Fiber giant Lenzing turns 75

Lenzing AG, the Austrian company that manufactures viscose from manmade cellulose fibers, celebrated its 75th anniversary in June—and expects to see many more as a worldwide leader in cellulose fiber technology and research. Among the innovations keeping Lenzing a growing concern are a research center for cellulose and fiber chemistry, approximately 1,400 patents or patent applications in 57 countries, and substantial efforts to minimize the environmental impact of viscose production. In 75 years, Lenzing’s fiber production has increased from 30,000 tons per year to an estimated 900,000 tons.