To become first carbon neutral fibre producer in the world, Lenzing Group has set targets to drastically reduce its CO2 footprint. Lenzing will invest €100 million over the coming years to reduce carbon emissions both inside its operational boundaries (scope 1+2) and in its supply chain (scope 3). It has set net-zero CO2 emissions target by 2050. Due to its ambitious CO2 emission reduction strategy, Lenzing will further contribute towards helping customers to transition their business to a lower CO2 base. The milestone set for 2030, is where Lenzing plans to reduce CO2 emissions per ton of product by almost 50 per cent (scope 1+2 and 3) compared to a 2017 baseline. The total CO2 reduction of all the planned initiatives will yield 1.3 mt.
“Climate change is the most important issue mankind is facing. With this commitment we are fully in line with the Paris climate agreement and will further help the world to reduce the speed of global warming. Our ambitious decarbonisation targets make us a front runner, not only in the world of fiber producers but also among major industrial companies. Despite the substantial investment that is necessary, we are convinced that this is not only a very responsible step but that it will also be a value-generating move,” said Stefan Doboczky, chief executive officer of the Lenzing Group. “It is our responsibility towards our children and grandchildren to act now,” Doboczky adds. A series of measures in production as well as new innovations and adaptations to new technologies will help achieve these ambitious targets. A major contribution will also come from investments in the production of highly eco-responsible products such as Tencel branded lyocell fibres. On top of that, the drastic improvement of energy efficiency and an increase in the share of renewable energy in the energy mix will deliver the targets set. “To underpin this strategy, Lenzing will commit itself to the Science Based Targets initiative, the most recognized organization in the field of climate-relevant target setting. This step is a significant contribution to green up the textile industry, and will help our partners to offer consumers textiles with an ecologically responsible footprint,” said Robert van de Kerkhof, chief commercial officer of the Lenzing Group.
