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Chemicals

Closing the loops

By managing chemical use through recovery systems and closed-loop process design, we aim to reduce environmental impacts of pulp and fiber production.

Chemical Recovery and Closed-Loop Processes

Our production processes include chemical recovery systems designed to reduce emissions and resource consumption. In viscose fiber production, chemicals such as carbon disulfide (CS₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) are generated during processing. In our facilities, these substances are captured, recovered, and reprocessed for reuse within the production system rather than being directly emitted into the environment.

In lyocell production, the organic solvent NMMO (N‑methylmorpholine‑N‑oxide) is used to dissolve pulp. Based on Lenzing’s operational technology, the recovery rate of this solvent exceeds 99% under standard operating conditions.

Regional chemical sourcing

85 percent of the chemicals procured by us involve caustic soda (NaOH), carbon disulfide (CS2), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur (S), sulfur dioxide (SO2), softening agents, flame retardants, modifiers, N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), the organic solvent for the lyocell production process, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). About 90 Prozent of all chemicals used at our sites are procured on a regional basis (in the country of production itself or in a neighboring country). This means that we know our suppliers.

Frequently we have built up a longstanding, stable partnership with them. All suppliers are required to comply with our Global Supplier Code of Conduct, which defines expectations regarding legal compliance, environmental protection, and business practices. Compliance is monitored through our supplier management processes.

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