Lenzing fibres are biodegradable in the ocean and return to being part of the environment at the end of their life cycle, according to new scientific evidence obtained by The Lenzing Group, a supplier of speciality fibres for the textile and nonwoven sectors. LENZINGTM Lyocell fibres entirely biodegrade at sea-surface conditions in a remarkable short period of time, according to study done in 2021 by scientists at the esteemed academic research institution Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California, San Diego. The biodegradability of LENZINGTM Lyocell fibres, LENZINGTM Viscose fibres, and LENZINGTM Modal fibres on the sea floor was further validated in a second study that was published in May 20231, providing unambiguous evidence that they are a superior option to petroleum-based fibres. The evaluations are the outcome of an independent project with the goal of comprehending end-of-life situations for textiles and nonwovens that are thrown away as environmental waste.
SIO is renowned across the world for being among the oldest, biggest, and most significant marine research centres. In its most recent study, it compared the degradation processes of nonwovens made of cellulosic materials like cotton, petroleum- and bio-based synthetic materials like PLA and polyester, and the Lenzing Group’s wood-based LENZINGTM Lyocell, LENZINGTM Viscose, and LENZINGTM Modal fibres in particular scenarios. The materials were evaluated under a variety of controlled aquaria environments and real ocean situations. The trials’ results are startling: although the wood-based cellulosic fibres entirely disintegrated within 30 days, both on the seafloor and at the surface of the water, the petroleum-based fibres tested took much longer to do so. after more than 200 days, virtually unchanged.
“A circular economy is a key component of our business approach. All raw materials are processed by The Lenzing Group using a highly effective technology to create fibres that, at the end of their life cycle, will replenish the ecosystem. Above all, we want to provide a truly sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fibres, says Michaela Kogler, Project Manager in Research & Breakthrough Innovation at the Lenzing Group. “Our goal is to increase wider awareness of significant concerns like plastic waste. Kogler continues, “Biodegradability needs to be brought to people’s attention since not everything marketed as “organic” is actually compostable and biodegradable.
Laboratory tests have been done to determine whether LENZINGTM Lyocell fibres, LENZINGTM Viscose fibres, and LENZINGTM Modal fibres are biodegradable. of Normec Organic Waste Systems (OWS), a leader in biodegradability and compostability testing and based in Belgium. The latter verified the findings in controlled aquaria settings and in the marine environment. The assessment, which takes into account all relevant natural and man-made situations where biodegradation may take place, was carried out in accordance with the current applicable international standards. In all test environments (soil, industrial composting, home composting, fresh water, and marine water), LENZINGTM Lyocell, LENZINGTM Viscose, and LENZINGTM Modal fibres quickly biodegrade within the time periods specified by the applicable standards, according to certificates from the certification body TÜV Austria.
Result of law
A significant issue of our time is plastic pollution in the environment, which could have an influence on many generations to come. come. Fast fashion business models in the fashion industry have a particularly severe negative impact on the environment. In the past 20 years, the amount of synthetic fibres made from petroleum that are used in textiles has about doubled. This pattern is probably going to last. According to a survey from the non-profit organisation Changing Markets Foundation2, polyester is already present in more than half of all textiles produced worldwide and is expected to increase.
As a result, Lenzing supports the targeted actions the EU is taking to prevent plastic waste in general, including those related to the single-use plastic directive (EU) 2019/9043. The EU Commission specifically specifies the products that come under this category in its newly issued guidelines for implementing the regulation, which will offer the necessary clarity for EU member states in their joint campaign against environmental pollution from plastic waste. Lenzing’s wood-based, biodegradable cellulosic fibers can play a role in creating a sustainable and innovative solution to this man-made problem, which will escalate in the future. The single-use plastic directive introduced in July 2021 sets out standardized labelling requirements for certain products, either on packaging or on the products themselves, such as plastic-based feminine hygiene products and wet wipes for body care or household use. One of the first steps towards solving this problem is to educate consumers and offer alternative, more circular materials.
