What is lyocell fabric? Lyocell fabric is being touted as the sustainable fiber of the future. Lyocell (or TENCEL™ lyocell) is used to make clothes and is beloved by everyone. Because, being silky smooth lyocell feels great against the skin, drapes beautifully, is lightweight, highly breathable, antimicrobial, moisture wicking, and is wrinkle resistant. So, learn more about lyocell with Dugarco!
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1. What is Lyocell fabric?
What is the fabric lyocell? Lyocell fabric is a semi-synthetic fiber. Lyocell begins life as wood cellulose but is rendered into the fabric via processing with a series of synthetic chemicals. Lyocell was first developed in 1972 by American Enka and was first commercially produced in Alabama in 1992.
It is lyocell fabric soft breathable and moisture-wicking and thus lyocell is often used as a more delicate garment in garments like underwear, dresses, and dress shirts. So, Lyocell became more popular as time went on and now it’s considered to be a sustainable option for those who want to avoid polyester or silk. More companies call Lyocell fabric a “miracle fabric”.
| Fabric name | Lyocell |
| Fabric is also known as | Tencel |
| Fabric composition | Cellulose and synthetic |
| Fabric thread count variations | 300-600 |
| Breathability of fabric | Very breathable |
| Hygroscopicity | High |
| Heat retention abilities | Medium |
| Stretchability (give) | Low |
| Prone to pilling/bubbling | Low |
| Original country | United States |
| Biggest exporting country | Europe and China |
| Washing temperatures | Cold |
| Commonly used in | Dress, T-shirts, underwear, towels, belts, medical dressings, …. |
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2. Lyocell fabric production process
Lyocell fabric is made of wood like oak or birch. It is a raw material for the cellulose in this fabric. how to make lyocell fabric:
- Step 1: The trees are broken down into chips and loaded into a vat of chemical digesters, which soften the chips into pulp.
- Step 2: This pulp is washed in water and bleach. Next, it is dried and rolled.
- Step 3: The scrolls are spread into pages and divided into squares measuring 1 inch and these squares are placed in pressurized and heated amine oxide, which is the primary solvent used to make lyocell fabric.
- Step 4: As it is forced through spinnerets, cellulose is turned into long, thin fibers.
- Step 5: The resulting fibers are dipped in a vat of insipid amine oxide to set, and they are then washed with demineralized water.
- Step 6: The lyocell fibers are then dried, and a lubricant and these bundles of two are placed in a crimper that compresses the fiber. They are carded and arranged.
- Step 7: The fibers are cut, and they process a variety of different products.
3. The durability of lyocell fabric
What is lyocell material made of? That’s a good question! Lyocell is made of chips from eucalyptus trees. Anyone who knows them grows quickly and does not use any pesticides. Lyocell is made using a “closed loop” process so they don’t get wasted in the environment. The process of creating lyocell uses much less water than other fabrics, too.
Lenzing AG is One of the biggest manufacturers of TENCEL™. Lenzing AG can reuse up to 99,5% of the dissolving agents and water in an almost entirely zero waste system. For this reason, You might call them Lenzing OG because they’re the original sustainable lyocell pioneers.
Like with anything labeled “sustainable” or “eco-friendly”, there are always risks of greenwashing. However, if made right, lyocell can become a much more sustainable version of the silk-like, drapey fabric.
4. The outstanding advantages of lyocell fabric
There are many advantages of lyocell fabric, such as:
- Lyocell is biodegradable, and compostable: Lyocell fabric is a semi-synthetic fiber. It is made from wood using non-toxic solvents. This means it isn’t nylon, polyester, and other plastic-based fibers. It took over a century to even begin biodegrading. Under the right conditions, lyocell can decompose for several months and is more environmentally friendly than many other fabrics.
- More hygienic than many other fabrics: The breathability of lyocell is very high. So, It doesn’t harbor bacteria, smell, and musty. This is one reason lyocell is popular in the gym and damp environments like bathrooms.
