What is Lyocell Yarn?

With the rise of knitwear clothing, the production of the different yarns also skyrocketed. Among those yarns is Lyocell. You have probably heard of it before. You might have it in your wardrobe. The question is: do you know Lyocell, and can you distinguish one?

Lyocell is now used in various products, including bed linens, towels, jeans, apparel, undergarments, and even medical dressings. As you can see, it’s a fabric with many uses. Lyocell output reached 415.6kg tonnes in 2018, and it is predicted to treble by 2027.

Do you want to make more environmentally friendly fashion choices? Looking at what your clothes are made of is a beautiful place to start. Lyocell is one of the most sustainable fabrics currently available.

What Is Lyocell Fabric? Everything You Need To Know

Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fabric frequently used as a cotton or silk alternative. This fabric is made mainly of cellulose extracted from wood and is a type of rayon.

Lyocell was invented by American Enka in 1972 and gained popularity in the latter decades of the twentieth century. It is currently widely used around the world. 

Is Lyocell a sustainable option?

This fabric is seen as a more ecological option to entirely synthetic fibers like polyester because it is mainly created from organic components. However, whether lyocell fabric is genuinely healthier for the environment is controversial.

Apart from its many applications, Lyocell is prized for being 100 percent biodegradable and compostable. That is, when not combined with other synthetic fibers). Lyocell fabrics dissolve fast since they are composed of wood instead of other plastic-based things, taking up to 100 years to biodegrade.

Advantages of Using Lyocell in Knit Products

• When compared to cotton, Lyocell can utilize half the amount of water. The fabric’s breathability is also good for the environment because it doesn’t smell as swiftly and can be cleaned less regularly, conserving water.
• Lyocell is a sustainable fabric since it is made from wood and is biodegradable and compostable.
• Cotton, polyester, acrylic, ethical wool, and peace silk can all be combined with Lyocell.
• Lyocell has a smooth, silky feel and is breathable, robust, and soothing on the skin.
• Lyocell is an excellent option for sportswear since it is elastic and absorbs moisture well.
• Unlike viscose and other rayons, Lyocell is produced using a “closed-loop” technology, which ensures that no chemicals are discharged into the environment during the manufacturing process.

Disadvantages of Lyocell 

• Lyocell is biodegradable. However, it will not be compostable when combined with other synthetic fibers.
• The production of Lyocell necessitates a significant amount of energy.
• Because Lyocell is such a fragile fabric, we recommend washing it cold and not drying it.

Are Lyocell and Tencel different?

It is, in fact, the same thing! Tencel is the brand name for a particular kind of Lyocell CleanBamboo™. Both Tencel and Lyocell CleanBamboo™ are cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp.

Tencel is almost chemically similar to rayon. However, it is manufactured using a slightly different procedure. The lyocell fabric production method uses a direct solvent rather than an indirect solvent, unlike the rayon fabric production process. Tencel is made using a solvent spinning technology, which implies that, unlike rayon, the Tencel manufacturing process does not produce any substantial chemical changes to cellulose’s chemical structure.

Tencel is commonly used as a cotton or silk alternative. This silky cotton-like fabric produces anything from dress shirts to towels to lingerie.

While some outfits are entirely composed of Lyocell, it is more typical to find it blended with other textiles such as cotton or polyester. Tencel is so robust that the resulting composite fabric is stronger than cotton or polyester alone when combined with other materials.

This fabric is utilized in several commercial situations in addition to clothing. Many manufacturers, for example, have replaced cotton in the fabric components of conveyor belts with Lyocell; belts constructed with this fabric last longer and are more resistant to wear and tear.

Tencel is also fast becoming a famous cloth for medical dressings. In life or death circumstances, having a highly tensile fabric is critical, and Tencel has shown to be stronger than previous medical dressing textiles. The high absorbency profile of this fabric makes it an excellent choice for medical applications.

What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?

TENCEL® is a trademarked lyocell fiber made from tree pulp. The solution is extruded through fine holes to form a thread in a closed-loop process. The solvent and water are recycled – over 99 percent of the solvent is recovered and reused.

Other regenerated cellulose fibers, such as viscose rayon, can be substituted for TENCEL® lyocell. The traceable and sustainable origin of the wood pulp and the utilization of a closed-loop solvent and water recycling process are advantages of employing TENCEL® lyocell. Furthermore, TENCEL® lyocell is a high-tenacity cellulosic fiber with excellent strength qualities.

Tencel is a popular fabric for eco-friendly apparel companies. It’s lightweight and adaptable, with applications ranging from casual clothing to undergarments to athletics. Tencel is a very versatile fabric. Various thicknesses and textures may be achieved depending on the length of the fiber used in manufacture. The material fits different apparel types, from fitness to flowing gowns, with a cottony to silky feel.

Furthermore, Tencel fibers offer several good sustainability aspects that make it a favored choice for companies. It recycles water and chemicals, resulting in reduced waste. It also traces the trees to sustainably harvested forests.

What are the notable traits of TENCEL® lyocell?

1. Breathable. Extremely breathable to avoid perspiration accumulation throughout the night.
2. Antibacterial. Antibacterial properties help to prevent bacteria development and unpleasant rashes.
3. Eco-Friendly. Ninety-nine percent of the water and solvent are reused and recycled in this closed-loop process.
4. Durable. Tencel fibers endure longer, are wrinkle-resistant, and are easy to maintain.
5. Soft. Tencel’s smoothness is unrivaled. It is delightful and velvety to the touch.
6. Absorbent of moisture. Tencel wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping it cool and comfortable.

Bottom line: Is Lyocell Worth it?

Yes, absolutely! Lyocell feels excellent, utilize sustainable practices, and has high-quality performance features that make it popular for both brands and consumers alike.

You can count on us if you’re looking for a knitwear manufacturer that produces high-quality garments with many yarn options, including Lyocell. Get in touch with us to get a free quote.