Lyocell fabric, also known as Tencel, is a type of rayon fabric that is made from cellulose fibers. Cellulose comes from wood pulp and is one of the most abundant organic polymers on earth. Unlike other types of rayon that are produced using toxic chemicals, lyocell fabric is made through an environmentally friendly production process using a solvent called N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO). This solvent is able to dissolve cellulose without causing any harm. Once the fibers are extruded, the NMMO is recycled for reuse while the leftover liquid is treated and cleaned before being released.
The Production Process
To produce Lyocell Fabric, wood chips from sources such as pine, eucalyptus or bamboo are broken down into a pulp. This pulp is then broken into individual fibers and dissolved into the NMMO solvent. The solution is then passed through spinneret holes, causing the cellulose to regenerate into fibers. These fibers are then washed with water to remove any excess chemicals and dried. Finally, the fibers are spun into yarn that can be knitted or woven into lyocell fabric. This solvent-based production process means no harsh toxins are released into the environment. Over 99% of the NMMO is recovered and recycled for further use.
Benefits of Lyocell Fabric
As one of the most sustainable fabrics, lyocell offers several benefits:
- Biodegradable - Lyocell fabrics can biodegrade in respectable timeframes within 8-12 weeks which is significantly faster than other man-made cellulosic fabrics.
- Breathable - The material is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it a comfortable choice for activewear and loungewear.
- Soft Feeling - Lyocell fabrics retain a soft, silky feeling similar to cotton but without the wrinkling disadvantages.
- Durable - It is highly durable and resilient against wear and tear over time. Lyocell even retains its shape after multiple washes.
- Absorbs Moisture - The material is hydrophilic which means it readily absorbs moisture away from the skin.
- Hypoallergenic - Many find lyocell to be a skin-friendly alternative to synthetics as it is less likely to cause irritation or allergies.
With these advantages, lyocell fabric is versatile and suitable for a wide range of apparel, home textiles and other end uses. Its renewable sourcing and eco-friendly production also make it an excellent choice for sustainable fashion.
Uses of Lyocell Fabric
Thanks to its breathability, soft texture and durable composition, lyocell fabric can be produced and utilized in the following applications:
- Apparel - Lyocell is commonly used for t-shirts, underwear, activewear, loungewear, dresses and more. Major brands like Gap utilize it.
- Home Textiles - Sheets, towels, curtains made from lyocell are gaining popularity due to their moisture-wicking properties.
- Medical Textiles - Its hypoallergenic qualities make lyocell suitable for sensitive skin in things like surgical gowns and masks.
- Industrial Textiles - Its strength allows lyocell to be used for filter materials, automotive and agricultural fabrics.
- Hard-Wear Materials - Garments like pants and jackets made from lyocell-blend fabrics are highly durable for rougher use.
As lyocell fibers can be processed like other natural and man-made cellulosic fibers, there is a great deal of flexibility in how it is incorporated into final materials. This has led to its wide adoption across consumer and commercial sectors.
Sustainability Credentials
A major selling point of lyocell fabric is its strong sustainability credentials relative to commonly used synthetic and even natural fibers:
- Renewable Source - It utilizes fast-growing plantation wood sources that can be farmed responsibly.
- Minimal Chemical Use - The solvent-based production process releases negligible toxins into the environment.
- Energy Efficiency - Lyocell production requires less energy than viscose rayon. The NMMO is also recycled for further use.
- Biodegradable - As the material degrades without harming ecosystems, it has significantly less environmental impact at end-of-life compared to plastics.
- Carbon Sequestration - Plantation trees used absorb carbon from the atmosphere as they grow, balancing out lyocell's life-cycle carbon footprint.
With its eco-friendly production process and renewable, biodegradable nature, lyocell fabric has high sustainability performance out of all cellulosic and synthetic textile options on the market presently. This is a big factor increasing its popularity.
The Future of Lyocell Fabric
As sustainability becomes an ever greater priority in the textiles industry, lyocell fabric is poised for rapid market growth in the coming years. According to expert analysts, the global lyocell fiber market size is projected to reach 1.5 million metric tons by 2027, registering a notable compound annual growth rate.
Major apparel brands have already started incorporating more lyocell into their product lines in response to consumer demand for eco-friendly fashion. New innovations could further showcase lyocell's versatility - such as developing performance activewear fabrics with moisture management and UV protection. Lyocell fiber blends also expand its material properties.
Ultimately, the renewable sourcing and low environmental footprint inherent to lyocell production mean it competes strongly against synthetic fabrics and conventional rayon. Barring unforeseen disruptions in availability or price, lyocell is expected to replace a significant portion of the market formerly occupied by less sustainable options over the next decade as sustainability gains further priority on both the supply and demand sides of the industry. The fabric's future appears bright as the textile sector transitions more definitively to renewable, less chemically intensive natural fibers.
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