Westex: A Milliken Brand, a leading global manufacturer of flame-resistant and arc-rated (FR/AR) textiles, and Lenzing, the world’s leading supplier of wood-based speciality fibres through its brand TENCEL™, announce a new partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable FR textiles within the professional clothing industry.
This collaboration illustrates a long-term commitment to bringing more sustainable fabric options to market and kicks off by recognising the use of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibre into Westex® DH and DH Air™ fabric collections.
“Westex—along with our parent organisation, Milliken & Company—and Lenzing see an incredible opportunity to reframe the sustainability conversation within the protective garments industry,” says Michael Langley, vice president of sales and marketing for Westex: A Milliken Brand. “Performance, protection and responsible manufacturing don’t have to be prioritised against each other. We’re hoping to show our customers and end-users that you can find sustainable FR textiles with proven protection and want-to-wear characteristics that uphold sustainability markers, too.”
Milliken, known for applying its material science expertise to help solve critical challenges, found a like-minded partner in Lenzing, whose commitment to sustainability is foundational to the company’s work to improve fibres that, in turn, improve people’s lives. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are derived from renewable wood and produced in a closed-loop process which transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibres with high resource efficiency and low ecological impact. Blended with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres, Westex® DH and DH Air™ fabric collections offer trusted protection with outstanding breathability and optimised moisture management, with 50 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than generic lyocell.1
“Sustainability is in Lenzing’s DNA, and a huge driver of our innovations. We are thrilled to partner with Milliken to complement each others’ goals towards enhancing sustainability in the industry. While TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are mostly associated with fashion, they are in fact very versatile and can complement many kinds of materials in the apparel industry. The addition of TENCEL™ fibres in the protective apparel not only add to the sustainability level of the finished fabric but also greatly enhances comfort. We are confident that the industry will find value in Westex’s engineered FR/AR textiles that incorporate a future-focused fibre like TENCEL™,” says Oliver Spöcker, Global Commercial Director – FR Fibres, Director Protective Work Wear & Protective Wear.
