Lenzing Group and Weyerhaeuser have commissioned a pilot plant in Lenzing, Austria, to explore the commercial potential of TencelWeb™ Ñ a new technology to produce nonwoven fabrics directly from lyocell.

The companies will test the largescale production of this cellulosebased nonwoven fabric for use in industrial and personal care products. TencelWeb provides an alternative to petroleum-based nonwovens by applying both meltblown and spunbond technology to raw materials made from renewable wood fiber.

"This cooperation combines over 20 years of LenzingÕs expertise in the development of lyocell staple fiber and Weyerhaeuser's extensive experience in applying technology to cellulose to create innovative and sustainable products," says Don Atkinson, VP market development and innovation for the Cellulose Fibers business at Weyerhaeuser.

Robert Smith, new business and innovation director of Lenzing's nonwovens business unit, adds: "Working with key partners in the industry, the next stage of our joint development work will focus on understanding the key process economics and the unique capabilities of TencelWeb."

Both companies have a strong intellectual property base in the direct and underpinning technology required to make this novel nonwoven material directly from lyocell.

Lenzing Group says it has production sites in all major markets and a global network of sales and marketing offices. It says it is the only worldwide producer of all three man-made cellulose fiber generations, from classic viscose to modal and lyocell. Key figures for 2008: sales EUR 1.33 bill; export share 88%; fiber production 540,300 tonnes; staff 5,945.

www.weyerhaeuser.com/Businesses/CelluloseFibers, www.lenzing.com

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