February 15, 2017

USDA Biobased certification extended to Lenzing Viscose® and Lenzing Modal®

Lenzing - Lenzing Viscose® and Lenzing Modal® fibers including all their product families were awarded the Biobased Product Label granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The prestigious certification is further proof that all standard types of fibers produced by Lenzing are fully derived from the natural and renewable raw material wood. The company’s Lyocell fiber TENCEL® has already been certified as 100 percent biobased content since 2011. Lenzing FR® has now also been certified as 99 percent biobased. The residual amount is for material used to make the fiber fire-resistant.

“I am glad that our pioneering work for sustainability is being recognized by reviewers worldwide. Eco-responsibility represents a key component of our group strategy and we put a major emphasis on it”, explains Lenzing CEO Stefan Doboczky. “The notable Biobased Product Label will help inform consumers about the high ecological standards of our products and our corporate values”, he added.

Natural cycle

Even more, Lenzing fibers are not only derived 100 percent from nature, but they are also returned to nature at the end of their life cycle. Standard Lenzing fibers are demonstrably 100 percent biodegradable and even compostable. Lenzing proves this with a series of certificates (http://www.lenzing.com/en/responsibility/ecological-responsibility/eco-labelsawards.html).

Accordingly, Lenzing is in tune with the growing trend towards ecology and sustainability. Global customers in the textile and nonwovens industry are increasingly turning to raw materials which do not unnecessarily harm the environment when they are produced or disposed of.

BioPreferred program

The certification of biobased products is part of the BioPreferred program implemented by the USDA. It is designed to motivate government institutions and companies to purchase biobased products or those which largely consist of biological materials.

Dominic Köfner

Vice President Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Investor Relations & Sustainability Reporting

Daniel Winkelmeier

Communications Manager