Tencel
- What is it? Cellulose fiber made from wood (regenerated fiber)
- Tencel™: Lenzing's brand name for lyocell (and modal)
- Production: Lyocell process, usually in a closed loop
- Features: soft, flowing, breathable, moisture-regulating
- Note: Origin and certifications are always listed directly with the product
WHAT IS VISCOSE?
Our Tencel™ and Refibra™ fabrics impress not only with their appearance and feel, but also with their manufacturing process. This is similar to that of viscose – because wood is also the starting material here.
Simply put, viscose is a man-made fiber produced from regenerated cellulose. In the classic viscose process, the fibers are created in several steps:
- The raw material (often beech, spruce, or eucalyptus) is processed in such a way that the cellulose dissolves. This creates a viscous mass.
- The mass is deaerated and purified before being forced through fine spinning nozzles. These determine the shape and properties of the threads and produce the yarn for later textiles.
WHAT MAKES VISCOSE SUSTAINABLE?
Conventional viscose often requires chemicals that can end up in wastewater.That's not an option for us. Tencel™ and Refibra™ show that there's another way:
The Lyocell technology operates in a closed-loop system.
- Closed Loop: Solvent and water are recovered.
- Efficient: A large proportion of the materials used are reused.
- Refibra™: Cotton scraps are also used.
OUR TENCEL™ FABRICS
Our Tencel™ fabrics stand for a particularly comfortable feel and a soft touch as well as a flowing fall. They have been an integral part of our product range for many years and are among the most popular materials for high-quality designs.
The fibers are produced using the so-called lyocell process. In this process, cellulose is extracted from wood, processed in a closed-loop system in which water and solvents are almost entirely removed and can be completely recovered and reused. This process was developed by the Austrian company Lenzing.
The result is a fabric that is breathable, absorbs moisture well, and is free of bleach. Tencel™ is versatile and impresses with its high-quality appearance and can also be recycled.
OUR REFIBRA™ FABRICS
Refibra™ for us is the next logical development: a fiber that is wonderful to wear and at the same time takes circular thinking seriously. At its core, it is based on cellulose from wood, just like Lyocell.
The difference: Refibra™ also incorporates cotton scraps from textile and clothing production.
It is included as a raw material component. In this way, offcuts that would otherwise be disposed of become a valuable ingredient of a new fiber.
Here too, the closed-loop principle applies: water and solvents are recovered and reused. The result is a fabric with a soft feel, a fluid drape, and a high-quality appearance.
Refibra™ is particularly well suited for designs where comfort, function and a clear sustainability requirement are paramount and come together.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TENCEL™ / LYOCELL
Is Tencel™ the same as viscose?
Tencel™ is a brand name of Lenzing. Depending on the product, it can refer to either lyocell or modal – both are regenerated cellulose fibers and therefore belong to the so-called viscose family. The most important difference lies in the manufacturing process: lyocell is produced using a different method than traditional viscose.
What is the difference between lyocell and classic viscose?
Both fibers are based on cellulose derived from wood. Traditional viscose is produced in several chemical steps. Lyocell is created using a direct solvent process, in which solvents and water are typically recovered in a closed-loop system. This often makes lyocell a more environmentally friendly alternative.
What does "closed loop" mean in the Lyocell process?
"Closed loop" means that a large proportion of the solvent and water used in the production process is recovered and reused. The exact recovery rate depends on the specific manufacturer and process.
Is Tencel™ sustainable?
Lyocell made from responsibly sourced cellulose and manufactured using efficient processes can be an excellent choice. However, sustainability always depends on the raw material source, processing, certifications, and supply chain. You can find this information transparently on our website, directly with each product.
What is Refibra™?
Refibra™ is a technology from Lenzing within the Lyocell family, in which cotton scraps from textile and clothing production can also be used as a raw material component in addition to wood.
How does Tencel™ fabric feel and what is it suitable for?
Tencel™/Lyocell is usually very soft, drapes beautifully, and feels pleasant against the skin. Depending on the weave or knit, it's suitable for blouses, dresses, shirts, loungewear, or even softly draping trousers – especially if you're looking for a smooth, high-quality feel.
Do you only offer Tencel™/Lyocell – or also deadstock?
We carry both select Tencel™/Lyocell qualities and deadstock. Deadstock refers to high-quality surplus materials from existing production runs that are reused instead of going to waste. Origin, composition, and any certifications are always clearly stated directly with the product.