Moving towards circularity and shared goals of environmental and social responsibility.
Our latest collaboration with Marc O'Polo for Spring-Summer 2026 continues to reflect our shared environmental commitments. Showcasing the softness and breathability of our fibers, a series of dressed down silhouettes in neutral tones showcase an innate ease that moves easily between the city and the coast. Find out more from our interview with Susanne Schwenger, CPO of Marc O'Polo.
Looking back on more than four years of collaboration with TENCEL™, what has made this partnership so valuable for Marc O'Polo?
Over the past years, our collaboration with TENCEL™ has proven extremely valuable because it brings together what defines Marc O'Polo at its core: natural raw materials, innovation and responsibility. TENCEL™ fibers allow us to combine premium quality and comfort with measurable environmental improvements, supported by transparent and traceable supply chains. Beyond the product itself, the partnership stands for shared values. Working closely with a partner like Lenzing enables us to continuously evolve our material portfolio and to scale more responsible solutions across collections. This long-term collaboration is key to turning ambition into tangible progress.
How is Marc O'Polo progressing toward its commitment to use more preferred fibers by 2030?
We have made strong progress on our journey toward our 2030 commitment: to use only preferred fibers from more responsible sources across all collections. Today, a significant share of our products already meets recognized certification standards, and we continue to expand the use of preferred materials such as certified cotton, recycled fibers and regenerated cellulosic fibers like TENCEL™. At the same time, we are anchoring this transition structurally through our holistic strategy "It's On Us 2030+," which integrates product, circularity, environment and social responsibility. For us, this transformation is not a one-off milestone but an ongoing process of continuous improvement across the entire value chain.
In your view, what role do long-term collaborations across the value chain play in transforming the fashion industry?
We are convinced that meaningful transformation in fashion can only happen through strong, long-term partnerships across the value chain. Collaboration creates transparency, drives innovation and enables scalability - three essential factors for real change. By working closely with partners like Lenzing, we gain access to innovative fiber technologies, reliable traceability and measurable environmental data. At the same time, such partnerships help align standards and accelerate the adoption of more responsible practices across the industry. Ultimately, no single brand can transform the system alone. Progress depends on shared responsibility, mutual trust and a willingness to co-create solutions.
What makes TENCEL™ fibers a strong fit for your spring/summer collections in particular?
TENCEL™ fibers are a natural match for our spring-summer collections because they combine sustainability with outstanding wearing comfort. Their exceptional softness, breathability and moisture management create a light, airy feel - ideal for warmer temperatures. At the same time, their natural origin and resource-efficient production process support our ambition to reduce environmental impact - for example through lower water use and emissions compared to conventional alternatives. This combination of performance, aesthetics and responsibility makes TENCEL™ a key material for creating modern, effortless summer looks.
Looking ahead, what kind of change would you like to see across the fashion industry in the next five years?
Looking ahead, we would like to see the fashion industry move faster and more collectively toward a circular and transparent model. This includes scaling preferred materials, improving traceability across supply chains and designing products with longevity and recyclability in mind. Equally important is a stronger industry-wide commitment to measurable impact - clear targets for emissions, water use and resource efficiency, combined with transparent reporting. For us, the next five years are about turning sustainability from a differentiator into a baseline. Only by working together - brands, suppliers and innovators - can we create a system that respects planetary boundaries while continuing to inspire through design.
