Lenzing Unveils Eco-Friendly Dyeing for TENCEL™ Fibres
Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibres, has unveiled a groundbreaking dyeing approach that paves the way for a more sustainable future in the textile industry. The innovative technique, applicable to yarns and fabrics made from TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres or TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres with REFIBRA™ technology, reduces water and energy consumption while achieving wash-down aesthetics comparable to traditional dyeing methods.
Traditional dyeing processes often require multiple washes with large volumes of water, energy, dyes and chemicals to achieve the desired colour shade. In contrast, Lenzing’s new one-step dyeing process significantly minimizes environmental impact, reducing water usage by up to 50%, energy consumption by 40% and chemical usage by 90%.
“As consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally friendly products, the textile industry is seeking innovative solutions to minimize its ecological footprint while offering versatile design options,” explained Rex Mok, Vice President of Fiber Technical Marketing and Development at Lenzing. “Our revolutionary approach enables the creation of wash-down aesthetics and vintage looks in knit fabrics without the need for water-intensive bleaching processes. By overcoming the limitations of traditional dyeing, this resource-efficient alternative not only promotes sustainability but also enhances cost-effectiveness for fabric mills. We are committed to collaborating with our partners in driving the widespread adoption of this approach and exploring its potential applications throughout the textile value chain.”
The new technique opens up endless design possibilities, allowing customization of different shades, wash-down effects and fade-out appearances in ready-to-wear, knit apparel and denim-style garments. The direct application of the approach to TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres or TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology empowers manufacturers to produce garments in various appealing color tones.
Moreover, the new approach seamlessly integrates into existing wet-processing and production facilities of fabric mills, making it compatible with regular, organic, or natural dyes used by yarn makers and fabric mills. The absence of dye residues on machinery enables continuous use for producing fabrics or garments in different colours. Consequently, production efficiency is enhanced and downtime is minimized, leading to cost-savings and sustainability for value chain partners.
Lenzing’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly technology sets a new standard for the textile industry, promoting responsible and efficient practices that resonate with environmentally-conscious consumers.
