Lenzing Group, a leader in sustainable fibre production, has joined forces with Italian chemicals manufacturer CPL Prodotti Chimici and Oniverse, the parent company of the renowned fashion brand ‘Calzedonia’, to reduce the environmental footprint of the textile industry. This strategic partnership centres on using Lenzing’s biobased acetic acid in textile dyeing, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based chemicals.
Acetic acid, a key component in various industrial processes, is typically derived from fossil fuels, contributing to high carbon emissions. Lenzing has developed an innovative biorefinery process that produces biobased acetic acid as a by-product of pulp production. This version boasts over 85% lower carbon emissions compared to its fossil-based counterpart, aligning with Lenzing’s commitment to sustainable, circular production models and minimising environmental impact.
The bio-based acetic acid will be utilised by Oniverse for fabric dyeing, marking a significant milestone in the shift towards greener textile production. Acetic acid plays a vital role in dyeing as a solvent and pH regulator. By adopting Lenzing’s biobased solution, the dyeing process becomes less reliant on petroleum-based products, paving the way for more eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
“Thanks to its high purity and low carbon footprint, our biobased acetic acid plays a central role in many industrial processes. This strategic alliance underlines the industry’s trust in our biorefinery products, which offer a more sustainable alternative to fossil-based chemicals,” said Elisabeth Stanger, Senior Director for Biorefinery and Co-Products at Lenzing.
Federico Fraboni, Head of Sustainability at Oniverse, highlighted the partnership’s impact on the fashion industry:
“This collaboration is a clear example of how different sectors can work together to reduce their environmental impact. It demonstrates our commitment to making the fashion industry more sustainable, starting with the materials we use.”
