What Is Lyocell Fabric? History, Where & How Is Made

What Is Lyocell Fabric

Lyocell fabric is a type of rayon fabric made from wood pulp cellulose using a solvent-spinning process. The process involves dissolving wood pulp in a non-toxic solvent, which is then forced through fine holes to create fibers. The resulting fibers are then spun into yarns, which are woven or knit into fabric.

Its high strength, softness, and breathability make it a popular choice for clothing, bedding, and home textiles. It is also resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage, making it easy to care for.

It is environmentally friendly compared to other fabrics. The solvent-spinning process used to create Lyocell fabric uses a closed-loop system, which means that the solvent is recycled and reused, resulting in minimal waste.

Additionally, the wood pulp used to create Lyocell is sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Overall, it is a versatile and eco-friendly fabric that has gained popularity in the textile industry due to its high quality, durability, and sustainability.

History Of Lyocell Fabric:

Lyocell fabric was first developed in the mid-20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it became commercially available. This fabric was created by the Austrian textile company Lenzing AG, which initially called it “Tencel” and patented the manufacturing process.

The development of Lyocell was driven by a desire to create a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rayon fabric.

Production of traditional rayon, also known as viscose, was known to be highly polluting due to the use of toxic chemicals in the production process.

The Lyocell manufacturing process, on the other hand, uses a closed-loop system in which the solvent used to dissolve the wood pulp is recycled and reused. Resulting in minimal waste and environmental impact.

Additionally, the wood pulp used to create Lyocell is sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Since its commercial introduction in the 1990s, the fabric has gained popularity in the textile industry due to its high quality, durability, and sustainability.

It has become a popular choice for clothing, bedding, and home textiles, and is often marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to other fabrics.

How Is Lyocell Fabric Made?

The fabric is made through a process called solvent spinning. Here are the general steps involved in the production of Lyocell fabric:

Preparation of the wood pulp:

The process starts with the preparation of wood pulp, which is typically sourced from sustainably managed forests. The wood pulp is then chipped and processed into a fine pulp.

Dissolving the pulp:

The wood pulp is then dissolved in a non-toxic solvent, usually, N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO), which is also known as an organic solvent. This process creates a solution called a spinning solution.

Spinning the fibers:

The spinning solution is then forced through fine holes to create long fibers. These fibers are then washed and dried to create a fluffy material known as Lyocell staple.

Spinning the yarn:

The fabric staple is then spun into yarn using a process called wet spinning. This process involves pulling the Lyocell staple through a spinneret into a bath of water to solidify the fibers into yarn.

Weaving or knitting the fabric:

The Lyocell yarn is then woven or knitted into fabric, which can be finished with various treatments to enhance its properties, such as softness or durability.

Where Is Lyocell Fabric Produced?

Lyocell fabric is produced by several manufacturers around the world, but the majority of production is concentrated in Asia and Europe.

One of the largest producers of Lyocell is the Austrian company Lenzing AG, which developed the first commercial production process for Lyocell and holds several patents related to the production process. Lenzing AG produces Lyocell fabric under the brand name TENCEL™.

Other major Lyocell producers include Aditya Birla Group, a company based in India that produces Lyocell under the brand name Birla Excel, and Sateri, a company based in China that produces Lyocell under the brand name EcoCosy.

Additionally, several clothing brands and retailers have started using Lyocell in their products, such as H&M, Levi’s, and Patagonia.

Some of these brands source their Lyocell from Lenzing AG or other manufacturers, while others have developed their own production processes.

What Is Lyocell Used For?

Lyocell fabric is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of products. Here are some common uses for Lyocell:

Clothing:

Lyocell is commonly used for clothing, particularly for items such as dresses, skirts, pants, and shirts. It has a soft, smooth feel that makes it comfortable to wear and is also known for its breathability, moisture-wicking, and anti-bacterial properties.

Bedding:

It is also used for bedding products such as sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. It is highly absorbent, which makes it a good choice for bedding as it can help keep you cool and dry while sleeping.

Home textiles:

It is also used for home textiles such as towels, curtains, and upholstery. It is durable and can withstand regular use and washing.

Industrial applications:

The fabric is also used in some industrial applications, such as filters and wipes, due to its high strength and absorbency.

What Different Types Of Lyocell Are There?

There are different types of Lyocell fabric that are produced depending on the specific end-use requirements. Here are some common types of Lyocell fabric:

Standard Lyocell:

This is the most common type of Lyocell, which is soft, lightweight, and has a smooth texture. It is commonly used for clothing, bedding, and home textiles.

Lyocell blends:

The fabric can be blended with other fibers such as cotton, wool, or silk to enhance specific properties, such as softness, moisture-wicking, or durability. The Lyocell blends are commonly used for clothing.

High-strength Lyocell:

This type of Lyocell has a higher strength than standard Lyocell and is commonly used in industrial applications, such as filters and wipes.

Microfiber Lyocell:

Microfiber Lyocell has a very fine and soft texture, similar to silk. It is commonly used for high-end clothing and bedding.

