{"id":182,"date":"2023-02-21T11:45:19","date_gmt":"2023-02-21T11:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/?p=182"},"modified":"2024-01-26T14:29:57","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T14:29:57","slug":"what-is-lyocell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Lyocell"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As fast fashion and textile waste continue harming the planet, more eco-conscious consumers are seeking out sustainable clothing and home fabrics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Lyocell.jpeg\" alt=\"Lyocell\" class=\"wp-image-1706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Lyocell.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Lyocell-768x403.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One emerging player in green fabrics is <strong>lyocell<\/strong>, a rayon fiber made from wood pulp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But with so many <a href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/category\/towel-materials\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/category\/towel-materials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fabric options<\/a> now offering environmental benefits, how can we know if Lyocell truly lives up to its sustainable reputation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#What_is_Lyocell_Fabric_A_Sustainable_Rayon_Alternative\" title=\"What is Lyocell Fabric? A Sustainable Rayon Alternative\">What is Lyocell Fabric? A Sustainable Rayon Alternative<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#How_is_Lyocell_Fabric_Made\" title=\"How is Lyocell Fabric Made?\">How is Lyocell Fabric Made?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#Lyocell_Fabric_Characteristics_and_Uses\" title=\"Lyocell Fabric Characteristics and Uses\">Lyocell Fabric Characteristics and Uses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#The_Pros_and_Cons_of_Lyocell_Fabric\" title=\"The Pros and Cons of Lyocell Fabric\">The Pros and Cons of Lyocell Fabric<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#Caring_for_Lyocell_Fabrics\" title=\"Caring for Lyocell Fabrics\">Caring for Lyocell Fabrics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#Lyocell_vs_Other_Sustainable_Fabrics\" title=\"Lyocell vs. Other Sustainable Fabrics\">Lyocell vs. Other Sustainable Fabrics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#What_are_the_main_differences_between_lyocell_modal_and_viscose_rayon\" title=\"What are the main differences between lyocell, modal, and viscose rayon?\">What are the main differences between lyocell, modal, and viscose rayon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#Is_lyocell_antibacterial_and_odor_resistant\" title=\"Is lyocell antibacterial and odor resistant?\">Is lyocell antibacterial and odor resistant?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#Can_lyocell_replace_cotton_and_polyester_fabrics\" title=\"Can lyocell replace cotton and polyester fabrics?\">Can lyocell replace cotton and polyester fabrics?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#How_durable_and_long-lasting_is_lyocell_fabric\" title=\"How durable and long-lasting is lyocell fabric?\">How durable and long-lasting is lyocell fabric?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-lyocell\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Lyocell_Fabric_A_Sustainable_Rayon_Alternative\"><\/span>What is Lyocell Fabric? A Sustainable Rayon Alternative<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tencel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.tencel.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lyocell<\/a> is a semi-synthetic fiber used to create textiles for clothing, home furnishings, and other purposes. <strong>Unlike traditional rayon made using toxic carbon disulfide<\/strong>, lyocell is produced using a more eco-friendly solvent called <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/N-Methylmorpholine_N-oxide\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/N-Methylmorpholine_N-oxide\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">N-methyl morpholine N-oxide (NMMO).<\/a> This makes it stand out as a sustainable rayon alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lyocell was first developed commercially in the early 1990s under the brand name Tencel. Today it goes by various generic and trademarked names, but lyocell has become the most widely used term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_Lyocell_Fabric_Made\"><\/span>How is Lyocell Fabric Made?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lyocell production starts with cellulose extracted from wood pulp, most commonly from <strong>eucalyptus trees<\/strong>. The pulp is dissolved using NMMO solvent, forming a liquid solution called dope. This is then pushed through spinneret showerheads to form long, continuous strands called filaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the strands come out, they are drawn and aligned to strengthen the lyocell fibers. The fibers are then washed to remove the solvent. After drying and lubricating, they are ready to be spun into yarns and woven or knitted into fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A key advantage of lyocell production is that the NMMO solvent can be recovered and reused. This <strong>closed-loop manufacturing process<\/strong> allows up to 99.5% of the solvent to be recycled, generating far less chemical waste compared to other regenerated cellulosic fibers like rayon or modal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lyocell_Fabric_Characteristics_and_Uses\"><\/span>Lyocell Fabric Characteristics and Uses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lyocell shares many desirable properties with natural fibers like <a href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-is-cotton\/\">cotton<\/a>, linen, and silk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Soft and smooth texture<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; Lyocell has a luxurious silk-like feel, making it suitable for delicate fabrics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/bath-towel-vs-washcloth\/\">Absorption<\/a> and breathability<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; It rapidly absorbs and releases moisture, keeping wearers dry and comfortable. This makes it ideal for activewear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Antibacterial<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; The breathability creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strength and durability<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; Lyocell fibers are stronger than cotton and retain their stretch. This makes the fabrics resistant to wrinkling and abrasion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Versatility<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; Lyocell blends well with cotton, polyester, wool, silk, and other fibers. It can mimic suede, denim, and a variety of textures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sustainability<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; As a plant-based fiber, lyocell is biodegradable and compostable. The closed-loop manufacturing process also makes it one of the more eco-friendly rayon types.