LYOCELL: WHAT IS IT?

October 1, 2023

LYOCELL: WHAT IS IT?

If you pay attention to the labels on your clothes, you've probably seen the name Lyocell (or "TENCEL") often. Especially in clothes that claim to be eco-friendly…

So, what is Lyocell?

Lyocell is a natural fiber, made by man from wood pulp from forestry operations.

It was developed by the American company Enka in 1972 and has gained much popularity since its inception.

It is frequently used as a durable substitute for cotton and silk .

It is pleasant to the touch and has a luxurious appearance. Lyocell also mixes very well with other fibers, such as cotton, silk, rayon, polyester, nylon and wool.

It is found in sportswear, chic dresses and jeans: it is a versatile and very breathable material. Lyocell is also sturdy, absorbent, hypoallergenic and odor resistant.

What about Tencel™?

Tencel™ is a brand name and lyocell is the generic name.

Technically, a fabric must contain 30% proprietary fibers (Tencel™) to use the name Tencel™.

The Lenzing company which produces TENCEL™ Lyocell is recognized for its mission to create sustainable textiles, if your goal is to have a low ecological impact then it is preferable to favor Tencel™.

Indeed, although the process of producing fiber strands from wood pulp is very similar regardless of brand, the methods used to transform these fibers into yarn, fabric and finished products can vary considerably. Harsh chemicals may be used in this process, making the fiber less durable and potentially more toxic.

Environmental benefits of Tencel™Lyocell

Naturally biodegradable and compostable
Sustainably produced : The Tencel™ production chain is transparent. It is obtained from eucalyptus grown on farms, without the use of ancient forests, genetic manipulation, irrigation or pesticides.
THE chemical products used to produce Tencel™ fibers are non-toxic . This avoids polluting the air and water.
Thanks to his production process unique closed loop which recovers and reuses the solvents used, the ecological impact of its production is greatly minimized. 99% of the water and solvents used are thus recovered and reused.

From their botanical origin, to their low impact on the environment during production, including their possible biodegradation capacity, wood-based fibers like Lyocell constitute a great solution for a more ecological textile industry.

At Ekoloji, we use Tencel™Lyocell fiber in combination with organic cotton, always with the aim of having a low environmental footprint and also to create durable and comfortable clothing.