Orange Fiber converts orange waste into a versatile, biodegradable fabric
Orange Fiber has developed a process that closes the loop on citrus waste: by extracting cellulose fibre from orange peel, this Sicilian company can spin these fibres into biodegradable yarn.
In 2021, it began a partnership with the Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibres, and the result is the TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibre made of orange and wood pulp: TENCEL™ Limited Edition x Orange Fiber.
The company's patented technique suits both consumers and producers. Whereas consumer demand for sustainable materials is rising, citrus juice companies face increasing burdens and challenges in properly disposing of waste.
Orange Fiber's use of citrus waste does not impede food production itself, but reduces the waste that is generated as a consequence of processing oranges. With more than 700 000 tonnes of citrus waste in Italy every year, a sizeable market provides sufficient raw materials for the company to scale up.
- The process involves collecting the citrus waste, extracting the cellulose, turning it into fibre, spinning the fibre into yarn and weaving the yarn into fabric.
- By linking Orange Fiber's innovation to the cultural heritage of the orange industry in Sicily, the company was able to attract the attention of high-end fashion brands. Its yarn was first brought to market by Salvatore Ferragamo, who launched a daily wear capsule collection using the fibre on Earth Day 2017.