Lenzing is to begin production of its ‘Ecovero’ branded viscose fibres in China. Production will take place at its Chinese Lenzing Nanjing Fibers (LNF) facility, one of only two locations where the fibre will be made. The production process is claimed to have significantly lower emissions and water impact than conventional viscose. In addition, the fibres will offer full supply chain transparency through use of a special technology which enables their identification in the final product.
Lenzing describes its Ecoverofibre as an eco-responsible alternative for brands and textile manufacturers and with production starting up in Nanjing now offers the industry an option to source viscose fibres from China that are also certified to the EU Ecolabel criteria. Ecovero fibres are said to offer buyers transparency at all stages of production, even after the wet processing and conversion steps, which allows brands to authenticate their products. “Thanks to this special manufacturing system, we are supporting the trend in the fashion industry towards greater transparency,” commented Lenzing Senior Vice President, North Asia, Hu Jian. “It is becoming increasingly important to know where the products come from and which path they have covered. By now, Lenzing Nanjing Fibers is one of only two locations worldwide to produce Ecovero fibres and this is something we are particularly proud of,” he added.
Lenzing notes this boost in production as ‘a new milestone’. The company has invested millions over a number of years to achieve sustainable production processes and ensures both its base in Austria and the facility in Nanjing comply with stringent guidelines as part of the EU Ecolabel. The expansion of Ecovero production comes in line with the company’s corporate strategy, sCore TEN. The Lenzing Group has ambitions of raising the share of its specialty fibres in revenue to 50 per cent by 2020, it currently stands at around 42 per cent.
