Austrian fiber manufacturer Lenzing Group has partnered with US-based materials research company Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (NFW) to offer Tencel-branded fibers as another substrate option for NFW’s patented Mirum plant-based technology, which is based exclusively on natural fibers.
The two companies are currently presenting their collaboration on the materials Mirum and Tencel in Milan at the international leather fair Lineapelle, which ends on Thursday 23 February. An example of cooperation is the Allbirds ‘Plant Pacer’, which came onto the market last autumn and will also be presented at the fair. The upper of the shoe is made of Mirum and is lined with Tencel.
“The collaboration creates a unique sustainable alternative for leather applications, as both Tencel fibers and Mirum are so versatile that they can be used in different applications,” the companies explain in a press release.
Mirum is a 100 percent plastic-free, vegan material that contains only natural materials such as rubber, vegetable oils and agricultural by-products such as rice husks and citrus peel. Unlike other leather alternatives, it does not rely on PU (polyurethane) binders. Mirum is currently used for luxury accessories, fashion, shoes, automobiles and housewares.
Tencel Lyocell and Modal fibers are derived from sustainable wood and manufactured using environmentally friendly processes. The fibers are identifiable, verifiable and traceable through Lenzing’s fiber identification technology. This enables physical identification of fiber origin at different stages of the production process, as well as full traceability of the fiber materials used during the production process, whether on a piece of fabric or a finished product such as clothing or footwear.
NFW’s approach combines natural ingredients such as bio-based charcoal, clay, powdered cork, rice husks, coconut fibre, recycled denim or seaweed to develop colors or set visual accents. At the end of their lifecycle, products made with Mirum can be recycled into new Mirum or ground up and returned to the earth, while Tencel fibers are compostable and biodegradable, allowing for full recyclability of the end products.
“At NFW we believe that botanicals are the only material that can replace plastic. From the beginning Mirum was developed to help our planet. By adding fabrics from Tencel to Mirum, we can improve material transparency and traceability while guaranteeing comfort and great next-to-skin feel,” comments Oihana Elizalde, Vice President and General Manager of Mirum at NFW.
“Tencel fibers used as a carrier material not only increase Mirum’s transparency and traceability, but also comfort – all with a very small carbon footprint. We are confident that the versatile material will be valued by partners in the supply chain and by brands in the footwear, apparel, accessories, furniture and even automotive industries,” said Birgit Schnetzlinger, Head of Business Development Functional Apparel and Footwear , Global Textile Business at Lenzing AG.