When researching different fabric types, you might have come across Tencel fabric; but what is Tencel fabric, and why is it becoming more and more known throughout the industry? Its innovative production method and other benefits make it a favourable option over a wide range of uses.
What is Tencel Fabric and How is Tencel Fabric Made?
Tencel is a fabric type owned by Lenzing, an Austrian company. It’s a man made fabric, (not naturally occurring,) created from the wood of Eucalyptus trees. This is due to Eucalyptus trees being sustainably harvested, and grown without the use of harmful chemicals including pesticides or fertilisers. More accurately known as Tencel lyocell fabric, it’s a type of rayon, meaning the fibres are cellulose.
The fibres are produced by dissolving the wood pulp from Eucalyptus trees using a solvent, and then ‘spinning’ to dry the final result. After pushing through tiny holes to form threads, treated with more chemicals and spun in the traditional way to form the final product, Tencel lyocell can be used in a variety of cases.
Why is Tencel Fabric Used?
The benefits of Tencel fabric speak for themselves; despite the usage of some chemicals in the production process, Tencel fabric is a great option when it comes to sustainability. When compared to normal cotton, Tencel fabric also requires less water and energy to produce, and with its completely biodegradable nature, has a far smaller impact on the environment over its lifespan. As it is naturally white, bleaching is unnecessary and dying is optional, further helping its environmentally friendly claims.
Further to its contributions to the environment over traditional fabrics, Tencel fabric also has a whole suite of functional benefits. Able to be combined with other types of fabric can lower the overall cost of the industry to the environment, as well as improving functionality and aesthetic properties of the original fabric. Tencel lyocell fabric also claims to be very soft, strong, durable and gentle on the skin, as well as having moisture-absorption properties. The length of fibre on production can produce different textures, making it useful for a range of different clothing types from light garments to sportswear.
