This year, Lenzing is celebrating 50 years of the production and marketing of Lenzing Modal. The fiber has become a big part of the textile world and is used in an array of textile products, and is known for its unparalleled softness. Celebrations will kick-off for Lenzing Modal and MicroModal with Lenzing’s customers on November 18 in Lenzing. Further festivities with customers are planned for international textile tradeshows. “We want to celebrate with as many customers as possible since it was they who shared our faith in Lenzing Modal and made the fiber a global success,” says Lenzing CCO Robert van de Kerkhof.
 
At the beginning of the 1960s research scientists at Lenzing embarked on a quest to find a cellulose fiber similar to cotton but with a higher tenacity profile than Viscose. Research activities focused on the development of modal fibers. Lenzing research scientists perceived this fiber to be the ideal solution in terms of both textile processing and environmental aspects.
 
The fiber was first named “Hochmodul 333,” a name which remained until the 1970s. One of the very first uses for the fiber was in tapes to close potato bags. Intensive marketing measures to position the fiber in textile applications and Lenzing’s constant technological development subsequently led to the success of the modal fiber category.
 
“For decades Lenzing was the only fiber manufacturer to produce modal fibers. Lenzing demonstrated its innovative prowess and enormous economic stamina in the marketing and production of Lenzing Modal thereby making a lasting impression on the textile world and enriching it to no end. One can no longer imagine a world without modal. Lenzing and Lenzing Modal deserve to be celebrated,” van de Kerkhof adds.
 
The 1990s were the time for innovation. The very first MicroModal was produced at Lenzing. Finally the dream of ever-softer fibers was fulfilled.
 
In recent years, Lenzing has showcased its innovative strength with the introduction of specialties like Lenzing Modal Color, and MicroModal Air, the finest cellulose fiber, Lenzing claims, as well as with innovations in the manufacturing process. Above all, the investments in technology are what have made Lenzing Modal one of the most sustainable fibers in the textile industry. It is made with beech wood, a replenishable raw material, and during production up to 95% of the chemicals used are recycled. Lenzing Modal is CO2-neutral since the production process is integrated with cellulose recovery. “We are working on new specializations and also aim to push the pace of other technological innovations,” van de Kerkhof comments.