The most modern fiber plant worldwide
The most modern fiber production line in the world is currently being built in Lenzing, Austria. The combined expertise and technologies of the 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.
“TENCEL represents the greatest technological innovation in the man-made cellulose fiber industry since the invention of the Viscose fiber around 100 years ago,” explains Dieter Eichinger, Vice President Business Unit Textile Fibers, Lenzing AG. “The developments of the last twenty years are just the beginning of a success story which will continue for many decades to come. TENCEL uniquely answers the demands for competitive production costs relative to other fibers with the demands for sustainable production. 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 EUR 130 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 (UK), 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 - TENCEL
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 like no other man-made fiber. 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.
The Lenzing Group
The Lenzing Group is a leader in the world market with its headquarters in Austria, production sites in all major markets and a global network of sales and marketing offices. Lenzing provides the global textile and nonwovens industry with high-quality industrially manufactured (“man-made”) cellulose fibers and is the leading supplier in many business-to-business markets.
The product range extends from fiber pulp, cellulose standard and special fibers to high-quality plastic polymer products and engineering services. Lenzing quality and Lenzing innovative power set standards for man-made cellulose fibers. More than seventy years of fiber production expertise make the Lenzing group the only manufacturer world-wide to produce all three man-made cellulose fiber generations – from classic viscose to Modal and Lyocell (TENCEL) - on an industrial scale.
The unique combination of consistent customer orientation with leadership in quality, innovation and technology is the foundation of the success of the Lenzing group. Our economic strength is based on a successful specialty strategy and an excellent cost position.
