Future of Fabrics
Fabrics matter to us at Lavender Hill. Since the brand was founded in 2013, our founder Isobel Ridley has chosen natural and plant-based fibres for our collections: no polyester and no nylon. One of our fibre suppliers is Lenzing, based in Austria, which makes fibres from wood pulp, such as beech. These go on to become fabrics such as TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell, which we use regularly.
To find out more about Lenzing, we spoke to Sylvia Happel, Head of Business Development Europe, about new fibres, circular textiles and what is next. The answers below are Lenzing's own statements, given in 2021.
Lenzing has some innovative fibres. Can you tell us more?
According to Lenzing, it launched a new fibre in February that year: TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology. It puts indigo pigment directly into the fibre in a one-step spun-dyeing process, instead of dyeing the finished fabric. Lenzing says this uses less water, chemicals and electricity than conventional indigo dyeing and gives good colour fastness. The fibre works for both woven and knitted fabrics. Lenzing reports that it was awarded the EU Ecolabel.
What is a circular economy, and why does it matter?
Lenzing describes its circular economy approach as giving waste a new life. Millions of tonnes of textile waste are created every year, and using it as a raw material means fewer virgin resources are needed. Lenzing's TENCEL™ fibres with REFIBRA™ technology contain 30% textile waste as raw material.
What changes has Lenzing seen in the past year?
Lenzing says awareness has grown considerably, and that shoppers increasingly want to buy from brands that reflect their values. Brands and suppliers are being asked to address social and environmental questions as well as profit.
What does Lenzing want to see next?
Lenzing says climate, biodiversity and resource use remain pressing issues for the industry, and that it would like more brands and partners to work with it. In 2020 it introduced its first TENCEL™ fibres with CarbonNeutral® product certification.
Any tips for people who want to shop more thoughtfully?
UK spending on fashion per head is among the highest in the world, so shoppers have real influence. Lenzing points to independent third-party resources and action groups for information. We would add: check the fibre content on the label, and buy pieces you will wear for years.
You can read more about our fabrics on our fabrics and production page, or see our Lyocell and Modal t-shirts.