TENCEL Lyocell Explained
In brief: TENCEL is a branded regenerated cellulose fibre made by Lenzing AG from sustainably-sourced wood pulp, primarily eucalyptus, beech and pine from FSC or PEFC certified forests. Production uses a closed-loop system that recovers 99.8 percent of the solvent. The fibre is around 50 percent more absorbent than cotton, regulates temperature naturally, resists pilling and shrinking, and is biodegradable. It comes in two main forms, Lyocell and Modal.
What is TENCEL?
TENCEL is the brand name for a family of regenerated cellulose fibres produced by the Austrian company Lenzing AG. Rather than being a natural fibre picked from a plant or a fully synthetic one made from petroleum, it sits in between: wood pulp is dissolved and re-formed into fibre. Lenzing sources that pulp from sustainably managed forests, primarily eucalyptus, beech and pine certified under FSC or PEFC schemes. Because TENCEL is a branded fibre, the name also acts as a guarantee of how and where the cellulose was produced.
The closed-loop process
What sets TENCEL apart environmentally is its closed-loop manufacturing. The solvent used to dissolve the wood pulp is captured and reused rather than discharged, with the system recovering around 99.8 percent of it. This dramatically reduces chemical waste compared with older cellulose-fibre processes. Lenzing reports a 50 percent lower carbon and water footprint than generic lyocell for its branded fibre, and the material carries EU Ecolabel certification. The fibre is also biodegradable and compostable at end of life, which closes the loop on the product as well as the process.
Lyocell, Modal and REFIBRA
TENCEL comes in two main variants suited to different uses. Lyocell, made primarily from eucalyptus, is the stronger of the two and is favoured for sportswear and bedding. Modal, made from beech, is silkier and softer and is often chosen for underwear and loungewear. Across both, TENCEL is around 50 percent more absorbent than cotton and offers natural temperature regulation, helping keep the wearer comfortable. It also resists pilling and shrinking. A further development, REFIBRA technology, incorporates 30 percent or more recycled cotton content into the fibre, adding a circular element.
TENCEL Lyocell at OD's Designer Clothing
At OD's Designer Clothing, TENCEL fibres appear in UGG footwear linings as part of UGGplush, and across sustainable fashion pieces throughout our range. Knowing that TENCEL combines comfort, absorbency and a genuinely lower-impact production process helps you choose pieces that feel good and tread more lightly. We offer next-day delivery and free click and collect, and our St Helens store is open to visitors across the North West.