Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fibre made using a closed-loop solvent spinning process. It's considered the most environmentally friendly of the regenerated fibres.
How It's Made
Unlike viscose, lyocell uses:
- Non-toxic solvent (NMMO) to dissolve wood pulp
- Direct spinning into fibres
- Solvent recovery and reuse (99%+)
The closed-loop process dramatically reduces chemical waste and pollution compared to traditional viscose production.
Properties
- Soft and smooth
- Strong (wet and dry)
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Biodegradable
- Resistant to wrinkles
Lyocell is stronger than viscose and modal, making it more suitable for durable textiles.
Environmental Credentials
Lyocell addresses the main criticisms of viscose:
- No toxic chemical discharge
- Solvent reused, not released
- Lower water usage
- Sustainably sourced wood (often certified)
It's genuinely more eco-friendly, not just marketing.
Tencel™
Tencel is Lenzing's brand name for their lyocell fibre. It's become so dominant that "Tencel" and "lyocell" are often used interchangeably, though technically Tencel is a specific brand.
In Towels
Lyocell appears in:
- Premium eco-conscious towels
- Blends with cotton
- Bamboo lyocell products
It's more expensive than viscose, so less common in budget products.