Sofia Martinez
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a soft semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp, most commonly derived from eucalyptus trees. Unlike synthetic fibres that are made from plastic, Tencel is a breathable fibre that is gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation or rashes. Tencel is also a more environmentally friendly option than polyester, reducing CO2 emissions by five times in comparison. However, some Tencel garments are interlaced with plastic-based materials such as elastane or Lycra, which are non-biodegradable and contain hazardous toxins.
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What You'll Learn
Tencel is made from wood-based fibres, not plastic
Tencel is a man-made fabric that does not contain plastic. It is made from wood-based fibres, specifically wood pulp sourced from eucalyptus trees. This process transforms wood into a textile fibre and the resulting fabric is soft, semi-synthetic, and known for its strength and moisture absorption properties.
Tencel is often compared favourably to polyester, a plastic-based fabric. Polyester is derived from plastic and is cheap to produce, but it is not very breathable, traps heat and bacteria, and can lead to skin irritation and odours. In contrast, Tencel is naturally breathable and odour-resistant, meaning that clothing made from it does not need to be washed as frequently.
Tencel is also a more environmentally friendly option than polyester. Polyester production has a high environmental impact, with one wash of a polyester garment releasing up to 4,000 microfibres and over 70 million barrels of oil used in production each year. Tencel, on the other hand, reduces CO2 emissions by 5x compared to synthetics and is biodegradable, without releasing any harmful toxins.
While Tencel itself does not contain plastic, some Tencel garments are interlaced with plastic-based materials like elastane or Lycra, which are non-biodegradable and contain hazardous toxins. However, it is possible to make stretchy Tencel without adding these harmful materials, for example by blending it with ROICA V550, a compostable version of elastane.
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Tencel is breathable, odour-resistant and antibacterial
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp. It is not made of plastic. Tencel is derived from the pulp of sustainably grown eucalyptus trees. The fabric is manufactured using an efficient closed-loop system, in which 99% of the materials used are recovered and reused.
Tencel is breathable, odour-resistant, and antibacterial. The strength of the Tencel fibre allows for a loose knit, resulting in an open and breathable fabric. Tencel is also highly absorbent, drawing moisture away from the skin, which helps to keep the wearer cool and comfortable. This moisture-wicking property of Tencel prevents bacteria from clinging to the fabric, reducing the likelihood of odour buildup.
Tencel is an excellent choice for activewear and summer clothing. Its breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities make it ideal for keeping the wearer cool and dry during intense exercise or hot weather. The fabric's odour-resistant and antibacterial properties further contribute to its suitability for these purposes, as they help prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
In addition to its performance qualities, Tencel is also known for its softness and durability. It has a silky texture and is incredibly soft to the touch. Tencel is also long-lasting, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for, making it a practical choice for clothing and bedding.
Overall, Tencel is a highly breathable, odour-resistant, and antibacterial fabric. Its unique properties make it an excellent choice for activewear, summer clothing, bedding, and other applications where breathability and moisture management are important.
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Tencel is eco-friendly, reducing CO2 emissions by 5x compared to synthetics
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a popular fabric choice for conscious clothing brands. It is light and versatile, and used in everything from casual wear to activewear. Tencel is made from wood-based fibres rather than plastic, making it a very breathable fibre. This also makes it ideal for activewear as it is less susceptible to odorous bacteria growth.
Tencel is produced using clean, renewable energy and has a lower environmental impact than other fabrics. For example, Tencel requires less energy and water than conventional cotton. Tencel is also biodegradable, and its production involves reduced CO₂ emissions. Lenzing, the company that owns the Tencel brand name, is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and hitting Net Zero by 2050.
Tencel Lyocell is a man-made cellulosic fibre, similar to viscose and modal. To make Tencel Lyocell, wood pulp is dissolved in a solvent and pushed through a spinneret to form fibre strands. The fibres are then spun into yarns and later woven or knitted to make cloth. Tencel fibres are sourced from a natural material—wood—but are technically classified as semi-synthetic fibres because their production involves the use of solvents to break down the raw material into pulp.
