Lenzing Group, an industry leader in sustainable fibers, has joined forces with Danish workwear specialist Kentaur to introduce a pioneering pilot collection of eco-friendly chef uniforms. The collaboration is centered on key principles such as circularity, durability, and functionality, aiming to redefine workwear for chefs while reducing the reliance on virgin raw materials without compromising quality or comfort.
The new kitchen workwear is composed of 50 percent Tencel brand Lyocell fibers featuring Refibra technology and 50 percent recycled polyester. This innovative blend represents a significant stride towards creating a circular model within the dynamic workwear sector, particularly within the culinary domain.
Championing Circular Workwear: Alexandra Steger's Vision
Alexandra Steger, responsible for business development in Lenzing's workwear division, emphasizes the significance of this partnership, which contributes to the collective effort of transforming the textile sector into a circular model. It also underscores the company's ability to seamlessly integrate circularity with functionality, a feat that has long eluded many.
Steger states, "The collection not only comprises high-quality fabrics made from recycled materials, matching the excellence of virgin raw materials, but it also adds the unique dimension of extending the lifespan of textile waste. We are confident that the comfort and quality of the recycled materials, featuring Tencel Lyocell fibers with Refibra technology, will pave the way for sustainable solutions in various workwear sectors, including healthcare and hospitality."
Kentaur's Commitment to Circular Sustainability
Kentaur, on the other hand, envisions making sustainability accessible to everyone within the textile service industry. The company is committed to producing highly durable and socially and environmentally responsible products, aligning closely with Lenzing's circularity mission since their initial collaboration in 2018. According to Christian Beirholm, Kentaur's Chief Commercial Officer, this latest collaboration represents a pivotal moment in advancing circularity for workwear. It demonstrates that incorporating recycled materials does not compromise product performance.
Kentaur's new pilot collection, a blend of Tencel Lyocell fibers with Refibra technology and recycled polyester, offers workwear that excels in durability and comfort while embracing circularity and traceability. Tencel's branded Lyocell fibers boast a superior eco-friendly footprint compared to generic Lyocell fibers, and Lenzing's Refibra technology, combined with recycled content, further minimizes the environmental impact of workwear garments. Furthermore, the use of Lenzing's innovative fiber identification technology enhances supply chain transparency at every stage of production.
Pioneering Circular Sustainability
Lenzing Group places responsible practices at the forefront of the industry. The collaboration with Kentaur underscores their mutual commitment to achieving circularity and addressing social and environmental challenges within the supply chain. Kentaur's partnership with Lenzing has empowered them to produce high-quality, circular products that align with their sustainability goals. The pilot collection of chef's wear, showcasing the innovative collaboration, will be presented at the A+A trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany from October 24-27, alongside Lenzing's latest portfolio of protective and workwear.