The Lenzing Group states that it has acquired additional scientific substantiation of their fibres’ biodegradability. Scientists from the prestigious academic research institute Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California, San Diego confirmed in a study published in October 2021 that wood-based cellulosic fibres biodegrade in the ocean within a short amount of time at the end of their life cycle, making them a better option to fossil-based fibres.
The study was the product of an independent investigation that sought to comprehend the “end-of-life” situations for textiles and nonwovens disposed in the ecosystem.
SIO has an international reputation as one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most important marine research institutes. SIO compared the degradation processes of nonwovens made from fossil-based synthetic fibers such as polyester to those of cellulose fiber such as Lenzing’s wood-based lyocell, modal, and viscose fibres in particular situations – under various real oceanic conditions and controlled aquaria conditions.
SIO has an international reputation as one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most important marine research institutes. SIO compared the degradation processes of nonwovens made from fossil-based synthetic fibers such as polyester to those of cellulose fiber such as Lenzing’s wood-based lyocell, modal, and viscose fibres in particular situations – under various real oceanic conditions and controlled aquaria conditions.
The results of these investigations are startling: whereas wood-based cellulosic fibres biodegraded completely within 30 days, the fossil-based fibres studied remained virtually unaltered after more than 200 days.
“We have a circular economy business model.” “We employ wood from sustainable forestry and an extremely effective way of processing all raw resources to make fibres that can be returned to the environment at the end of their life cycle,” says Robert van de Kerkhof, Member of the Lenzing Group’s Managing Board. “The textile and nonwoven industries must evolve.” “Our goal is to increase broad awareness of important issues such as plastic pollution and convince the industry to switch to wood-based, biodegradable Tencel, Lenzing Ecovero, and Veocel fibres,” van de Kerkhof added. The biodegradability of Lenzing fibres was also evaluated in the laboratory of Organic Waste Systems (OWS) in Belgium – one of the world’s leading firms in biodegradability and compostability testing – and the results were consistent with those obtained from real-world measurements at Scripps. The OWS evaluation was carried out in accordance with existing international standards and represents important natural and manmade factors that can result in biodegradation. TÜV Austria accreditation demonstrates that Lenzing fibres biodegrade rapidly in all test conditions (soil, industrial composting, home composting, fresh water, and marine water) within the time ranges specified by the applicable regulations.
“We have a circular economy business model.” “We employ wood from sustainable forestry and an extremely effective way of processing all raw resources to make fibres that can be returned to the environment at the end of their life cycle,” says Robert van de Kerkhof, Member of the Lenzing Group’s Managing Board. “The textile and nonwoven industries must evolve.” “Our goal is to increase broad awareness of important issues such as plastic pollution and convince the industry to switch to wood-based, biodegradable Tencel, Lenzing Ecovero, and Veocel fibres,” van de Kerkhof added. The biodegradability of Lenzing fibres was also evaluated in the laboratory of Organic Waste Systems (OWS) in Belgium – one of the world’s leading firms in biodegradability and compostability testing – and the results were consistent with those obtained from real-world measurements at Scripps. The OWS evaluation was carried out in accordance with existing international standards and represents important natural and manmade factors that can result in biodegradation. TÜV Austria accreditation demonstrates that Lenzing fibres biodegrade rapidly in all test conditions (soil, industrial composting, home composting, fresh water, and marine water) within the time ranges specified by the applicable regulations.
“Environmental pollution from plastics is a major issue of our time, and it will harm future generations,” Lenzing warns. “The environmental contamination produced by the fashion industry as a result of fast fashion business methods is very severe.” In the last 20 years, the usage of fossil-based, synthetic fibres in textiles has almost doubled, and this trend is anticipated to continue. As per a survey by the non-profit group Changing Markets Foundation, polyester is currently present in more than half of all textiles around the world, and this percentage is expected to climb.
Lenzing’s wood-based, biodegradable cellulosic fibres can be part of a long-term, inventive solution to this growing man-made issue.”
“Beginning in July 2021, the single use plastic directive establishes standardised labelling requirements for some products, either on packaging or on the products themselves, such as plastic-based feminine hygiene products and wet wipes for body care or home use.” “This is a first step toward addressing the issue: educating consumers and providing alternative products with greater circularity,” the business concluded.
“Beginning in July 2021, the single use plastic directive establishes standardised labelling requirements for some products, either on packaging or on the products themselves, such as plastic-based feminine hygiene products and wet wipes for body care or home use.” “This is a first step toward addressing the issue: educating consumers and providing alternative products with greater circularity,” the business concluded.