Tencel is a more sustainable option than polyester, which is cheap to produce but has many drawbacks. Polyester is not very breathable and can trap heat and bacteria, leading to skin irritation and contributing to bad odours. Polyester production also has a high environmental impact, with one wash of a polyester garment releasing up to 4,000 microfibres and over 70 million barrels of oil being used to produce polyester each year.
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Tencel is biodegradable and does not release harmful toxins
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a soft semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp, most commonly derived from eucalyptus trees. Unlike synthetic fibres that are made from plastic, Tencel is made from wood-based fibres, which makes it a very breathable fibre. This breathability makes it suitable for bed linen, shoes, underwear, gym wear, and summer clothing.
Tencel is often used as an alternative to polyester, a common fabric used in athletic wear due to its low cost. However, polyester is derived from plastic and can trap heat and bacteria, leading to skin irritation and contributing to bad odours. In contrast, Tencel is naturally breathable and odour-resistant, reducing the need for frequent washing. Additionally, Tencel is biodegradable and does not release harmful toxins. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option than polyester, which can release up to 4,000 microfibres per wash and contributes to plastic pollution in our waters.
While Tencel itself is biodegradable, some Tencel garments may be interlaced with plastic-based materials such as elastane or Lycra, which are non-biodegradable and contain hazardous toxins. However, it is possible to make Tencel stretchy without adding these harmful materials. For example, Silver Sea Apparel's workout leggings and shorts contain a blend of Tencel and ROICA V550, a compostable version of elastane that is Cradle-to-Cradle certified with the material health category "gold".
Tencel has received recognition for its environmentally conscious production, such as the "European Award for the Environment" from the European Union. Tencel Lyocell is produced using a closed-loop process that recycles 99.5% of the water and non-toxic solvents used to spin hand-forested eucalyptus wood into fibre. This process results in low energy usage, low emissions, and low pollution, reducing the environmental footprint of the fabric.
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Tencel is gentler on the skin than plastic-based fabrics
Tencel is a brand name for lyocell, a soft semi-synthetic fabric known for its strength and moisture absorption. Unlike synthetic fibres that are made from plastic, lyocell is made from wood pulp, primarily from eucalyptus trees. The eucalyptus tree is a rapidly renewable raw material that requires far less water than cotton and can be cultivated without the use of pesticides. Tencel is therefore a more ecological alternative to plastic-based fabrics.
Tencel is also gentler on the skin than plastic-based fabrics. It is non-toxic and safe for sensitive skin, with medical testing and certifications like OEKO-TEX and GOTS to back this up. The fabric is hypoallergenic, with a smooth surface that helps reduce friction and skin irritation. It is also moisture-wicking, absorbing moisture quickly and allowing the skin to breathe. This makes it an excellent choice for people with allergies, eczema, dermatitis, or delicate skin.
In addition, Tencel is cooling, wrinkle-free, and breathable, meaning it requires less frequent washing than plastic-based fabrics. To protect the fabric and keep it looking new, it is recommended to wash Tencel inside out at a maximum of 40 degrees, checking the care label first as some Tencel fabrics should be washed by hand. Tencel should be air-dried and ironed at a low temperature if necessary.
Tencel is also a more environmentally friendly choice than plastic-based fabrics. The production of Tencel uses a closed-loop process with a non-toxic solvent, recycling 99% of chemicals to protect the environment and your health. This reduces the chemical impact and waste associated with fabric manufacturing, and the main solvent, NMMO, is biodegradable.
Overall, Tencel is a gentle, eco-friendly, and skin-friendly alternative to plastic-based fabrics. It is a good option for those with sensitive skin and for everyday wear.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Tencel is made from wood-based fibres, not plastic.
Tencel is made from wood pulp, most commonly derived from eucalyptus trees.
Yes, Tencel is biodegradable. It is also antibacterial and hypo-allergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Yes, Tencel is better for the environment than polyester. Polyester is derived from plastic and requires a lot of energy and water to produce. Tencel, on the other hand, is made from sustainable wood pulp and uses a closed-loop production process that recycles 99.5% of the water and solvent used.
Tencel is naturally breathable and odour-resistant, so you don't need to wash it as often. It is also softer and more flexible than polyester, making it more comfortable to wear.
