Austrian fiber manufacturer, Lenzing has partnered with protective workwear brand, Westex® aimed at enhancing sustainability efforts within the protective apparel industry. This collaboration illustrates a long-term commitment to bringing more sustainable fabric options to market and kicks off by recognizing the use of TENCEL Lyocell fiber in Westex® DH and DH Air™ fabric collections.

Michael Langley, vice president of sales and marketing for Westex: A Milliken Brand, said that Westex and its parent company, Milliken & Company, see an amazing potential to redefine the sustainability discourse within the protective garments sector. They hope to show their clients and end-users that FR/AR fabrics with proven protection and want-to-wear attributes may also meet sustainability standards.

Milliken, recognized for using its material science knowledge to help address key issues, discovered a like-minded partner in Lenzing, whose dedication to sustainability is fundamental to the company's mission to enhance fibers, which in turn improve people's lives. TENCEL Lyocell fibers are made from renewable wood in a closed-loop process that converts wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with excellent resource efficiency and little environmental impact. Westex DH and DH Air™ fabric lines, which are blended with TENCEL Lyocell fibers, provide proven protection with exceptional breathability and moisture management while emitting 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than generic lyocell.

Oliver Spöcker, Global Commercial director – FR Fibers, Director Protective Work Wear & Protective Wear, said that sustainability is in their DNA, and it is a key motivator of their innovations. They‘re excited to collaborate with Milliken to complement each other's efforts to improve industry sustainability. While TENCEL Lyocell fibers are commonly linked with fashion, they are extremely adaptable and may complement a wide range of materials in the textile business. The use of TENCEL fibers in protective apparel not only increases the end fabric's sustainability but also considerably improves comfort. They’re certain that the industry will value Westex's designed FR/AR fabrics that include a future-focused material like TENCEL™.