TEXTILES.ORG
Westex: A Milliken Brand, a global manufacturer of flame-resistant and arc-rated (FR/AR) textiles, and Lenzing, supplier of wood-based specialty fibers through its brand TENCEL™, announce a new partnership aimed at enhancing sustainability efforts within the protective apparel industry. This collaboration illustrates a long-term commitment to bring more sustainable fabric options to market and kicks off with recognizing the use of TENCEL Lyocell fiber into Westex® DH and DH Air™ fabric collections.
“Westex — along with our parent organization, Milliken & Company — and Lenzing see an incredible opportunity to reframe the sustainability conversation within the protective garments industry,” said Michael Langley, vice president of sales and marketing for Westex: A Milliken Brand. “Performance, protection and responsible manufacturing don’t have to be prioritized against each other. We’re hoping to show our customers and end users that you can find FR/AR textiles with proven protection and want-to-wear characteristics that uphold sustainability markers, too.”
Milliken, known for applying its material science expertise to help solve critical challenges, found a like-minded partner in Lenzing, whose commitment to sustainability is foundational to the company’s work to improve fibers that, in turn, improve people’s lives. TENCEL Lyocell fibers are derived from renewable wood and produced in a closed-loop process which transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with high resource efficiency and low ecological impact. Blended with TENCEL Lyocell fibers, Westex DH and DH Air™ fabric collections offer trusted protection with outstanding breathability and optimized moisture management, with 50 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than generic lyocell.1
“Sustainability is in Lenzing’s DNA, and a huge driver of our innovations. We are thrilled to partner with Milliken to complement each others’ goals towards enhancing sustainability in the industry. While TENCEL Lyocell fibers are mostly associated with fashion, they are in fact very versatile, and can complement many kinds of materials in the apparel industry. The addition of TENCEL fibers in protective appareal does not only add to the sustainability level of the finished fabric, but also greatly enhances comfort. We are confident that the industry will find value in Westex’s engineered FR/AR textiles that incorporate a future-focused fiber like TENCEL™,” said Oliver Spöcker, Global Commercial director – FR Fibers, Director Protective Work Wear & Protective Wear.