The Lenzing Group has called for stronger policy support for cellulosic fibers as Europe works to reduce dependence on fossil-based materials.
The Austrian company hosted a high-level roundtable in Brussels bringing together European Commission representatives, UK officials, academics and industry leaders. The event focused on how bio-based materials can strengthen Europe’s economic security while supporting the transition to a fossil-free economy.
A central topic was the potential of cellulosic fibers as fully bio-based, biodegradable alternatives in nonwoven applications like wet wipes. While Europe has the industrial capacity to scale these materials, competitiveness is limited by global regulatory and cost differences.
Speakers identified clear policy signals, including possible updates to the Single Use Plastics Directive, as essential for investment certainty and broader market adoption.
“Bio-based materials are not a future vision – they are a practical, scalable reality today,” said Georg Kasperkovitz, Member of the Management Board of Lenzing Group. “As an integrated cellulosic fiber producer with deep European roots, Lenzing helps strengthen industrial resilience while accelerating the shift away from fossil-based synthetic fibers.”
Lenzing produces specialty fibers from renewable wood. The materials offer lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to generic alternatives and are certified biodegradable and compostable. The company’s climate targets align with the 1.5-degree pathway validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
Lenzing operates major integrated pulp and fiber sites in Austria, Czechia and the UK. The company emphasized that maintaining European production capacity is essential for supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy.
“Cellulosic fibers play a critical role in single-use products for hygiene applications,” said Patricia A. Sargeant, Executive Vice President Nonwovens Commercial at Lenzing. “This underscores the need to redesign products toward biodegradable material solutions that address microplastic pollution.”
The company supplies regenerated cellulose fibers for textile and nonwovens industries.
The post Lenzing positions bio-based materials as strategic asset for Europe appeared first on World Bio Market Insights.
