The Lenzing Group, a leading provider of regenerated cellulose fibres for the textile and nonwoven industries, has published its 2024 Annual and Sustainability Report. The report, titled ‘Activate Transformation Here’, serves as both a review and a call to action for positive change in the sector.

"To preserve our livelihoods and those of future generations, the global textile and nonwoven industry must transition to sustainable production. Although the necessary technologies and capacities are gradually coming to market, little progress has been made on a global scale so far," said Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing Group. "At Lenzing, we have the know-how to produce fibres on a large scale from renewable raw materials and to recycle them sustainably. To make a difference, we need to move towards industry-wide collaboration with binding standards."

The 2024 report includes Lenzing’s consolidated non-financial statement, prepared in accordance with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for the first time. It was audited by KPMG Austria GmbH and complies with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and EU Taxonomy Regulation.

Lenzing identified key sustainability priorities through a double materiality analysis, defining climate and energy, water and pollution, biodiversity, circular economy, responsible wood procurement, sustainable innovations, human rights, business ethics, and transparency as material topics. The company has set ambitious sustainability goals aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commitment to Net-Zero

In 2024, Lenzing updated its climate targets to align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius goal. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) reviewed and confirmed these updated targets, making Lenzing the only regenerated cellulose fibre producer with a verified science-based net-zero target. To achieve these targets, Lenzing is implementing a climate action plan, including investments in renewable energy such as photovoltaic systems and biomass power plants in Austria. The company has also modernised production sites in China and Indonesia, upgrading fibre capacities and reducing emissions.

Lenzing’s investments in energy efficiency have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 41% since 2017, with the company on track to meet its climate targets. Wastewater treatment improvements have also been implemented at sites in Indonesia and the UK, with a new facility in Grimsby expected to reduce emissions by 80% upon completion in 2025.

Sustainable innovations

Lenzing continues to lead in sustainable product innovation, introducing hydrophobic cellulose fibres for nonwovens, which offer new solutions for hygiene applications without synthetic fibres. In collaboration with Exponent Envirotech, Lenzing developed a waterless dyeing technology for regenerated cellulose fibres, cutting water and dye use significantly.

The company also worked with Recyc Leather to launch new shoe materials made from Tencel Lyocell and recycled leather fibres, offering a more sustainable alternative for footwear production. The Glacial Threads project, merging glacier protection with textile recycling, was awarded the Biodiversity and Water Award at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards 2024 in Milan.

Lenzing’s CELLFIL project, co-financed by the EU, aims to scale lyocell filament production, while its partnership with Södra continues to advance industrial-scale textile recycling, supported by a €10 million EU LIFE programme grant.

Industry recognition

Lenzing’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised by multiple industry organisations. The company achieved an A-List ranking from CDP for climate action, top marks in the Hot Button Ranking by Canopy for sustainable sourcing, and platinum status from EcoVadis for the fourth consecutive year, placing it in the top 1% of companies worldwide.

Lenzing’s full 2024 Annual and Sustainability Report is available digitally at reports.lenzing.com.

www.lenzing.com