#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 AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.

Fourth CDP Triple “A” Rating reinforces Lenzing’s leadership in sustainability

Lenzing AG has once again been recognized by the global nonprofit organization CDP for its transparent reporting performance in the areas of climate change, forests, and water security. This places Lenzing among only 23 companies worldwide that made it on the “Corporate A List” across all three categories in 2025 – out of more than 22,000 companies that disclosed their environmental data. For Lenzing, this marks the fourth time the company has achieved this prestigious triple‑“A” rating.

Lenzing AG announces new leadership and establishment of Executive Committee

Lenzing AG announced that Rohit Aggarwal, Managing Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Lenzing AG, has informed the Supervisory Board of his decision to resign from his position due to personal reasons, effective 31 January 2026. To support a smooth transition, Mr. Aggarwal will remain with Lenzing AG as an advisor to the company until end of September 2026. The Supervisory Board expresses its appreciation for Mr. Aggarwal’s leadership and contributions during his tenure.

Lenzing invests EUR 15 mn to strengthen position in the hygiene market

The Lenzing AG is investing approximately EUR 15 mn to expand its production capacity for premium viscose fibers at its site in Lenzing, Austria. This strategic investment is part of the recently announced investment program of EUR 100 mn in total to secure the long-term competitiveness of Lenzing’s Austrian production sites. The capacity expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions to the global hygiene market. It also strengthens the company's role as a trusted provider of high-quality fibers for feminine care applications.

RETECH showcases high-precision godets for high-performance fiber processing at Techtextil 2026

RETECH designs and manufactures godets and draw frames for heated, ambient and cooled processes, enabling precise heat treatment and consistently high yarn quality for a wide range of polymers and applications, with process temperatures of up to 400 °C for high-performance fibers. The company’s key competence lies in exact and stable temperature and speed control, individually adapted to the specific material and process requirements.

Driving WARP KNIT Inspiration

KARL MAYER sees performance fabrics and next-level textile solutions in particular as potential growth drivers for its customers, as a motor for business development and as real game changers for the entire textile industry. Innovation does not happen by chance. It is the result of close exchange with customers & brands, textile expertise and competence in textile machine engineering. This is why KARL MAYER is investing in progress and collaborative development and opening its TEXTILE INNOVATION CEN-TER (TIC) – a place to be for the entire textile world.