Cellulose fibre manufacturer Lenzing Fibers  is one of the winners of this year’s ispo Eco Responsibility Award 2011. The Austrian company was declared winner in the new Fabrics & Fibres category for its sun screening Tencel Sun fibres, here in Munich yesterday.

“Tencel Sun fibres by Lenzing are so-called “man-made cellulose fibers” – meaning they are derived industrially from natural raw wood, consisting of about 40% cellulose. The natural origin of these fibres results in beneficial characteristics such as excellent moisture management and absorption; the industrial production method ensures purity, the integrated sunscreen feature, as well as consistent and distinctive quality,” ispo said yesterday.

The jury also added its praise: “The excellent overall concept by Lenzing received high marks in all individual criteria, from logistics, use of resources, to the working conditions at the company. The submitted documents clearly show the holistic concept implemented by using ideal detail solutions and processes. Lenzing occupies a leadership position in the textile industry.”

At ispo 11 the Eco Responsibility Award was presented for the third time as an independent award. Ispo says the repeatedly high response clearly shows the importance of the topic of Eco Responsibility. Due to an astounding variety of entered products the award categories Hardgoods, Softgoods and Accessories were joined by two new categories. Two additional awards were presented in the categories Company Ecolution and Fabrics & Fibers.

The degree of sustainability was evaluated according to ESPA key criteria, developed by the Technical University Munich in cooperation with international experts. The criteria encompass the following areas: logistics, production, eco-compatibility, company culture, and CSR.