The race to bring next generation materials to market at scale is on.” That was the message from Nicole Rycroft, the executive director of environmental non-profit Canopy after man-made cellulosic fibre (MMCF) manufacturers Lenzing and Birla Cellulose recently outlined ambitious new targets.
The pair are the first in their field to have detailed timebound goals to scale their respective ‘next generation’ alternative fibres to 100,000 tonnes per year. For Lenzing, the mission is to scale production of its Refibra solution – launched back in 2017 – by 2028 after successful outings in brand collections to date.
The company is confident this is feasible after executing further R&D work on its prized alternative – made from pre-consumer scraps and post-consumer garments – as well as undertaking customer education and engagement activities and perhaps most notably, forging strong industry alliances.
