Lenzing Circular Economy

Circular economy

Economy with a future

The resources of our planet are limited

For this reason, we are committed to establishing the circular economy as a sustainable, future-oriented concept in the industry and to protect the Earth in this way. Sustainable and efficient use and processing of all raw materials is required to protect the environment.

We have countered the wastefulness of business as usual with circular economy models. For example, we have shown how our environmentally responsible technology turns cotton textile waste into new sources of raw material for high-quality fibers.

What is circular economy?

The circular economy is based on nature as a model. At its core, the concept aims to use products and thus raw materials for as long as possible, thereby extending their life cycle. In this way, resources are maximally used, the need for new ones is reduced, waste is avoided and the life cycle of products is increased.

In short, the waste of today becomes the raw material of tomorrow - the same as in nature.

In contrast to the linear economic system, where products are produced, used, and then discarded, the circular economy follows a more sustainable use of resources.

We give waste a new life. Every day

Lenzing drives the industry towards a fullyfledged circular economy by striving to give waste a new life in all aspects of our core business. This mission is also reflected in our ambitious sustainability goals.

Wherever possible, we co-develop circular solutions with potential partners inside and outside the current value chain. This vision is based on our determination to create value with as few virgin resources as possible and reducing the use of fossil carbon in the company and the value chain while improving sustainability performance.

Areas of circular economy

Lenzing's practice of circular economy

Natural circularity

Lenzing’s products are made from the renewable raw material wood, which is sourced from sustainably managed forests and plantations. Lenzing’s fibers are compostable and biodegrade at the end of their use. Thus, the material loop closes and aligns with the biological cycle.

Developing commercial-scale recycling technologies

To address the enormous textile waste challenges of industry and society, Lenzing has developed unique fibers produced with REFIBRA™ technology using cotton textile waste as a raw material. This technology utilizes pre- and post-consumer cotton scraps from the textile value chain.

Resource-efficient technologies and products

Lenzing continuously develops innovative technologies for the production of sustainable products. A special focus is on the optimal utilization and processing of all raw materials and the efficient recovery of chemicals, water and energy.

Transparency and traceability of supply chains

Lenzing follows a three-pillar approach to a more sustainable and more transparent supply chain: fiber identification system, E-branding service platform and traceability via blockchain technology. Combining these different approaches assures a high degree of transparency and therefore traceability verifying the origin of Lenzing fibers throughout the supply chain up to the finished garment.

Partnering for systemic change

Complex global challenges require a cooperative approach. The Lenzing Group therefore cooperates with a large number of stakeholders and business partners along the value chain in order to jointly advance the systemic change with regard to sustainability in the textile and nonwovens industry.

Waste management

At Lenzing, waste management is at the heart of an effective circular economy. The waste arising from the production process can be used as a raw material for other processes, thus reducing the need for new resources, avoiding waste and increasing resource efficiency. In this way environmental impacts are minimized.

Lenzing & Södra - together against textile waste

Lenzing and Södra, a leading global pulp producer, signed a cooperation agreement in 2021 to develop a solution for the enormous amounts of textile waste from industry and society. In doing so, further development of recycling technologies will enable broader use of cellulosic textile waste on a commercial scale. 

The jointly developed OnceMore® pulp, obtained from recycled textile waste, is used e.g. as a raw material for the production of Lenzing's ECOVERO™ x REFIBRA™ specialty fibers, which in turn can be used to produce new textiles.

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A designer’s guide to fiber recyclability

As part of our cooperation with Södra and the LIFE TREATS program, we have developed "Enabling Circularity – A Designer’s Guide to Fiber Recyclability".

By designing with reuse, repair, and recycling in mind, we can reduce fashion’s environmental impact. This guide shares insights into textile recycling—its possibilities and limitations—while inspiring designers to shift from a linear to a circular business model. 

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