Westex®: A Milliken Brand and Lenzing Partner for Protective Textile Sustainability
24 Jun 2022
Spartanburg, SC — 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™, announce a new partnership aimed at enhancing sustainability efforts within the protective apparel industry. This collaboration illustrates a long-term commitment to bring more sustainable fabric options to market and kicks off with recognizing the use of TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber into 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,” says 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.”
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 fibers that, in turn, improve people’s lives. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are derived from renewable wood and produced in a closed-loop process which transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with high resource efficiency and low ecological impact. Blended with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, Westex® DH and DH Air™ fabric collections offer trusted protection with outstanding breathability and optimized 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 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 TENCEL™ fibers in protective appareal does 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 fiber like TENCEL™,” says Oliver Spöcker, Global Commercial Director – FR Fibers, Director Protective Work Wear & Protective Wear.
For more information about Westex DH and DH Air collections, visit Westex’s website.
1 according to Lenzing’s Higg MSI scores.
About Westex®: A Milliken Brand
Westex® creates flame-resistant and arc-rated (FR/AR) textiles recognized for unmatched quality, comfort and proven performance. With a legacy dating back to 1941, our life-saving materials and technologies are the trusted last line of defense for hardworking men and women across the utility, oil and gas, electrical maintenance and metals industries. For more information, visit Westex.com, and join us on LinkedIn.
About Milliken
Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
About TENCEL™
TENCEL™ is the flagship brand under The Lenzing Group that represents its specialty textile fiber product offerings. Fibers using the TENCEL™ brand are of botanic origin – they are derived from certified and controlled sources following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. They are produced via environmentally responsible production processes and are both compostable and biodegradable, thus can fully revert back to nature. For additional information: LENZING™ for Protective Wear, TENCEL™
About the Lenzing Group
The Lenzing Group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibers made from the renewable raw material wood. The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilization and processing of all raw materials and offers solutions to help redirect the textile sector towards a closed-loop economy. Our fibers service a wide range of textile and non-woven applications including: Protective Wear, Fashion, Home Textiles, Sports and Outdoor Wear, Cosmetic and Hygiene products. For additional information: Lenzing Group,follow us on LinkedIn
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