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 specialty fibers through its brand TENCEL, have announced a new partnership aimed at enhancing sustainability efforts in the protective apparel industry. This collaboration demonstrates a long-term commitment to bringing more sustainable fabric options to market, and it begins by recognizing the use of TENCEL Lyocell fiber in Westex DH and DH Air fabric collections.
“Westex — along with our parent organization, Milliken & Company — and Lenzing see an incredible opportunity to reframe the sustainability conversation within the protective garments industry,” said Michael Langley, vice president of sales and marketing for Westex: A Milliken Brand.
“Performance, protection, and responsible manufacturing don’t have to be prioritized against each other. We’re hoping to show our customers and end-users that you can find FR/AR textiles with proven protection and want-to-wear characteristics that uphold sustainability markers, too,” he adds.
Enhanced Sustainability Efforts Which Emit 50% Less Greenhouse Gas
Milliken, known for using its material science expertise to help solve critical challenges, found a like-minded partner in Lenzing, whose commitment to sustainability is fundamental to the company’s work to improve fibers, which in turn improve people’s lives. TENCEL Lyocell fibers are made from renewable wood in a closed-loop process that converts wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with high resource efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Westex DH and DH Air fabric collections, which are blended with TENCEL Lyocell fibers, provide trusted protection with exceptional breathability and moisture management while emitting 50% less greenhouse gas emissions than generic lyocell.
''Sustainability is in Lenzing’s DNA, and a huge driver of our innovations ’’
”We are thrilled to partner with Milliken to complement each other’s goals towards enhancing sustainability in the industry. While TENCEL Lyocell fibers 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 TENCE fibers in protective apparel does not only add to the sustainability level of the finished fabric but also greatly enhances comfort” says Oliver Spocker, Global Commercial Director – FR Fibers, Director Protective Work Wear & Protective Wear.
”We are confident that the industry will find value in Westex’s engineered FR/AR textiles that incorporate a future-focused fiber like TENCEL,” adds further.
About Westex: A Milliken Brand
Westex manufactures flame-resistant and arc-rated (FR/AR) textiles that are known for their unrivaled quality, comfort, and proven performance. Westex’s life-saving materials and technologies, which date back to 1941, are the trusted last line of defense for hardworking men and women in the utility, oil and gas, electrical maintenance, and metals industries. Visit Westex.com for more information.
About Milliken
Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose materials science focus delivers breakthroughs today. Milliken develops products that improve people’s lives and provide solutions for its customers and communities, from industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations. The company leverages a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations, drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical, and healthcare industries. More information about Milliken’s inquisitive minds and inspired solutions can be found at milliken.com
About TENCEL
TENCEL is The Lenzing Group’s flagship brand, representing its specialty textile fiber product offerings. TENCEL fibers are of botanic origin, derived from certified and controlled sources in accordance with the strict guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. They are produced in environmentally responsible ways and are compostable and biodegradable, allowing them to fully revert to nature. For more information, see LENZINGTM for Protective Wear TENCEL.
About the Lenzing Group
The Lenzing Group stands for the environmentally responsible production of specialty fibers derived from wood, a renewable raw material. The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilization and processing of all raw materials and provides solutions to assist in the transition of the textile industry to a closed-loop economy. Our fibers are used in a variety of textile and non-woven applications, such as protective wear, fashion, home textiles, sports and outdoor wear, and cosmetic and hygiene products. Check Lenzing Group for more information.
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