Lenzing says its Ecovero fibres featuring what it calls Refibra technology will help value chain partners accelerate the transition to a circular textile economy

The technology, which is now available to consumers worldwide, features up to 20% recycled raw material content from post-consumer textile waste with Lenzing hoping to increase the ratio in future.

The group points out that along with the original eco-responsible benefits of Lenzing Ecovero, the new viscose fibre with Refibra technology sources the post-consumer textile waste from cellulose-rich materials or polyester-cotton blends.

It says the waste is collected and sorted in collaboration with key industry and innovation leaders who champion post-consumer textile recycling programmes.

Lenzing explains it built on the success of Tencel Lyocell fibres with Refibra technology and hopes this new innovation will help the company to increase the overall post-consumer content in its products.

Lenzing executive vice president of global textiles business Florian Heubrandner says: "As climate change compels eco-conscious living, Lenzing collaborates with the industry to forge a future defined by collective engagement and systematic change, steering us toward a circular economy. Lenzing Ecovero with Refibra technology is well-positioned to meet the surging demand for diverse circular design innovations."

Heubrandner adds this new offering "empowers like-minded fabric mills, garment manufacturers and consumer brands to embark on this transformative journey alongside Lenzing – breathing new life into post-consumer textile waste while anchoring circularity at the core of the textile value chain".

Lenzing shares the launch is driven by its 'better growth' strategy, consistently embracing circularity in textiles and empowering itself and its value chain partners to drive systemic change for a greener future.

The company believes Ecovero with Refibra technology plays a crucial role in this vision, filling the gaps for mills, manufacturers, and brands that seek to meet evolving industry requirements and consumer preferences globally.

This new fibre is said to be identifiable at every stage of the supply chain, from fabric to final product, ensuring traceability and transparency.

Lenzing notes this should empower brands and retailers to offer genuine products while enabling consumers to make informed purchases.

Last month (July), Lenzing debuted a new approach for dyeing yarns and fabrics which claims to reduce water and energy usage compared to traditional dyeing and finishing methods.