#Techtextil 2019

2019-05-16

Lenzing Innovation at Techtextil 2019: LENZING™ Lyocell fibers – plastic free for aquatic farming

The Lenzing Group, world market leader in specialty fibers based on the renewable material wood, today introduced the botanic solution for marine application, in particular for aquatic farming, to the public at the Techtextil Frankurt Fair. The wood-based LENZINGTM branded lyocell fibers are used for the construction of ropes and nets in order to support the cultivation of marine cultures such as mollusks, mussels and edible seaweed to reduce plastic in the sea.

Plastic a serious problem for our marine environment

Annually, about 8 million metric tons of plastics end up in the ocean, resulting in an estimated 165 million tons of plastic debris, currently floating in the marine environment, threatening the health and safety of marine life. The loss of conventionally used synthetic fibers and plastics in the ocean accounts for 80 % of all marine pollution.1 This is not only dangerous for marine life but also for humans as we consume some of these micro plastics through our food. “The development of 100% wood based mussel nets with LENZING™ Lyocell fibers contribute to the reduction of the annual plastic quantity in marine environment”, says Marine Crnoja-Cosic, Head of Application Development New Business Areas.

LENZING™ Lyocell innovation for the marine industry

The Lenzing Group initiated a project in collaboration with two major partners, Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) and FIUM GmbH & Co. KG – Institut für Fisch & Umwelt (FIUM) in order to develop a sustainable solution for the marine industry, which does not compromise mechanical performance. There are many different methods of using textile structures as a support for the growth of marine organisms. The important feature of the present invention is that the textile structure is made of wood-based cellulosic fibers. This gives the advantage that any of the textile structure which is released into the environment due to accident, storm damage, negligence or any other cause will degrade in a reasonable time and not leave non- degradable residues.

Up to now, nylon and polypropylene are most commonly used for rope and net materials. Although these materials are durable and have a sufficient strength, they do not have a natural origin and are not marine biodegradable. They stay in the oceans for years. Nets and ropes consisting out of LENZING™ Lyocell fibers proved that they have sufficient strength to carry the weight of the growing cultures without breakage and have the big advantage of biodegradability in the oceans.

Proved by tests

The cooperation partner Sa?chsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. constructed different prototypes and replicates out of LENZING™Lyocell fibers in March 2018. Thereafter, an initial underwater material test was started in the Baltic Sea. The prototypes were installed in 6 to 10 meters depth at an artificial reef platform in Rostock Nienhagen. The objective of the trial was to proof that marine applications produced out of LENZING™ Lyocell fibers can fulfill the key properties of conventional marine supports, which are sufficient strength to carry the weights of the growing cultures without breakage. Moreover, the trial should investigate if LENZING™ Lyocell fibers represent a pleasant environment for particular marine organisms and also proof the marine biodegradability after usage.

After four organized dives by our project partner FIUM, first test results were available. All LENZING™ Lyocell fibers represent an appealing growing material for marine organisms. Overall 14 different sea dwellers like blue mussels, crustaceans, echinoderms or snails adhered on the test material. First test results regarding performance and biodegradability were promising.2

Compostability and biodegradeability are key

Sustainability advantages in aquatic farming are particularly evident, given the fact that the material is being used directly in the oceanic eco system. LENZING™ Lyocell Standard fibers are certified as compostable and biodegradable under industrial, home, soil and also under marine conditions. If pieces of the nets break off, they will harmlessly decompose and have no influence on marine organisms. In order to close the sustainability loop, the nets can be composted after harvesting and processing.

Further developments

“This development brings sustainable solutions to aquatic farming encouraging Lenzing to assess and establish further steps towards commercialization, together with innovative value chain partners”, says Crnoja- Cosic. “Furthermore, future development will focus on optimizing the nets construction for more durable products broadening the scope of 100% Lyocell based marine nets in marine environment,” concludes Crnoja- Cosic. “.

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.

TENCEL™ Lyocell - HV100 achieves global denim availability in six months; Vol. 2 debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam

When TENCEL™ Lyocell - HV100 debuted at last year’s Kingpins Amsterdam in October, 17 mill partners across five countries presented fabrics featuring the new fiber. Just six months on, participation has more than doubled, evolving into a global network that spans nine countries and four continents, signaling both strong industry momentum and growing demand.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.

BICO BCF yarn delivers impressive performance in field testing

In a joint development project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.