#Yarn & Fiber

2023-01-05

ZDHC releases updates to the ZDHC man-made cellulosic Fibres Guidelines Version 2.0, and its supporting document

ZDHC is delighted to announce the release of the updated ZDHC Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) Guidelines Version 2.0, and its supporting document. By publishing these documents we continue to push the industry toward increasingly innovative and sustainable fibre production. It is important to note that with this update, the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V2.0 now include the Responsible Fibre Production Guidelines, Wastewater Guidelines and Air Emissions Guidelines as three separate chapters in a single document.

Since expanding the scope of our work to include fibre production with the release of the first ZDHC MMCF Guidelines in 2020, brands and manufacturing facilities producing MMCF have been able to take an aligned approach to emissions control. This includes the recovery of sulphur compounds as part of the inputs, as well as by-products generated during the production process.

“Lenzing group, as part of the ZDHC Foundation’s Roadmap to Zero Programme, has actively participated in the drafting and revision process of the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V2.0. The entire process was fact-based and transparent and serves as a good example of sector and supply chain cooperation. The increasingly ambitious targets of the revised ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V2.0 showcase the steadfast commitment of the MMCF Suppliers toward improving the environmental performance of the industry at large.”

- Zheng Luo, Lenzing Group

The Importance of Fibre Production in the Value Chain

Fibres are key components of production processes in the textile and fashion value chain and it is crucial to reduce the environmental impact of their manufacture. Our guidelines give suppliers producing MMCF unified criteria for measuring output indicators like wastewater, sludge, air emissions and other process-related parameters.

“This is yet another achievement by ZDHC. Publishing the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V2.0 will help to achieve environmental stewardship and sustainable development pathways in a structured manner. We are glad to have been a part of this Task Team that enabled us to work with stakeholders across all sectors to arrive at a mutually acceptable global standard for the industry.”

- C. K. Dutta, BIRLA CELLULOSE

ZDHC Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) Guidelines Version 2.0: An Aligned Approach for All Stakeholders

Among other changes, this update reflects the expansion of our scope to accommodate Viscose Filament Yarn, Lyocell, Cuprammonium Rayon (Cupro) and Cellulose Acetate (Acetate). The ZDHC Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) Guidelines V2.0 provide an aligned approach for included fibres, including defined chemical recovery, wastewater and sludge discharge, and air emission discharge.

ZDHC continues to advocate for the improvement of processes which minimise emissions while also working towards the recovery of input substances and by-products. These dual goals, reduction and recovery, directly address the negative impact of outputs arising from MMCF production.

View the ZDHC Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) Guidelines V2.0 in full here:

https://downloads.roadmaptozero.com/fibres/mmcf-guidelines

“We are pleased to have contributed to the development of the MMCF Guidelines V2.0. In this revision, the scope of the guidelines has been expanded to cover different types of MMCF. Since the production process and chemicals used in MMCF are different, it is important to set appropriate standards for each type. We believe that this new guideline will allow the industry to choose from a wider variety of sustainable MMCF. We look forward to working with ZDHC to continue to explore innovative ways to produce sustainable MMCF.”

- Hirokazu Ishii, Asahi Kasei Corp. Bemberg Div.

ZDHC MMCF Guidelines Industry Standard Implementation Approach Version 2.0: Additional Industry Support for Implementation

Along with the ZDHC Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) Guidelines V2.0, ZDHC has also updated its ZDHC MMCF Guidelines Industry Standard Implementation Approach. This document aims to support the implementation process of the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V2.0, and features new implementation timelines that assist Suppliers in setting their goals to achieve Foundational, Progressive or Aspirational Level on our Supplier Platform.

For manufacturers and brands alike, these guidelines actively drive progress.

View the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines Industry Standard Implementation Approach V2.0 in full here:

https://downloads.roadmaptozero.com/fibres/MMCF-Industry-Standard-Implementation-Approach

“ We are very pleased to have been able to team up and collaborate with ZDHC to incorporate cellulose acetate into the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V2.0. We are strongly committed to drive improvement in the textile industry’s chemical usage.”

- Lacey Johnson, Eastman

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

Lenzing advances its transformation: Higher EBITDA, stronger free cash flow and more than EUR 200 million in cost savings

The business performance of the Lenzing Group in 2025 was affected particularly in the second half of the year by external factors such as international tariff measures, subdued demand and declining market prices. As a result, revenue decreased slightly by 2.3 percent to EUR 2.6 billion, primarily due to lower fiber sales volumes and lower prices for fibers and pulp, which were further negatively impacted by currency developments. Nevertheless, thanks to the comprehensive Performance Program, Lenzing was able to improve its operating performance and key financial indicators compared with the previous year.

“Lead Transformation – Generate Impact”: Lenzing presents its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report

The Lenzing Group has published its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report, entitled LEAD TRANSFORMATION – GENERATE IMPACT. The report shows how Lenzing is actively shaping change in the industry and making a lasting impact: economically, ecologically, and socially. Lenzing is consistently focused on the future: with targeted investments in premiumization, excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the company is strengthening its position as a leading provider of sustainable, cellulose-based premium fibers. The combined report is available in digital format.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.