tencel™/ lyocell

Tencel Lyocell is made from the wood of bamboo, beech, birch, eucalyptus, oak or spruce trees. But not just any trees! The process of making this fabric is very similar to other fabrics made from wood. Let's look into it, shall we?

To produce Tencel Lyocell, the sustainably harvested wood is first broken down into tiny pieces. They are then mixed with chemicals (a non-toxic and recyclable solvent called amine oxide, for instance) to turn it into wood pulp. This creates a wet and sticky mixture called cellulose. This wet mixture then goes through small holes to form threads. It is dried through a process called spinning, which results in fibers that are bright, long and thin. These fibers need to be first washed, dried and lubricated. Afterwards, they are spun into yarn and woven into cloth.

But there is something special about this production process. Tencel Lyocell is actually produced in a closed-loop system. This process has a low environmental impact as it is very resource-efficient. The chemicals are constantly reused and the processed water is recycled. The recovery rate of the solvent is more than 99%.

In other words, almost no harmful by-products are created as the chemicals are reused again and again. But it is not only the closed-loop process or the materials used that make it more sustainable. The production process is quite short. The whole process – from chopping the wood to making the cloth – takes about two and a half hours. This means it requires less water and energy than other human-made fibers.

Tencel Lyocell is a very soft, light, breathable, elastic and high-quality, long-lasting fabric. It has an amazing drape and it doesn't wrinkle easily.

Also, this material is known for good retention of colors which means that they stay vibrant!

Tencel Lyocell can have various textures and levels of thickness. You might find Tencel Lyocell that feels like cotton or silk. Because of its extreme versatility, it can be blended with other fibers and used in many types of (not only) fashion goods.

For these benefits, it’s considered to be a great fabric.

What's more, Lyocell absorbs moisture very well, which helps with regulating temperature. This is why it’s recommended to people with sensitive skin. And if you live in a humid climate or tend to sweat a lot, maybe try wearing this fabric before moving abroad. 😛

Tencel Lyocell is widely used in the world of sustainable fashion. You can find it in pants, blouses or lingerie for women. And for men it’s often used for boxershorts and shirts.

As already mentioned, this fabric has great absorption properties. It is also less susceptible to odorous bacteria growth. This means it is ideal for any sporty and sweaty sessions. So, obviously, it is used in sportswear for both men and women too.

Tencel Lyocell is quite similar to viscose (rayon). Both are referred to as 'regenerated cellulose' fibers. But there is a big sustainability difference between these two materials.

The production of viscose requires more energy and is very chemically intensive. The production process of Tencel Lyocell is shorter and way less wasteful.

And of course, Tencel Lyocell also uses wood from sustainably managed forests. This cannot be said about viscose because it is made from wood pulp from endangered forests

The production of Tencel Lyocell uses less energy and water than conventional cotton. Also, it requires less dye as it retains colors better than cotton. And when produced, Lyocell is pure – this means no bleaching is necessary.

So yes, Tencel Lyocell is more sustainable than conventional cotton.

Tencel Lyocell can have very similar properties to silk. Think of the luxurious feel and soft silky touch.

But forget about the unethical and super unsustainable production process! Well, maybe don't totally forget. It's quite good to know what makes silk so unethical and unsustainable.

The point is, Tencel Lyocell has many of the same benefits as silk. But it is also a more ethical and eco-friendly alternative to silk. Say it with us: Live, Laugh, Lyocell!

Both Tencel Lyocell and Tencel Modal are very comfy, breathable and luxurious fabrics. Yet, Modal is a bit softer and more delicate than Lyocell.

Looking at the production, both materials are made from wood pulp. But to produce Modal, sodium hydroxide is used while to produce Lyocell, non-toxic chemicals are used.

Moreover, the eco-friendly closed-loop process makes Lyocell more sustainable than Modal.