A new processing method has been released by Lenzing Group, a major provider of wood-based speciality fibres, to reduce the yellowing of clothing and fabrics created with wood-based cellulosic fibres during high-temperature manufacturing processes. The technology is the first in the industry to solve the technical difficulty throughout the garment moulding process, with an initial deployment targeting innerwear and moving on to outerwear and ready-to-wear garments. Lenzing is also moving forward to investigate further possible uses, such as seamless stitching techniques that use heat seal adhesive tapes and bonding equipment to replace conventional sewing and heat sealing procedures for clothing.
Rex Mok, Vice President of Fibre Technical Marketing and Development at Lenzing, stated that discoloration “has long been a lingering issue for the industry.” “By continuing Through innovation and close cooperation with fabric mill partners, we have not only solved a common technical issue but also improved sustainability in the value chain, potentially leading to a rise in the use of botanical fibres in innerwear and outdoor clothing. The most recent technological advancement also reflects Lenzing’s initiatives to enhance and expand the use of cellulosic fibres, including TENCELTM Lyocell and Modal fibres, which are generated from sustainable wood sources and manufactured using eco-friendly procedures. This is part of a larger effort on our side to advance the sustainable growth of the textile value chain.
Design opportunities will be opened up by improved product aesthetics using sustainable cellulosic fibres.
High-temperature moulding problems that produce discoloration and yellowing have always been an unavoidable part of the clothing manufacturing process. while substances could be utilised to reduce discoloration difficulties in synthetic fibres, however this approach is less effective in cellulosic fibres made from wood. Such a problem is solved by Lenzing’s unique approach, removing the bottleneck that fabric mills encounter while producing and dying light-colored clothing using cellulosic fibres derived from wood.
Lenzing’s mill partners can now gain from the adoption of a wider spectrum of colours and tints thanks to the new invention, increasing the variety of fabrics and apparel options available to consumer brands. Lenzing’s technical experts will collaborate closely with fabric mills to give a technical study of fibres and fabrics, recommendations, and continuing assistance up until the end-of-garment stage, taking into account the diverse needs of various mill partners.
Li Wei, Manager of Product Development at Yelin said, “Our customers have been positive about the visible improvement of the yellowish issues in fabrics during the high temperature molding process. Lenzing team’s processing solution and technical support have made our lives easier, allowing us to find the sweet spot for different combinations of fabrics and colors.”
Address industry needs, from innerwear to outdoor and other ready-to-wear garments
During the initial phase, the proprietary technology will be used in the production of seamless lingerie and shapewear globally, with a proactive strategy to introduce the technology to outdoor apparel and other ready-to- wear garments thereafter. Waterproof garments, windbreakers, jackets and other weatherproof clothing that are produced using a stitch-free technique or heat seal bonding will also benefit from the increased color and design possibilities.