- Lyocell is soft and strong: Lyocell is strong even when lyocell is wet. Lyocell is heavily used to make medical equipment such as conveyors and safety equipment. Despite being strong, lyocell is also soft. Lyocell is very popular in the manufacture of sateen sheets, soft towels, and other household items.
- Lyocell regulates temperature and absorbs moisture very well: Lyocell is stretchy, efficient at absorbing moisture, temperature regulating, and antibacterial. Because lyocells are small, hydrophilic fibers. This means that lyocell makes us dry yet comfy. These moisture-wicking properties also make lyocell useful for bath towels and even diaper inserts.
- Easy to dye with non-toxic dyes: Lyocell is very absorbent. It is very easy to dye. Lyocell is made of wood, so lyocell is a semi-synthetic fiber. Lyocell can be dyed with no need for toxic chemicals and carcinogenic azo dyes.
- Can be blended with other fibers: Lyocell can blend well with silk and merino wool to create soft fabrics. Lyocell can also be mixed with other fabrics such as cotton, hemp, and linen, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
- Produced quickly and efficiently: Lyocell production is very quick and efficient. The result of this speedy process is greater potential yields of fiber and more efficient use of water (about 20% less than for cotton), energy, and human resources. It also makes lyocell can be produced in many locations.
- Lyocell is non-toxic: Lyocell is a rayon, and it is composed of cellulose from wood. Lyocell production doesn’t create harm. The main solvent is an amino oxide which is recyclable. Another lyocell is made using a “closed loop” process, this means there is very little waste.
- Other advantages: Lyocell has superabsorbent properties because it is produced from natural materials. Lyocell does not wrinkle because it is manufactured by nanotechnology.
You can explore the variety of lyocell fabrics available to buy worldwide, with specific options for the US, UK and other countries here.
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5. Some disadvantages of lyocell fabric
Besides the advantages, what disadvantages is lyocell fabric? Lyocell fabric is called a “miracle fabric” but it has many disadvantages, such as:
- Quite thin, needs special care: Lyocell requires careful cleaning. Instructions on the label, some may require handwashing, though you can machine wash them in cold on the delicate cycle with a gentle detergent.
- Lyocell fabric is more expensive than other fabrics: The production process of lyocell is environment-friendly. The durability of lyocell is high. So, lyocell can cost a bit more.
- Vulnerable to greenwashing: Lyocell is in danger of greenwashing. Because the fiber and fabric are made from unknown materials and the production process is not guaranteed.
6. Application of lyocell fabric
What is lyocell fabric used for? Lyocell fabric is found in a variety of things. Lyocell is a main component in conveyor belts, medical dressings and gowns, filtration cloths, specialty paper, and a wide variety of lining materials. Every day, lyocell can use products in clothing and sustainable bedding. Some of our favorite shirts, activewear, undergarments, denim, dresses and more contain this soft and sustainable material.
7. The price of lyocell fabric on the market today
Cellulose fabrics are cheaper to produce than silk. The prices of cotton and cellulose fabrics fluctuate, and cotton has been cheaper to produce in the last decade. If global economic trends remain, cotton will remain cheaper than Lyocell. Lyocell is one of the simplest fabrics to produce and it has very little waste. The applications of Lyocell fabric are more useful than cotton. Manufacturers are more than happy to pay higher prices for these benefits. Today, A queen-size sheet set may cost around $100 to $300.
8. Some fabrics have properties similar to lyocell fabric
What type of fabric is lyocell? From a chemical point of view, there is only one type of lyocell fabric called tencel. However, However, two fabrics are similar to lyocell fabric. Examples:
- Viscose rayon: This fabric was the first type of cellulose. Viscose rayon has been produced since the 20th century, and it was preceded by several cellulose fabric prototypes that were discontinued due to flammability or untenable production processes.
