#Sustainability

2022-09-22

TENCEL™ Modal fiber with Indigo Color technology won 2022 ITMF Award for Sustainability and Innovation

Lenzing, the world’s leading supplier of sustainably produced specialty fibers, has been recognized in The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)’s ITMF Awards 2022 for its unwavering commitment towards paving sustainable practices for the denim industry. Paving a clear path towards a more sustainable denim industry, TENCEL™ Modal fiber with Indigo Color technology was presented with the award for Sustainability and Innovation at the ITMF Annual Conference today in Davos, Switzerland.

The Indigo Color technology features an innovative one-step, spun-dyeing process that delivers superior color fastness relative to conventional indigo dyeing

Significant savings achieved in water, electricity and chemical usage during fiber production process enhances sustainability of finished products

First launched in 2021, TENCEL™ Modal fiber with Indigo Color technology has been established as the foremost fiber solution to address the demand for more eco-responsible fiber alternatives among denim brands and retailers. The new technology incorporates indigo pigment directly into TENCEL™ branded modal fibers using a one-step, spun-dyeing process. Such process delivers superior color fastness relative to conventional indigo dyeing. Compared with traditional rope-dyed indigo yarns, the production of TENCEL™ Modal fiber with Indigo Color technology saves around 99% of water and electricity, 80% of chemicals and even 100% of heat energy, significantly reducing the ecological footprint of denim products.

“At Lenzing, sustainability and innovation are key drivers of our business, and it is truly an honor to be recognized by industry players and the ITMF Awards. Through a blend of eco-responsible materials and pioneering technology, we created a new benchmark for the denim industry with TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology. We will continue to innovate our fiber offerings to address the rising demand for eco-responsible alternatives. With each fiber innovation, we are one step closer to reducing environmental impact of our textile industry ecosystem,” said Florian Heubrandner, Vice President Global Textiles Business at Lenzing AG.

TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology fibers offer virtually endless possibilities, from denim to outerwear, active attire and footwear. Without the worry about harmful chemicals, the new fibers can even open up applications for indigo in baby items, such as clothing and sheets.

“While we continue to explore different washes, effects and fiber blends, we are open for innovation and what can be done. Beyond the denim market there are already commercial programs in knitwear. With so many great minds and new ideas out in the market, this is an excellent opportunity to experiment with something new and lower the environmental footprint,” said Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development Denim and Americas, Lenzing AG.

To date, TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo technology has been designated BioPreferred® by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was certified with the EU Ecolabel.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.