The transformation of fibers recycled from Lenzing geotextiles into garments was successfully tested during a pilot phase.

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries and owner of the Tencel brand, won the 2024 Biodiversity and Water Award, presented by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana at the Sustainable Fashion Awards.
The award was granted for the development and use of a new generation of biodegradable geotextiles, designed to protect glaciers and prevent microplastic pollution.

Geotextiles are used to protect ice and snow; however, the nonwovens generally used for this purpose are composed of fossil-based fibers that can allow microplastics to enter waterways. In contrast, geotextiles made with Lenzing cellulosic fibers are biodegradable and can be completely recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

This innovation project—presented in Geneva at the UN Palais des Nations as part of the International Day of Forests celebrations (March 21, 2024)—was implemented during the summer. It involved covering snow and ice for the summer season at six sites across Austria (Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria) and Switzerland (Diavolezza, St. Moritz), spanning an area of over 20,000 sqm, which is now in the process of being dismantled.

“At Lenzing, we are working hard to make our industries even more sustainable and to drive the transition toward the bioeconomy. This approach is firmly anchored in our strategy and corporate values,” states Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of the Lenzing Group.

The process subsequently involves transforming the fibers recovered from the glaciers into fabric and recycling them, in collaboration with a network of partners.

In the first phase, at the beginning of 2024, the recycling process was successfully tested. Together with Marchi & Fildi Spa (a specialist in mechanical recycling), the Italian premium denim producer Candiani Denim, and the avant-garde fashion studio Blue of a Kind, a “Glacier Jacket” was produced—a process artistically showcased by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto.

Finally, the goal for the upcoming winter season includes extending glacier protection to French and Italian Alpine slopes.

“Nature stimulates our creativity and inspires truly innovative ideas. Advancing the circular economy is not always easy, but our ambition is unwavering. This award drives us to move forward in our mission to continue developing further pioneering partnerships and innovative initiatives, and it represents our key values at Lenzing: sustainability, innovation, circularity, and collaboration,” adds Carlo Covini, Business Manager Italy for the Lenzing Group.