Lenzing’s revenue increased by 1.2 per cent in the first half of 2019. The share of specialty fibers in revenue, at 48.4 per cent, significantly exceeded the prior-year value of 44.1 per cent. Ebitda dropped by seven per cent. This decline primarily resulted from higher production volumes and currency effects, which led to an increase in pulp costs, from an increase in personnel expenses and the market environment for standard viscose. The ebitda margin declined from 18.1 per cent in the first half of 2018 to 16.6 per cent in the first half of 2019. Ebit (earnings before interest and tax) fell by 17.9 per cent, resulting in a lower ebit margin of 9.7 per cent. Net profit for the period decreased 15.9 per cent.

Lenzing will use block chain technology to support its Tencel branded fiber business, ensuring complete transparency and traceability for brands and consumers of its fibers in finished garments. In the second quarter of 2019 Lenzing announced a cooperation with a Hong Kong based technology company to accomplish this ambition. Lenzing will carry out several pilot tests involving partners along the entire value chain and expects the platform to be operational as of 2020.