The Lenzing Group has set a further
milestone in intensifying its cooperation with the partners along the value
chain by its opening of a new Application Innovation Center (AIC) in Hong Kong.
New applications for Lenzing fibers will be
developed and tested at the new facility, among them applications for recent
innovations like the Refibra branded lyocell fiber and the EcoVero branded
viscose fiber.
“With this new
center Lenzing is further implementing its corporate strategy sCore TEN. One of
the cornerstones of this strategy is enhancing the level of customer intimacy.
The proximity to important Asian customers and partners along the value chain
creates a new dimension in our service offering”, said Robert van de Kerkhof,
Chief Commercial Officer of the Lenzing Group.
“We can react more quickly to current
trends and handle a broad spectrum of aspects on location relating to the
application with our full range of fibers as well as unique fiber blends in
collaboration with our supply chain partners. Herewith we can develop highly
aesthetic, emotional and functional products around the world”, van de Kerkhof
added.
“This new
Application Innovation Center is an integral part of our global technology
network, from our R&D department and fiber processing laboratory in Lenzing
to our fiber testing facility in Indonesia”, stated Heiko Arnold, Chief
Technology Officer of the Lenzing Group.
Accordingly, Lenzing is underlining its
global innovation leadership. “Lenzing’s research and development expenditures
amounting to €46.4 million in the last financial year are among the highest within
the peer-group internationally. The bottom line is that these investments
benefit our customers, because they can optimally differentiate themselves from
the competition by using innovative Lenzing products”, Arnold added.
“In this
cross-learning center for Lenzing and our partners new applications will be
tested for commercializing fiber innovations. This will contribute to Lenzing’s
ability to even more quickly and effectively transfer its innovative strength
to our customers”, Eric Chan, General Manager of Lenzing Fibers Hongkong said.
“Moreover, the new AIC also enables
prototype production of textile fabrics made of Lenzing fibers, from the
concept, dyeing and finishing to the precise measurement of all product data”,
he added.
The Lenzing Application Innovation Center
starts its operation as of now and is open for visitors from the whole
industry.