The Natural Fiber Welding Corp (NFW) and Austrian company Lenzing have partnered to provide Tencel-branded fibres as another supporter choice for NFW’s unique plant-based technology, Mirum. The international leather expo, Linea Pelle, which runs from February 21–23 in Milan, Italy, will feature the Mirum x Tencel partnership for the first time.
Mirum is a material class that is categorically distinct and ideal for high-end accessories, clothing, footwear, automobiles, and household items. Sustainable wood sources are used to create the Tencel, Lyocell, and Modal fibres, also started using eco-friendly techniques. With Lenzing’s Fiber Identification technology, which provides a physical identification of fibre origin at various manufacturing stages, the fibres are distinguishable, verifiable, and traceable. In a joint news statement, the firms stated that this provides complete traceability of the fibre components used during the production process, whether on a piece of fabric or a final product, such as clothing or footwear.
Mirum is produced entirely of natural rubber, mineral and plant colours, plant-based oils and waxes, and a natural fabric backing. It is completely free of plastic. Although each Mirum recipe differs, the dedication to using only natural components remains constant. Mirum employs natural rubber and plant oils for binding rather than PU binders, a feature of most leather substitutes.
To create colour or add aesthetic appeal, NFW’s distinctive technique uses a variety of natural substances, including biobased charcoal, clay, cork powder, rice hulls, coconut fibres, recycled denim, or seaweed. Tencel fibres are compostable and biodegradable, allowing for total product circularity. Products created with Mirum may be recycled into new Mirum or ground up and returned to the soil at the end of their life cycle. Due to the versatility of Mirum and Tencel fibres, which can be utilized in various applications, the partnership delivers a distinctively sustainable option for leather applications.
“At NFW, we believe that plant matter is the only material that can scale to replace plastic. Since its inception, Mirum has been engineered to benefit our planet. Adding fabrics made of Tencel to Mirum can enhance material transparency and traceability while guaranteeing comfort and a great hand feel on the skin. We are thrilled to join hands with the Tencel brand, and we will continue creating greener alternatives for the fashion industry,” said Oihana Elizalde, vice president and general manager of Mirum at NFW.
To create colour or add aesthetic appeal, NFW’s distinctive technique uses a variety of natural substances, including biobased charcoal, clay, cork powder, rice hulls, coconut fibres, recycled denim, or seaweed. Tencel fibres are compostable and biodegradable, allowing for total product circularity. Products created with Mirum may be recycled into new Mirum or ground up and returned to the soil at the end of their life cycle. Due to the versatility of Mirum and Tencel fibres, which can be utilized in various applications, the partnership delivers a distinctively sustainable option for leather applications.
“This partnership is a perfect example of how combining our sustainable Tencel fibres and innovative materials like Mirum can go beyond traditional textiles. With innovation at heart, there are infinite possibilities for applying new material. Tencel fibres used as backers not only increase the level of transparency and traceability of Mirum but also enhance comfort—and with a shallow carbon footprint. We are confident that the versatile material will be loved by supply chain partners and brands across footwear, fashion apparel, accessories, furniture, and even automotive industries,” said Birgit Schnetzlinger, head of business development functional wear and footwear, global textiles business at Lenzing AG.
During Lineapelle 2023, Lenzing and NFW will display their goods in Hall 9, exhibit H02. The Mirum x Tencel leather replacement product is already on the market and will be included in Lenzing’s E-Branding Service this year.