The pilot plant gives the companies the opportunity to test the large-scale production of the cellulose-based nonwoven fabric for use in industrial and personal care products. The product, TencelWeb, provides an alternative to petroleum-based nonwovens by applying meltblown and spunbond technology to raw materials made from renewable wood fiber.

“This cooperation combines over 20 years of Lenzing's expertise in the development of lyocell staple fiber and Weyerhaeuser's extensive experience in applying technology to cellulose to create innovative and sustainable products,” said Don Atkinson, VP Market Development and Innovation for the Cellulose Fibers business at Weyerhaeuser.

Both companies have a strong intellectual property base in the direct and underpinning technology required to make this novel nonwoven material directly from lyocell.

About the Lenzing Group

The Lenzing Group is an international group of companies with its headquarters in Austria, production sites in all major markets, and a global network of sales and marketing offices. Lenzing provides the global textile and nonwovens industry with high-quality cellulose fibers. The company is the leading supplier in many business-to-business markets – from cellulose fibers to special plastic polymer products.

Lenzing's core business fibers and plastics are complemented by activities in business field engineering. Sales in 2008 totaled EUR 1.33 billion, with fiber production of 540,300 tons. The company employs nearly 6000 persons.

About Weyerhaeuser Cellulose Fibers

Weyerhaeuser is one of the world’s largest softwood market pulp producers, with a global direct sales force supported by manufacturing facilities in North America. As a leader in cellulose-based research and development, Weyerhaeuser works extensively with its customers to develop unique or specialized applications for cellulose fibers. Weyerhaeuser’s early work in meltblown technology for nonwovens was co-developed with Fraunhofer IAP. Additional information about Cellulose Fibers is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/Businesses/CelluloseFibers.

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 2008, sales were $8 billion. It has offices or operations in 10 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution, and sale of forest products; and real estate construction and development. Additional information about Weyerhaeuser's businesses, products, and practices is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com.