Uncompromising commitment to fighting climate change

Lenzing’s vision for 2050: We make a zero-carbon future come true.

Climate change is the most important issue mankind is facing. With our strategic commitment to be climate neutral by 2050, we are taking responsibility for future generations.

In line with the Paris agreement and the UN SDG 13, the Lenzing Group set an ambitious science-based target reducing CO2 emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3) 50 percent per ton of product by 2030 compared to a 2017 baseline. This target has been scientifically verified and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making Lenzing the first wood-based cellulosic fiber producer to have an approved SBT. Accordingly, Lenzing conducts its engagements with policy makers in alignment with the goals of Paris agreement.

Lenzing Group’s carbon footprint

The GHG Protocol classifies emissions into 3 scopes:

  • Scope 1 emissions cover all direct emissions from a company’s activities or activities under their control, including fuel combustion on site.
  • Scope 2 emissions cover indirect emissions from electricity and heat purchased and used by the company.
  • Scope 3 emissions are defined as all other indirect emissions from the organization’s activities occurring from sources that it does not own or control and covering emissions along the value chain.

Launch of carbon neutral fibers

To further drive the decarbonization of our value chains, we are working closely with our partners and also further developing our product range. The launch of the first carbon neutral fibers under the TENCEL™ and VEOCEL™ brands is a milestone on our joint path towards carbon neutrality. These carbon neutral fibers are certified as carbon neutral products for the textile and nonwovens industry in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. They support Lenzing's customers, especially brand owners and retailers, in reducing their Scope 3 emissions in raw material production and meeting their science-based Scope 3 target commitments.

learn more about carbon neutral TENCEL™ fibers

learn more about carbon neutral VEOCEL™ fibers

Lenzing's contributions to climate protection

The Lenzing Group is committed to reducing emissions all along the value chain. The table below shows in detail how Lenzing is contributing to climate protection along the value chain.

Despite Lenzing’s business model, which is firmly rooted in the use of wood from sustainable forests and plantations that sequester carbon, the company does not assume that this alone is enough, given current climate science. For us, it is not enough to rest on the inherent climate benefit that the business model of wood-based fibers brings.

Position in the value chain Topic relevant to climate change Details Lenzing Group Contribution
Sourcing of wood and pulp CO₂ sequestration in sustainably managed forests and plantations Sustainably managed forests absorb more carbon, thus acting as a net sink. In Europe, forest areas and growing stock are increasing. Wood sourcing from sustainably managed forests and active engagement with pulp suppliers for improvements and other stakeholder activities (e.g. Wood K plus studies)
Adaption of forests to climate change Share of beech increases in Europe, but uses are limited Economic valorization of beech wood for dissolving wood pulp production by Lenzing (higher value added than fuel wood use)
CO₂ emissions from deforestation Make sure that no deforestation occurs in the supply chain. Lenzing’s Wood and Pulp Policy, forest certificates (FSC®, PEFC™), implementing Canopy pathway and ranked as a leader of Canopy Style Initiative
Pulp production Renewable energy use 100 percent utilization of wood components to produce pulp, coproducts and energy. No wasting of wood Lenzing pulp mills are self-sufficient and use bioenergy from the biomass (black liquor) remaining after pulp production. Moreover, excess energy is used for fiber production or to feed the national grid.
Fiber production Avoiding fossil fuel use Energy use and chemicals High and increasing use of bioenergy and renewable electric power. Energy efficiency improvements, shifting from coal to natural gas. Integrated pulp and fiber production
Textile manufacturing CO₂ emissions in textile manufacturing Fossil fuel use Avoiding resource-intensive conventional dyeing process with the use of TENCEL™ Modal with Eco Color technology (a dope-dyed fiber). This reduces energy use and lowers CO₂ emissions in the value chain. This fiber is a net-benefit product*.
Product use CO₂ emissions from textile care Fossil fuel use for power generation Fast drying products (TENCEL™ Lyocell/PES, TENCEL™Lyocell/wool blends) and products which need less frequent washing help reduce power consumption in the use phase.
End of use Recycling Avoiding waste and virgin materials TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with REFIBRA™ technology are made by partly using textile scraps, thereby avoiding textile waste and virgin resource consumption
Waste incineration with energy use Biobased CO₂ Incineration of LENZING™ fibers leads to release of biobased CO₂ emissions which are considered to be CO₂ neutral.
Anaerobic digestion with energy recovery Biogas production For example, workwear made from LENZING™ fibers that are digested, producing biogas that can be used for energy purposes. This shows potential of biodegradability and energy recovery.

* Terinte et al. 2014

Indirect contributions avoiding climate change impacts

Topic relevant to climate change Details Lenzing Group Contribution
Production of natural fibers Use of fossil fuels For production of agrochemicals and fuels for machinery The climate change impacts of the final products can be reduced by blending with wood-based fibers.
Agricultural emissions N₂O from fertilizers, methane from animals The climate change impacts of the final products can be reduced by blending with wood-based fibers.
Production of synthetic fibers Use of fossil fuels For energy and as a material basis The climate change impacts of the final products can be reduced by replacing synthetic fibers with wood-based ones.
Production of chemicals Use of fossil fuels For energy and as a material basis Biobased biorefinery products from Lenzing pulp mills replace products from fossil sources: LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased, furfural, etc.
Driving industry through stakeholder initiatives Lenzing participates and contributes to projects that address climate change: 1. Apparel guidance for science-based targets (SBT), organized by World Ressources Institute 2. UNFCCC Climate Action in Fashion.