Lenzing and Hof University have recently opened a new Nonwoven Development Center (VEZ). As a strategic partner, Lenzing has access to a state-of-the-art development line at the campus in Münchberg with immediate effect. The Lenzing group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibres made from the renewable raw material wood.
The new development centre offers new opportunities for sustainable fibre and nonwoven innovations for a wide range of applications including hygiene, body care, and medical. In line with the sCore TEN corporate strategy, the Lenzing group is focusing on sustainable innovations, which are agreed in an optimum manner to the needs of the value chain.
The VEZ was completed according to schedule in September 2020, after Lenzing and the University of Hof signed a cooperation agreement for its use in 2019. The timing is perfect. Developments at political level, such as the directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 5, 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, increase demand for responsibly manufactured nonwovens. The so-called Single-Use Plastics Directive aims at building awareness and greater transparency with regard to wet wipes and feminine hygiene products, according to a press release by Lenzing.
With the spunlace pilot plant at the VEZ, Lenzing will support customers and partners more intensively in the development of new nonwoven applications and at the same time promote cooperation in the field of marketing.
In the previous year, the company already established new certification standards for the Veocel brand. Since then certified manufacturers can only use the Veocel logo with blends of biodegradable cellulose fibres. With this measure, the Veocel brand allows consumers to make a more conscious product selection. With its Veocel branded wood-based cellulose fibres, Lenzing has been laying the foundation for many years for sustainable nonwoven applications and will test and develop innovative ideas using the new possibilities offered by the VEZ.