- Modal rayon: This type of rayon is similar to tencel. The rayon production method was discovered in the 1940s. A technical leap forward in cellulose fabric production. However, many manufacturers produce viscose rayon instead of modal rayon.
9. Compare lyocell fabric and other fabrics
Cotton is a natural fiber. Lyocell is made from natural materials and made into fibers through a closed-loop manufacturing process.
| Parameters | Lyocell | Cotton |
| ✅ Touch and feel | softer and smoother | gets softer with use and washing |
| ✅ Price | higher than cotton | cheaper than Lyocell |
| ✅ Durability | Long | When tightly weaved, it will have high strength |
| ✅ Resistance to pilling | Has a better fight to pilling than cotton | More disposed to pilling than lyocell. |
| ✅ Maintenance | Lyocell needs handling, some require hand washing | Cotton is easy to handle and cotton can be washed by machine |
| ✅ Cooling | Cool and breathable wicks away moisture | Cool and breathable, not moisture |
| ✅ Eco-friendly | Yes | Has eco-friendly varieties |
10. What is lyocell fabric impact the environment?
Compared to other cellulose fabrics, lyocell is much better for the environment. Although the manufacturing process for this fabric is similar to that of rayon and other cellulose-based fabrics, Tencel production does not cause any environmental harm if done properly. Different from other similar fabrics, lyocell production adopts a “closed loop” extraction process, which means the same batch of amine oxide is used to extract multiple batches of Tencel.
In comparison, the production of viscose rayon involves many different chemical processes that do not use a closed-loop system, and these chemicals are then released into the environment as contaminated water. However, it is important to remember that lyocells are made from trees, and a large amount of wood material is wasted in the production of this fabric. If the plants used to produce Tencel are not grown sustainably, the process of producing this material can negatively impact the environment, and not all Tencel manufacturers ensure compliance with the closed-loop extraction model lasting.
11. Frequently asked questions about Lyocell fabric
Some of the most frequently asked questions about lyocell.
11.1. Is Lyocell stretchy?
Yes! Lyocell is made from natural materials and the production process is a closed loop. So, Therefore, the hygroscopic, breathable, and elastic properties of lyocell are very good.
11.2. What is lyocell fabric feel like?
Lyocell is soft to the touch. Lyocell is also absorbent, which means it’s often used for activewear. So, It feels good on the skin.
11.3. Is Lyocell breathable?
Lyocell doesn’t make you sweat, because it is breathable and thermoregulating. It’s suitable for wear on summer days. Another, Lyocellis also superior at absorbing moisture, making it an excellent fabric choice for activewear such as yoga, and gym clothing.
11.4. Does Lyocell shrink?
No! Because Lyocell is thermally stable. However, it should only be hand-washed in cold water or washed on a gentle round.
11.5. Is Lyocell waterproof?
No, Although Lyocell is also superior at absorbing moisture, lyocell is NOT waterproof so it’s not a suitable fabric for garments intended to actually repel water.
11.6. Is Lyocell a natural fiber?
Yes, It all starts with the wood. Mostly, it is made from oak and birch.
11.7. How to wash lyocell?
Like some of your other fabrics, caring for lyocell should be taken care of. You should be hand-washed in cold water or washed on the gentle set.
Lyocell became a famous fabric all over the world. Lyocell is durable and comfy and is one of the most semi-synthetic fabrics today. It’s made using natural materials and doesn’t require a full range of toxic chemicals to produce. The above article answered the question “What is lyocell fabric“. Please contact Dugarco for more details.
Contact informations:
- Address: 59 Đức Giang, Đức Giang, Long Biên, HN
- Phone: 024 3655 7930
- Email: dugarco@mayducgiang.com.vn
- Website: https://dugarco.com/en/
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Dugarco under the talented leadership and guidance of Mr. Hoang Ve Dung has gradually become a large Vietnam clothing manufacturer, supplying clothes for many famous brands from many different countries such as the UK, USA, and Australia.
