Lyocell is a cellulose fibre produced industrially from natural raw materials, similar to viscose or modal fiber. It is distributed by Lenzing AG under the brand name Tencel™ Lyocell. Tencel™ Lyocell was first developed in the 1990s, to improve the characteristics of cellulose fibres and to make their production less harmful. Lenzing's Tencel® is made from sustainably sourced wood in an environmentally conscious manufacturing process. While Modal is made from beech wood, Tencel™ Lyocell fibres are made from a blend of beech and spruce wood from FSC and PEFC certified and controlled European forests, as well as eucalyptus wood from plantations in South Africa.
Sustainable raw materials and environmentally friendly production
Eucalyptus trees and beech trees require little water and do not need artificial irrigation: this represents a huge advantage compared to the high water requirements of cotton plants. The wood used by Lenzing AG comes from certified plantations where genetic manipulation and chemical fertilisers are prohibited. Another environmental advantage of growing wood for Tencel™ Lyocell is the fact that arable land is not occupied, as the areas used are poorly suited or unsuitable for growing food. An extra dose of sustainability: cut-offs from cotton clothing are now used in the production of Tencel™ Lyocell to reduce the consumption of wood. This procedure is known as Refibra™.
To produce a lyocell or Tencel fibre, the cellulose must first be extracted from the wood. To do this, small pieces of wood are soaked in a non-toxic and biodegradable solvent and water. After the water has been removed from the wood pulp with the help of heat and a vacuum, the spinning solution is pressed through nozzles into a spinning bath - the fine fibres of Tencel™ Lyocell are created. This whole procedure is carried out by Lenzing AG in a closed production cycle - with a 99% recovery of the chemicals used. In order to be as energy self-sufficient as possible in production, Lenzing AG obtains the energy it needs at its site in Austria from its own bio-power plant. The fuel for this is the wood that is processed into cellulose. The fibre is also biodegradable: according to the manufacturer, the fibre completely degrades within 16 weeks without any harmful residues. This makes Tencel™ Lyocell a very sustainable fibre. Some of the fibres also originate from Asia or Brazil.
Moisture regulating & heat balancing: ideal for sensitive skin
The fibres of Tencel™ Lyocell are versatile and hard-wearing and can be effectively mixed with other textile raw materials such as cotton, wool, and silk. This enhances both the look as well as the functionality of the fabric: compared to cotton, the regenerated fibre can absorb twice as much moisture or sweat and is more breathable. This function is due to the nature of the fibre: the unique structure, featuring tiny channels between the individual fibrils, ensures the optimal absorption and release of moisture. At the same time, Tencel™ Lyocell also has a heat-balancing function: the fibres are cooling in warm temperatures and warming in cold temperatures. These characteristics of Tencel™ Lyocell make it very popular - especially in the field of underwear and sportswear. As the fibres of Tencel™ Lyocell are abrasion-resistant and soft, they are also very suitable for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers.
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