People sometimes have high expectations of their clothing. It should be comfortable, look good and ideally also be produced sustainably and fairly. Various fibres and materials are used to meet these requirements. One of these is Tencel™ or Lyocell. It knows how to impress in many different ways - this blog article shows exactly how.
What exactly is Tencel™?
Tencel™ is a fibre that is obtained from the cellulose of wood. The material is also known as Lyocell - the only difference is the brand name. Tencel™ is therefore exclusively Lyocell from the Austrian company Lenzing. The ‘TM’ stands for trademark. In the case of Tencel™, the name goes hand in hand with compliance with high standards for raw materials and processing methods. The fabric is timeless and offers a high level of comfort. While the fibre is of natural origin, it requires chemical processing, which is why Tencel™ from Lenzing is a synthetic natural fibre. Nevertheless, cellulose-based fabrics are biodegradable and sustainable.
The production of Tencel™ into clothing
Cellulose, one of the basic building blocks of wood, is the basis for production. Which wood? Primarily beech, spruce and eucalyptus are used. It is emphasised here that the areas under cultivation could not be used for any other purpose - for example for food. In addition, the plantations are managed sustainably and the growth of the trees offsets CO2 emissions. In many cases, wood parts are used that are produced during tree care. Eucalyptus also grows densely, is quite productive compared to cotton and uses less water.
For further processing, the wood fibres are soaked in non-toxic solvents. The dissolved cellulose is mixed with a dissolving agent and water before the resulting pulp is heated. This removes the water and dissolves the cellulose. The pulp or cellulose fibres are then pressed and spun into yarn - which can then be used to make clothing. From a sustainability perspective, it is particularly advantageous that the solvents and even the water used in the recycling system can be almost completely reused. This means that Lyocell and Tencel™ can be considered sustainable.
What makes Tencel™ so special?
The cellulose fibre from Lenzing is convincing in many ways in the form of clothing such as blouses. The corresponding garments are breathable, temperature-regulating and have a slight shimmer. They also absorb moisture well - around 50 per cent more than cotton - and are quick-drying. The soft and silky feel lasts a long time if cared for correctly, making the garments robust, tear-resistant and durable. Its good skin compatibility and antibacterial properties make Tencel™ as a cellulose fibre a popular choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Which garments is Tencel™ particularly suitable for?
The advantages of Tencel™ or Lyocell almost suggest it: There are numerous applications in which the fabrics cut a fine figure. In addition to dresses and blouses, it is mainly used to make underwear. The durability means that the clothing can withstand the friction caused by a lot of movement - the pleasant feeling on the skin remains.
You will come across Tencel™ and Lyocell again and again in the Faedah Collection range - discover the diversity of this fabric with us.
Tencel™ and the goal of sustainability
As a cellulose fibre, Tencel™ can make a decisive contribution to improving sustainability. The production method and extraction method make it a suitable option. Nevertheless, fair clothing does not end with the material. Responsible production is just as important as not exploiting the planet when extracting resources. Some brands and suppliers make checking their sustainability difficult and opaque. We scrutinise manufacturers such as Indigo Luna and are proud to only offer goods from strong brands with a focus on people and the environment in our online shop.
This is all the more important as the clothing industry is still a major contributor to the climate impact on our planet. It starts with the use of extreme chemicals, water pollution and ends with working conditions that are characterised by exploitation. Cheap goods at the expense of people and the environment instead of durable quality goods.
By the way: Lyocell is particularly durable when cared for properly. You can find information on washing in the product description. For pure Lyocell, we recommend keeping the temperature at a maximum of 30 degrees and using mild detergent.
Stylish and sustainable with the Faedah Collection
Tencel™ is stylish and modern, but not a fad. As a timelessly beautiful fabric, it fits perfectly into our range. There are also many other beautiful and fairly produced items of clothing that will enrich your wardrobe. For example, fluffy jumpers made from alpaca wool or yoga clothing made from organic cotton are just waiting to be discovered. Time to browse with a clear conscience!