Since 2019, Lenzing has been using the blockchain technology powered by the Hong Kong start-up TextileGenesis to ensure the traceability of textiles from fiber to production and distribution. After several successful pilot projects, the digital platform was launched in November 2020 for Tencel and Lenzing Ecovero branded fibers. The platform provides customers and partners as well as consumers with an overview across the entire textile supply chain.

• With the blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability platform powered by TextileGenesi, Lenzing supports the entire supply chain in meeting the increasing demand for transparency and sustainability.

Phased onboarding and new digital certificates

A follow-up of a 12-month pilot program and field trials with four leading sustainable brands (H&M, ArmedAngels, Mara Hoffman and Chicks) and supply chain players from ten countries in three regions, the global roll-out of Lenzing’s blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability platform will be conducted in phases. During the first phase, Lenzing’s supply chain partners based in South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) completed the onboarding process within Q4 2020. An estimated 300+ supply chain partners in China and Turkey will also join the program in Q1 2021. It is estimated that by Q2 2021, most eligible Lenzing supply chain partners will be onboarded into the platform, ensuring full supply chain traceability.

• One of the core components of the platform powered by TextileGenesis is integration with the Lenzing E-Branding fabric certification system, which allows brands and retailers not only to access the full supply chain traceability for Tencel and Lenzing Ecovero branded fibers but also to view the results of forensic (physical) verification of fabric samples via the digitally signed Lenzing E-Branding fabric certificates.

Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Board at Lenzing:

“Over the past year, during the pilot program and field trials we have been receiving very positive feedback from brands and supply chain partners. Our brand partners have also been encouraging us to accelerate the global roll-out for traceability of Lenzing fibers. With this new system and the integration with Lenzing E-Branding fabric certificates, the entire Lenzing ecosystem will create an unprecedented level of transparency. This will provide consumers with the most sustainable and climate-friendly clothing and home textile products that are made of Tencel or Lenzing Ecovero branded fibers.”

Amit Gautam, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of TextileGenesis:

“With increasing compliance and reputational risks, CEOs and Boards of top 100 fashion brands have committed to using 100 percent sustainable and traceable fibers over the next five years, with transparency being a core part of business priorities. Sustainability and traceability are two sides of the same coin, and it’s great to see Lenzing paving the way for the entire fashion industry to follow. Our supply chain traceability platform will create digital accounting for Lenzing’s innovative and sustainable fibers across the entire supply chain using Fibercoins traceability technology.”

Fibercoin technology?

Through using the innovative Fibercoin technology of the TextileGenesis platform, Lenzing and other brand partners are now able to issue digital tokens (blockchain assets) in direct proportion to the physical shipments of Tencel and Lenzing Ecovero branded fibers. These digital tokens provide a unique “fingerprint” and authentication mechanism, preventing adulteration, providing a more secure, trustworthy, digital chain-of-custody across the entire textile supply chain, and most importantly, ensuring the materials are sustainably produced.