Lenzing – The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, today introduces Lenzing Solutions for Protective Wear. This integrated three-tier portfolio is anchored by LENZING FR fibers at the highest protection tier for inherent flame resistance and brings together complementary solutions including TENCEL Lyocell fibers, both EU Ecolabel-certified and derived from certified or controlled wood sources, within a unified protective wear architecture for the first time. The launch marks the most significant expansion of Lenzing’s protective wear business since the company pioneered inherently flame-resistant cellulosic fiber in 1977, and comes as the global personal protective equipment (PPE) market accelerates toward an estimated USD 130 billion by 2033.

Following the portfolio’s Asia-Pacific introduction at CIOSH Shanghai (7–9 April), Kevin Sun, Commercial Manager of FR China team shared, “CIOSH brings together over 90% of the Chinese industry partners for FR. We took this opportunity to engage in many productive exchanges with our partners, enhancing confidence and trust under the complex geopolitical situation. At this event, we debuted our refreshed brand image in China for the first time. Customers generally commented that our new design is clear and elegant, creating a strong visual impact, while the new slogan conveys a strong sense of security.”

The full range of Lenzing Solutions for Protective Wear will receive its European and Global showcase at Techtextil Frankfurt (21–24 April) at Hall 12.1 / Stand D33 marking the European premiere of the three-tier concept.

From the firefighter entering a structure to the welder on a production line, no single protective clothing solution can address every risk and hazard. Effective protection requires solutions customized to specific applications and backed by fiber science that addresses not only hazard resistance but physiological comfort, mobility, and heat stress at every protection tier.

Since 1977, LENZING FR has been trusted in inherently flame-resistant cellulosic fibers for protective clothing. Today, Lenzing becomes the first cellulosic fiber manufacturer to offer a holistic protective wear concept spanning three distinct solution tiers from a single source. Beyond garments, protective wear serves as a full system designed to let people perform at their best under extreme conditions.

This heritage of innovation is further protected through European patent No. 2473657 B1, covering innovative high performance FR fiber (LENZING FR).  This patent claims not only the FR fibers but also their use for the production of a yarn and a fabric representing decades of verified intellectual property in flame-resistant cellulosic fiber technology. In an unwavering pursuit of maintaining the highest product quality standards, Lenzing is committed to safeguarding these patent rights against any potential infringements.  This dedication not only benefits Lenzing but also plays an important role in supporting all partners by preserving and strengthening their respective market positions.

The inherent tier, enabled by LENZING FR fibers, addresses the highest-risk environments including structural firefighting, military operations, and electrical utilities. Hybrid solutions serve oil and gas, industrial and high-visibility applications. FR-finished protection is engineered for heavy metal, steel and welding operations where cost-efficiency is critical.

Independent physiological testing at 35°C has demonstrated that protective clothing incorporating LENZING FR fibers in blends with aramid recorded a 29 percent lower increase in core body temperature than FR-treated cotton (0.75°C vs 1.05°C), outperforming 100 percent aramid (1.05°C) and modacrylic-cotton blends (1.1°C). Test subjects wearing garments with more than 50 percent LENZING FR fiber content sustained physical performance longer at defined exercise intensity levels¹. With the right fiber, protection is elevated with confidence to perform without hesitation.

Dope-dyed LENZING FR fibers eliminate additional dyeing processes, enabling up to 50 percent reductions in energy and water use and up to 60 percent lower carbon footprint compared to conventional dyeing.

“For too long, the protective wear industry has relied on a one-size-fits-all fiber approach, yet a structural firefighter and a welding technician face fundamentally different risks,” Alexander Gstettner, Global Commercial Director, FR fibers at Lenzing. “With PFAS regulations accelerating and workers operating in increasingly demanding thermal environments, we see a clear need for a more structured approach. Lenzing Solutions for Protective Wear brings together nearly five decades of flame resistance expertise with three distinct cellulosic fiber tiers; each proven in its category, all backed by credentials and established trust in the industry.”

Lenzing Solutions for Protective Wear will be presented at the Lenzing Hall 12.1 / Stand D33 at Techtextil Frankfurt, 21–24 April 2026.