surface cleaning products.
Fibers under the VEOCEL brand are derived from renewable wood sources from certified and controlled forests and plantations; and are manufactured in environmentally responsible and closed loop production processes. The fibers are compostable and biodegradable; enabling them to break down safely into raw materials and fully revert back into the environment.