Lyocell is a manufacturing process of rayon which is much more eco-friendly than its relatives, modal and viscose.
Like other rayon fibre, lyocell is a semi-synthetic fibre derived from trees. It is produced from the dissolution of wood pulp in chemical solvents. Unlike other types of rayon, lyocell is made in a closed-loop system that recycles almost all of the chemicals used. The chemicals involved in the production of lyocell are also much less harmful than those used for conventional rayon.
Lyocell is the generic name of the manufacturing process and fiber. Tencel® is the brand name of the lyocell commercialized by the company Lenzing AG. Tencel® is made from eucalyptus from PEFC or FSC-certified forests. Eucalyptus trees grow quickly without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation.
Is lyocell environmentally friendly?
Lyocell is plant-derived fiber and is biodegradable. It needs much less energy and water than cotton to be produced.
The fabric comes white when manufactured. For brands looking for pure white fabric, no additional bleaching is needed, and for those looking for colorful fabric, lyocell requires far less dye than conventional cotton.
Lyocell belongs to SANE Approved Material List. It means that a product made of at least 90% lyocell (or blended with other SANE Approved Material) and produced in a facility holding a SANE Scope Certificate is eligible to be certified SANE.
Currently, SANE only recognizes the brand Tencel® for the production of lyocell.
Copy partner: Sustain Your Style; Picture: Ksenia Chernaya
Other sources: Wikipedia; Tencel.com;