LENZING Nonwovens > Application areas

"Nordic Swan" for Lenzing Fibers

06.11.2008

Lenzing Nonwoven Fibers have been awarded with the “Nordic Swan“ ecolabel on 28 October 2008. The “Swan” is considered a leading certification system, which helps the entire supply chain up to the consumer to identify environmentally friendly products of high quality.

Lenzing is the first fiber producer worldwide to be awarded the Nordic ecolabel. At present the certification comprises the site in Grimsby, England as well as the sites in Heiligenkreuz and Lenzing, Austria. An expansion to incorporate the TENCEL® production site in Mobile, USA is already at the planning stage.

Lenzing Viscose® and TENCEL® fullfil the stringent requirements of the Nordic ecolabel because Lenzing fibers are derived from the sustainable raw material, wood and are produced in an environmentally responsible manner by optimized use of resources. Due to their cellulosic origin, Lenzing fibers deliver purity, softness and absorbency. After use, products made from 100% Lenzing Viscose® and TENCEL® are fully biodegradable.

Klaus Geppert, Quality Manager, explains: “The certification of our fibers may encourage our customers to have their own products certified with the Nordic ecolabel. The “Nordic Swan” offers two certification standards for nonwoven products: “Sanitary Products” e.g. for tampons, incontinence products or surgical clothing) and “Cosmetic Products” e.g. for wipes or cosmetic-pads).

The “Swan” was introduced in 1989 in the Nordic Countries to mark products which are produced in an environmentally friendly way. During the certification procedure, extensive criteria are considered including the application of chemicals, emission values, water consumption, land utilisation and energy use, as well as the products’ final disposal manner. Beyond this, quality and functionality of the products are examined carefully.