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to these properties, lyocell is used to create:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Clothing like jeans, dresses, underwear, and activewear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home textiles like bedding, towels, and upholstery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialty papers and medical applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial products like conveyor belts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Pros_and_Cons_of_Lyocell_Fabric\"><\/span>The Pros and Cons of Lyocell Fabric<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lyocell offers sustainability advantages over traditional rayon and even cotton:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Made from renewable and fast-growing trees like eucalyptus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Closed-loop manufacturing reuses and recycles solvents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uses less water, energy, and land than cotton<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biodegradable and compostable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Still requires chemical processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Energy-intensive production<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More expensive than conventional options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires transparency from manufacturers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While lyocell production is much cleaner than traditional rayon, it still has an <a href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/are-microfiber-towels-bad-for-the-environment\/\">environmental impact<\/a> from sourcing wood pulp and using chemical solvents. <strong>Consumers should look for lyocell made transparently by eco-conscious companies.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Caring_for_Lyocell_Fabrics\"><\/span>Caring for Lyocell Fabrics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lyocell is durable but more delicate than <a href=\"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/what-are-synthetic-microfibers\/\">synthetic fibers<\/a>. Follow these care instructions to keep lyocell fabrics looking their best:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Wash in cold water using a gentle, eco-friendly detergent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid twisting, wringing, or abrasive scrubbing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry flat or hang to air dry &#8211; minimize machine drying<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Iron inside out at a low temperature if needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steam wrinkles rather than ironing at high heat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With proper care, lyocell fabrics will maintain their softness, color, and durability for many years. This makes them a smart investment for consumers looking for sustainable textiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lyocell_vs_Other_Sustainable_Fabrics\"><\/span>Lyocell vs. Other Sustainable Fabrics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How does lyocell compare to other eco-friendly fabric options?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lyocell vs. Organic Cotton:<\/strong> Lyocell requires less water and land to produce than organic cotton. It&#8217;s also softer and more moisture-wicking. However, organic cotton remains one of the most eco-friendly natural fibers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lyocell vs. Modal:<\/strong> Modal is an earlier generation of rayon, similar to lyocell. However, modal manufacturing is not as sustainable &#8211; it recovers only about 70% of solvents. Lyocell&#8217;s closed-loop process makes it the greener choice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lyocell vs. Recycled Polyester:<\/strong> Recycled polyester reduces plastic waste but still releases microplastics when washed. As a compostable plant-based fiber, lyocell is better for the environment long-term.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>No fabric is perfect. But for clothing and textiles that feel luxurious and tread lighter on the planet, lyocell is a top contender among eco-conscious brands and consumers. With responsible production and care, it offers a sustainable rayon alternative for modern wardrobes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_main_differences_between_lyocell_modal_and_viscose_rayon\"><\/span>What are the main differences between lyocell, modal, and viscose rayon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While lyocell, modal, and viscose are all semi-synthetic rayon fibers made from plant cellulose, they differ significantly in manufacturing and sustainability. <strong>Viscose rayon<\/strong> uses toxic carbon disulfide and recovers only 20% of solvents. <strong>Modal rayon<\/strong> recovers about 70% of solvents in a semi-closed loop system. <strong>Lyocell<\/strong> represents the latest evolution in rayon, recovering over 99% of solvents in a closed-loop process that generates minimal byproducts or waste. So lyocell is considered the most eco-friendly and sustainable type of rayon fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_lyocell_antibacterial_and_odor_resistant\"><\/span>Is lyocell antibacterial and odor resistant?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, lyocell&#8217;s highly breathable structure makes it naturally antibacterial and odor resistant. The moisture-wicking properties prevent bacterial growth by allowing sweat and humidity to evaporate rather than get trapped in the fabric. This makes lyocell ideal for clothing and bedding, as it stays fresher longer between washes compared to cotton or other less breathable fibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_lyocell_replace_cotton_and_polyester_fabrics\"><\/span>Can lyocell replace cotton and polyester fabrics?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lyocell makes an excellent sustainable alternative to both cotton and polyester fabrics. Compared to cotton, lyocell uses far less water to produce and creates greater yields per acre of land. It also feels luxuriously soft and smooth, whereas cotton can be rough and irritating. And unlike polyester which is plastic-based, lyocell is biodegradable and compostable at the end of life. With proper transparency and production methods, lyocell enables more eco-friendly textile options to replace conventional cotton and polyester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_durable_and_long-lasting_is_lyocell_fabric\"><\/span>How durable and long-lasting is lyocell fabric?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lyocell fibers have exceptional tenacity and strength, both dry and wet. The fabrics resist wrinkles, abrasion, and everyday wear and tear. With proper care as outlined above, lyocell items can maintain their quality, softness, and vibrant colors for many years of use. So despite a higher upfront cost, lyocell makes a smart long-term investment thanks to its durability and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lyocell<\/strong> has rapidly gained popularity as a sustainable plant-based fabric that mimics silk and cotton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With advantages like closed-loop production and biodegradability, it offers clear environmental benefits over traditional rayon and other common textiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, consumers should still scrutinize lyocell sources and processing methods to ensure the sustainability claims ring true.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As fast fashion and textile waste continue harming the planet, more eco-conscious consumers are seeking out sustainable clothing and home fabrics. One emerging player in green fabrics is lyocell, a rayon fiber made from wood pulp. But with so many fabric options now offering environmental benefits, how can we know if Lyocell truly lives up [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1706,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2413,"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182\/revisions\/2413"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/towelsedition.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}