Austria-based cellulosic fiber producer Lenzing AG and Kelheim Fibres GmbH, a Germany-based
producer of viscose specialty fibers, have entered into a cooperation agreement under which Lenzing
will market Kelheim’s Viloft® fiber in its global fiber portfolio.
Viloft features a modified flat-fiber cross-section that creates air pockets that provide a
buffer against the cold. According to Kelheim, tests have shown that fabrics made with the fiber
offer 30-percent greater thermal insulation than traditional cotton knit fabrics; and they also
contain up to 70-percent air, which gives the fabrics a lighter, softer, next-to-skin feel. The
fiber also wicks moisture away from the skin, thus inhibiting bacteria growth. The fibers are
manufactured from renewable materials and are 100-percent biodegradable. Viloft can be blended with
wool as well as with man-made fibers, and is particularly suitable for lingerie. Fabrics made with
Viloft are machine-washable.
“Cooperation with Lenzing to market Viloft will rapidly expand the fiber’s potential,” said
Matthew North, head of sales, Viloft. “Taking advantage of the Lenzing Group’s international
presence with marketing organizations in every continent will clearly accelerate Viloft’s expansion
in the global market.”
In other company news, Lenzing’s Tencel® fiber received the Eco Responsibility Award in the
Fabrics & Fibers category at ispo, the international trade fair for sporting goods and sports,
held recently in Munich, Germany. This is the second year Lenzing has won the award, which
recognizes a company for its product’s ecological aspects as well as overall manufacturing
sustainability. The jury stated: “The company’s outstanding sustainability concept backs Lenzing’s
claim to its leading role in the textile industry. The company’s integral approach covers all
assessed aspects, including raw material selection, resource use and company electro-mobility.”
February 23, 2010
