[ESRS S4 ESRS 2 SBM-2]1
Consumers are becoming increasingly more conscious when making purchase decisions, requiring more transparency on products’ environmental and social impact, functional performance, safety classification and production traceability throughout the value chain. This trend is supported by governmental authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and industry/consumer associations via regulations, and mandatory and/or voluntary certification schemes.
Lenzing has an extensive product and services portfolio and operates in several market segments. Its products can be a supportive component in industrial applications (e.g. filtration systems, insulation material and food packaging applications), and (key) component in consumer goods (e.g. textiles, wipes, and hygienic products). This results in a complex landscape of functional and regulatory requirements, requiring a holistic approach.
This holistic approach is based on Lenzing’s “Better Growth” strategy of focusing on sustainability, innovation, excellence, and premiumisation. More specifically, Lenzing holistically addresses consumers’, authorities’ and associations’ expectations by providing public commitments (e.g., policies, white papers, Lenzing’s Global Code of Business Conduct and Lenzing’s Global Supplier Code of Conduct) in its efforts to continuously improve its offering, proactively complying with the latest and forthcoming requirements, and providing adequate transparency on its activities.
For further information on how Lenzing interacts with its customers, and therefore indirectly with consumers and end-users, please see the “Stakeholder engagement” section in this chapter.
Product assurance for (in)direct customers
Lenzing’s strategy is actively described in its Quality Policy. To uphold the quality standards and fulfill Lenzing’s commitment, Lenzing invests in people and innovation and engages actively with raw material suppliers to establish long-lasting relationships. Constant customer feedback and competitor benchmarking ensures continuous improvement in Lenzing’s operations, services and products and delivers added value to Lenzing and its customers. For more information, see the “Actions” section of this chapter.
Product safety for consumers and end-users
It is imperative that Lenzing’s products meet and, whenever possible, exceed applicable safety standards and legislation. In the Lenzing Product Safety Policy, Lenzing pledges to drive compliance with this policy and high internal standards on a continuing basis through appropriate reviews and evaluations.
The purpose of the Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs (PSRA) department is to take all the necessary steps and measures that the cellulosic products sold by the Lenzing Group (regenerated cellulosic fibers and webs, filaments and cellulosic powders) comply with the laws, regulations and standards pertaining the nonwoven and textile fiber businesses and are safe for the intended uses.
Although LENZING™ fiber products undergo product safety testing, ultimate responsibility for consumer health is borne by the companies that manufacture finished products from Lenzing fibers.
1 In addition to the GRI disclosure, the corresponding ESRS section is noted. There is no claim to fulfilment of the ESRS in this and the following chapters.