Lenzing Group has highlighted the strategic importance of bio-based cellulose fibers in strengthening Europe’s economic security and advancing the transition to a fossil-free economy during a high-level roundtable in Brussels.
Organized in collaboration with Euractiv, the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to discuss how sustainable materials can support Europe’s clean industry transition. Participants included Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director for Competitive Circular Economy and Clean Industrial Policy at the European Commission, Dr. Daniel Bradley from the UK Mission to the European Union, and Patricia A. Sargeant, Executive Vice President Nonwovens Commercial at Lenzing.
Discussions focused on the growing potential of cellulosic fibers as fully bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to fossil-based materials, particularly in nonwoven applications such as wet wipes. However, participants noted that Europe’s competitiveness in scaling such solutions is currently challenged by global regulatory and cost disparities. Clear and consistent policies, including possible updates to the Single Use Plastics Directive, were identified as key to encouraging investment and market adoption.
According to Georg Kasperkovitz, Member of the Management Board of Lenzing Group, bio-based materials are already a practical and scalable solution that can help Europe reduce dependence on fossil-based synthetic fibers while strengthening industrial resilience.
Lenzing also emphasized that its specialty fibers, produced from renewable wood, offer lower greenhouse gas emissions and are certified biodegradable and compostable. The company’s climate targets align with the Science Based Targets initiative and support the global 1.5-degree climate pathway.
With major production sites in Austria, Czechia, and the United Kingdom, Lenzing said expanding European manufacturing capacity will be crucial for supply-chain resilience, technological innovation and the development of sustainable materials for hygiene and single-use products.
