Presenting Eco Pure Technology at Première Vision Paris
20-04-2020
When it comes to selecting a material that is truly sustainable there is a lot more to consider than the source of origin alone. Fabrics such as cotton, bamboo and linen tick all the right ‘natural plant-based’ boxes but can be riddled with production methods that are less desirable. Excessive water use, rain forest clearing, processing chemicals and pollutants entering waterways, the list is endless. With this in mind, the need for quality textiles that carry transparent and sustainable practices through every single stage from where the crop is grown to how it is harvested and processed.
As brands and designers are being more careful in materials selections, raw materials producer further up the textile supply chain are also taking the matter to their hands by perfecting the production processes of fibres. During Première Vision Paris in February this year, Lenzing Group announced the introduction of Eco Pure technology, which enhances the production of environmentally responsible TENCEL™ Modal fibers for the textile industry.
TENCEL™ Modal fibers with Eco Pure technology endorse totally chlorine-free pulp and fiber bleaching to deliver a new standard of clean modal fiber production. The Eco Pure technology features an eco-responsible production process guided by the EU Ecolabel[1], a label of environmental excellence that is awarded to products and services that meet high environmental standards throughout their life-cycle[2].
Thanks to the gentle totally chlorine-free bleaching process, Textiles made predominantly of TENCEL™ Modal fibers with Eco Pure technology tend to be softer than conventionally bleached TENCEL™ Modal fibers, and are particularly suitable for undergarments, loungewear, bedding and more.
Claudia Mommer, Product Manager Global Business Management Textiles of Lenzing comments: “With TENCEL™ Modal fibers with Eco Pure technology we strengthen our sustainability commitment. The fibers are produced exclusively in Austria mainly from beech wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests across Central and Eastern Europe. The TENCEL™ Modal fibers with Eco Pure Technology can be identified throughout the whole textile production chain, to additionally improve the supply chain transparency.”
Sustainability and technology are the two core subjects around which the textile and fashion industry has been positioning itself for several years. This timing provided the apt opportunity for Lenzing Group to introduce Eco Pure technology to potential clients and industry.
Florian Heubrandner, Vice President of Global Business Management Textiles of Lenzing comments: “For the TENCELTM brand, ensuring a sustainable supply chain has become very important, with a focus not only on ethical production, but also the actual fiber production process. In 2020, one of our main goals and a core business strategy will be to continue production of high-quality fibers that strive to set higher standards for industry sustainability and comfort. It is encouraging to see that the industry and consumers are paying more attention to sustainability. We believe that the popularity of sustainable fibers will continue to grow.”
Serge Carreira, a specialist in fashion and luxury and lecturer at the prestigious Sciences Po University in Paris, stated during a recent talk that; “a long-term approach to transparency, inclusiveness, respect, authenticity and honest choices and values are the keys to success in a fashion industry called upon to deliver as much meaning as profit.”
With consumers becoming savvier about the environmental impacts of the fashion industry, it is important for all stakeholders to move forward together in the implementation of eco-practices across business operations. Companies along the fashion supply chain should continue to stay committed at the industry forefront to provide support by all means.
[1] Please note that LENZING™ fibers are certified with the EU Ecolabel Standard for textile products. Single use end products are NOT included in this Standard. Single use end products made of LENZING™ fibers can only be labelled or marketed as EU Ecolabel certified if they are certified as compliant with applicable standards, such as the EU Ecolabel Standard for PCPs and AHPs.
[2] http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/index_en.htm