Modal:

Modal is a type of Lyocell that has been treated with an additional process to enhance its softness and drapability. The Modal is commonly used for clothing and bedding.

Tencel Luxe:

Tencel Luxe is a type of Lyocell that has been specially designed for luxury fashion applications. It has a higher thread count and finer fiber diameter, which creates a more luxurious feel.

Lyocell Fabric Advantages And Disadvantages:

Lyocell has several advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when choosing it for a specific application. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of Lyocell:

Advantages:

Eco-friendliness: It is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp and uses a closed-loop production process, which means that the solvent used to dissolve the wood pulp is recycled and reused. This makes Lyocell fabric an eco-friendly option for clothing and textile products.
Softness and comfort: Lyocell has a soft, smooth feel that makes it comfortable to wear and use in bedding and home textiles.
Breathability and moisture-wicking: This fabric has good moisture-wicking properties, which makes it a good choice for clothing and bedding as it can help keep you cool and dry.
Durability: It is durable and can withstand regular use and washing.
Versatility: It is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of products, including clothing, bedding, and home textiles.

Disadvantages:

Cost: The fabric can be more expensive than other types of fabrics, which may make it less accessible to some consumers.
Shrinking: Lyocell may shrink when washed in hot water or tumble-dried. May affect the fit of clothing or bedding products.
Wrinkles: It may wrinkle easily, which may require more frequent ironing or steaming to maintain a smooth appearance.
Limited color options: Lyocell may not be available in as many color options as other types of fabrics.

Lyocell Characteristics:

Lyocell fabric has several unique characteristics that set it apart from other fabrics. Here are some of the main characteristics of Lyocell fabric:

Softness: It has a soft and smooth texture that feels luxurious and comfortable to the touch.
Breathability: This fabric is highly breathable, which means that it allows air to flow through it easily. This makes it a good choice for clothing and bedding as it can help regulate body temperature and keep you cool and dry.
Moisture-wicking: Lyocell has good moisture-wicking properties. It can absorb moisture away from the skin and transfer it to the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate. This makes it a good choice for athletic wear and bedding.
Durability: It is durable and can withstand regular use and washing. It also resists wrinkles and shrinkage, which makes it easy to care for.
Eco-friendliness: It is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp and uses a closed-loop production process, which means that the solvent used to dissolve the wood pulp is recycled and reused. This makes Lyocell an eco-friendly option for clothing and textile products.
Anti-bacterial: Lyocell has natural anti-bacterial properties, which means that it can resist the growth of bacteria and odors. This makes it a good choice for clothing and bedding that require frequent washing.

How Much Does Lyocell Fabric Cost?

The cost of Lyocell fabric can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the fabric, the production process, and the supplier.

In general, Lyocell can be more expensive than some other types of fabrics due to its eco-friendly production process and soft, luxurious feel.

The cost of Lyocell can range from around $5 to $20 or more per yard, depending on the brand and quality.

Some factors that can affect the cost of Lyocell include the thickness, thread count, and finishing techniques used.

Additionally, finished products made from Lyocell, such as clothing and bedding, may also vary in price depending on the brand, style, and quality.

Generally, Lyocell clothing and bedding products can be more expensive than products made from other fabrics. But the quality and eco-friendliness of the material may make it worth the investment for some consumers.

Read Next: Does Lyocell Fabric Stretch?

How Does Lyocell Impact The Environment?

Lyocell fabric is considered to be a relatively eco-friendly fabric compared to some other types of fabrics. This is because Lyocell is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp and uses a closed-loop production process. This means that the solvent used to dissolve the wood pulp is recycled and reused.

Here are some of the ways that Lyocell impacts the environment:

Sustainable sourcing: Lyocell is made from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This means that the wood pulp is harvested in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment and ensures the long-term health of the forest.
Closed-loop production: The production process for Lyocell uses a closed-loop system. The solvent used to dissolve the wood pulp is recycled and reused. This significantly reduces the amount of waste and pollution generated during the manufacturing process.
Water usage: The production of Lyocell requires less water than some other types of fabrics, such as cotton. This can help conserve water resources and reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.
Chemicals: While Lyocell is generally considered to be a low-impact fabric, some chemicals are still used during the production process. However, the closed-loop production process helps to minimize the number of chemicals released into the environment.

Overall, this fabric is considered to be a relatively eco-friendly fabric due to its sustainable sourcing and closed-loop production process.

However, it is important to note that the environmental impact of any fabric can depend on a variety of factors. The specific production process used and the disposal of the fabric at the end of its life cycle.

Final Words

Lyocell fabric is a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric made from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. It is produced using a closed-loop production process, which minimizes waste and pollution.

Lyocell is known for its softness, breathability, moisture-wicking properties, durability, and anti-bacterial qualities. It is a versatile fabric that can be used for a variety of applications, including clothing, bedding, and household textiles.

While Lyocell fabric is more expensive than some other types of fabrics. Its eco-friendliness and unique properties make it an attractive option for consumers who prioritize sustainability and comfort.

As the fashion and textile industries continue to move towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Lyocell is likely to become even more popular in the future.

What Is Lyocell Fabric? History, Where & How Is Made