A Beginner’s Guide To Tencel Fabric (Is It Ethical & Sustainable?)

Fabric can have a detrimental impact on our environment if it isn’t made of sustainable materials. As more and more shoppers start to become aware of their harmful effects on our environment, many have begun to research materials that cause less harm than others. Tencel fabric is just one resource often brought into this debate. So, what is Tencel, and is it sustainable? Read on to discover more about this resource and become more educated today!

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So, What Is Tencel?

For those who haven’t heard of it before, perhaps we should kick this article off by explaining what Tencel actually is. Tencel, initially named Lyocell, is a type of cellulose regenerated from wood pulp utilizing recyclable solvent components.

The fantastic thing about Tencel is that its physical characteristics make it so effective. For example, it is a more efficient absorber than cotton. Since it is incredibly breathable and is impacted less by bacteria odor, Tencel is an attractive material when it comes to constructing and consuming activewear. By wearing Tencel, you don’t have to worry about odorous smells in your next sweaty exercise session!

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How Is It made?

Tencel is constructed of cellulose fiber which can be generated by dissolving wood pulp and dry jet-wet spinning it. Prior to drying, the chips are blended with a solvent solution to create a wet creation. This is then put through little holes to generate threads and is treated with chemicals. The fiber is spun, recreating a type of material which can then be utilized for garments and other things.

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Comparing Tencel To Other Materials

Tencel stands out from other fabrics constructed of wood fiber firstly because it is generated from sustainably sourced wood, whilst viscose and rayon are typically made from pulp found in endangered forests. So, by only taking resources from sustainably managed plantations, the Tencel manufacturing process clearly considers the implications of deforestation.

Secondly, the chemical treatment method varies. For example, conventional viscose methods are chemically intensive, thus making use of toxic sodium hydroxide. On the other hand, Tencel fabric replaces this harmful resource with an N-Methylmorpholine N-Oxide process. This solution is more straightforwardly recoverable. Furthermore, almost none of this solvent ends up in our ecosystem to pollute it. Instead of causing harm, the solution is recycled repeatedly to generate more fibers, thus minimizing the chance of harmful waste.

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So, What Environmental Impact Does Tencel Actually Have?

As mentioned above, Tencel fabric is produced from sustainably sourced natural wood fibers and is certified biodegradable, making the process environmentally responsible. Tencel’s most significant difference from rayon is that it needs less energy and harmful chemicals in the production process. This means that Tencel is less dangerous and wasteful to the environment and the laborers than other alternatives out there. When considering other materials further, Tencel uses significantly less non-renewable energy than cotton. 

Furthermore, Tencel is produced in consideration of a circular production system, meaning that the vast majority of solvents and chemicals utilized to break down the pulp get to be recovered and reused again. The fibers in this fabric can revert to nature, meaning no extra waste is caused. However, we must consider that whilst Tencel fabric is a lyocell fiber, not every lyocell fiber is Tencel branded. So, what does this mean? Well, it suggests that not all these fabrics are sure to be as eco-friendly as Tencel itself.

Overall, Tencel is a fantastic environmentally friendly option to consider compared to alternatives, although we must note that toxic dyes and chemicals are still used in the manufacturing process.

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Key Takeaways

• First, there’s no reason why Tencel should not replace other alternatives in the fashion industry. Its qualities, including durability, soft feel, and environmentally friendly nature, make it an intelligent choice.
• Additionally, businesses have the potential to expand their profits by offering Tencel products. As consumers start to become more environmentally conscious, a higher demand for eco-friendly products will unfold shortly. This means that Tencel will become more attractive to shoppers with its recognition and dedication to sustainability.
• Finally, every individual shopper has the power to impact our world’s environment, either positively or negatively. By buying more environmentally friendly fabrics instead of harmful ones, consumers can put less pressure on our planet today!