Lenzing Group, the Austria-based specialty fiber and textile producer received a double A rating for its efforts in corporate sustainability in December. As per CDP’s 2020 Climate Change Report, this rating is given for the efforts in global climate and forest stewardship areas. Among the disclosing companies, Lenzing spots in the top 2.8% and on the CDP’s Climate A List it is the only first-time disclosure.

Lenzing’s Director of Global Business Development – Apparel, Tricia Carey said that is gratifying to be acknowledged and awarded for sustainable actions. For Lenzing, fighting against climate change is one of their top priorities. She also mentioned that it is very encouraging to see their brand partners like Levi Strauss & Co., HanesBrands, and H&M along with them on the A list. In the total greenhouse emissions, the apparel industry contributes around 4% to 10% which has a very notable impact on the environment. In the future, they are hoping that toward responsible production more and more of their partners work diligently and transparently. 

For some time, Lenzing has been innovating to be on the climate front and last year Lenzing shared data with CDP for the first time. Among the wood-based fiber manufacturers, Lenzing became the first one to adopt targets based on science and join the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. By 2030, the company has pledged recently to halve its specific carbon emissions and by 2050 to become fully carbon neutral.

Lenzing has introduced many innovations to reach its carbon-neutrality goal such as certified CarbonNeutral® fibers, True Carbon Zero TENCEL™ branded fibers; these fibers are certified on criteria such as offset, reduction and circularity. To contribute to sustainability, they have combined upcycled cotton waste material and the lyocell fiber, to produce TENCEL X REFIBRA™ technology.

In a statement made by HanesBrands, they said that they are committed to becoming a more sustainable company and a catalyst for the apparel industry to adopt the circular model since they help the world to clothe. HanesBrands also said that the business practices adopted by innovative and sustainable products are offered by Lenzing as they prioritize circularity and focus on sustainability and environmental challenges. For their mission and to make the world a comfortable place, it is very essential for them to do business with the right partners.

Among 15 other companies, Lenzing has been recognized as CDP's A grade because of its forest stewardship. In 2020, Lenzing has also launched a reforestation project in Albania as a part of their “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy. Under this, with the help of NGOs and local people, they will take care of 20 hectares of degenerated land and will help to recultivate into forest and fruit trees. In Brazil, Lenzing is also constructing new facilities that will help in exporting green energy to the local power grid.