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Digital Twin for circular economy in fibre production

Consumers increasingly demand products with a lower environmental footprint, including in textiles. Lenzing AG meets this need with TENCEL™ fibres, supported by Siemens solutions including Comos, Simit, Simatic PCS neo and AI to drive circular, sustainable production.

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Soft to the touch yet durable and moisture-wicking, TENCEL™ can be used for everything from active wear to high fashion. At the end of life, used TENCEL™ fibres can be recycled into new, virgin fibres. And, when recycling isn’t feasible, the fibres completely biodegrade.

It only makes sense that these environmentally friendly fibres are made as responsibly as possible. That’s why Lenzing continuously develops innovative technologies for the production of sustainable products. A special focus is on the optimal utilisation and processing of all raw materials and the efficient recovery of chemicals, water and energy. These are just some of the ways the Lenzing Group is forging ahead to create a comprehensive fibre circular economy.

Getting more fibres to the market

Lenzing aims to unlock capacity and further streamline its operations, beginning with its site in Lenzing, Salzkammergut, Austria. 'To be successful, we need to continuously optimise existing technologies, develop innovative solutions and scale our production capacities globally,' says Enrico Thallmann, Vice President of Global Projects and Engineering at Lenzing. Digitalising production emerges as the key strategy to achieve these objectives, and Siemens, a leader in digital and sustainable production processes, proves to be the ideal partner for Lenzing.

A person wearing a white shirt and a black jacket is standing in front of a white wall.

TENCEL™ is Lenzing’s flagship brand for textiles. TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibres are used for a variety of highly specialised applications (Copyright: Lenzing AG, photographer: Journey Further)

By leveraging Digital Twin and process control technology from Siemens, Lenzing has expanded production capacities and identified inefficiencies. The result is higher output and enhanced sustainability. Lenzing has successfully achieved its digitalisation goals and contributes to a sustainable circular economy by enhancing efficiency, reducing waste and supporting long-term environmental goals.

The success achieved here is now being replicated at other Lenzing locations in Europe, Asia and the Americas, further advancing sustainability efforts. Teams at these sites can rely on Siemens for continued support.

August 2024
Contact: Mahboobeh Bayat
Copyright header image: Lenzing AG, photographer: Markus Renner

The Lenzing Group stands for eco-responsible production of specialist fibres based on cellulose and recycled material. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and non-woven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments. The Lenzing Group’s high-quality fibres form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from functional, comfortable and fashionable clothing to durable and sustainable home textiles. Due to their special properties and their botanical origin, the TÜV-certified biodegradable and compostable Lenzing fibres are also highly suitable for everyday hygiene products.

The business model of the Lenzing Group goes far beyond that of a traditional fibre producer. Together with its customers and partners, Lenzing develops innovative products along the value chain, creating added value for consumers. The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilisation and processing of all raw materials and offers solutions to help transform the textile industry from the current linear economic system towards a circular economy.

Lenzing AG