TENCEL™ Lyocell
Lenzing created TENCEL™ Lyocell in 1992 in an effort to develop a sustainable fibre for clothing and home furnishings. As a proprietary fibre developed by Lenzing, TENCEL™ Lyocell is different from generic fibers such as cotton, linen, bamboo, hemp and wool, among many others used to make fabric.
A fibre is defined as a natural or artificial substance used to make cloth or rope. Cellulosic fibre, or man-made fibre, often consists of the part of a plant, seed or tree that cannot be digested by the human body. Examples of synthetic or artificial fibre include polyester and nylon, both of which are partially made from petroleum and are similar to plastic. TENCEL™ Lyocell, on the other much more sustainable hand, is a 100% biodegradable cellulosic fibre made from wood pulp.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Event “Pollution Free, Nature Positive, Net Zero Fashion” on August 22nd, 2023, fashion supply chains account for 2%-8% of the word’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Transitioning to a textile industry utilizing sustainable fibre like TENCEL™ Lyocell is one way to reduce carbon emissions.
Lenzing created TENCEL™ Lyocell by dissolving wood chips from trees grown in regenerative, ethically managed forests into manageable wood pulp. The pulp is then spun into TENCEL™ fibers, which are then turned into yarn by textile mills and woven into fabric. TENCEL™ earned the EU Ecolabel for their effort to create an environmentally friendly fibre, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has certified it as a 100% bio-based product.
TENCEL™ Lyocell is produced with less water and energy than conventional textile fibers, and manufacturing waste and solvents are mostly recycled. Lenzing utilizes a technology known as REFIBRA™ to recycle cotton waste from garment production back into TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. TENCEL™ is designed to be durable enough to last a long time, and biodegradable and compostable when it’s no longer in use.
TENCEL™ Lyocell is soft and comfortable to wear. It’s easily blended with most fibers, and helps to enhance the comfort of a garment as it ages. The fabric manages moisture well, supports vibrant colors, is durable, and can be used in denim, innerwear, activewear, footwear, luxury products, and home furnishings. TENCEL™ Lyocell just might be the new golden fleece of the fabric industry!
It is important for brands and manufacturers to apply for a license before using TENCEL™ Lyocell, and they can do that at:
