TEXTILES.ORG
The combined expertise and technologies of Lenzing and the Tencel Group, which were recently merged, are being applied for the first time in the construction of the state-of-the-art TENCEL® plant. The new plant marks an exciting new chapter in TENCEL® technology. The production line is currently being built in Lenzing, Austria.
“TENCEL® uniquely answers the demands for competitive production costs relative to other fibers with the demands for sustainable production,” said Dieter Eichinger, Lenzing AG vice president business unit Textile Fibers. “TENCEL® represents a breakthrough technology and I am proud that the Lenzing group leads the industry with TENCEL®.”
Investments in the future
An investment of over $173 million and a 24 month construction time frame have been planned for the TENCEL® plant. The new Lenzing fiber plant will have a capacity of 64,000 tonnes p.a. In addition to the specialty fibers Lenzing Modal® and Lenzing FR®, TENCEL® will also be produced at the new site in Lenzing. TENCEL® is currently only produced at the Lenzing sites in Heiligenkreuz (Austria), Grimsby (U.K.) and Mobile (USA). As a result of erecting the TENCEL® plant in Lenzing, the site will be expanded to become the central location for the Lenzing group’s specialty fibers.
The attractive energy costs that result from the onsite energy generation, the skilled workforce and proximity to Lenzing’s central research facilities including the TENCEL® pilot plant were all critical factors for expanding strategic operations in Lenzing.
Fiber of the future
The capacity expansion supports growing demand for TENCEL® in many new textile and apparel applications. Denim designers are particularly excited about TENCEL®. Jeans with TENCEL® are attractive, durable and become immediate favorites due to their enhanced comfort. TENCEL®’s smooth fiber surface and perfect moisture management turn jeans into articles of clothing which enhance physical well-being. Due to its high tenacity, TENCEL® stands up to the mechanical stresses of the denim production process. Depending on the percentage of TENCEL® in the blend, authentic denims through to softer denims can be created.
New applications are constantly being developed. The optimal moisture management of TENCEL® fibers makes them attractive for use in high quality home textiles such as bed covers and linens as well as in sportswear, outerwear and technical textiles.