Over the years, huge investments have gone into creating more sustainable ways of dressing and clothing and the textile industry in general. One of the most prominent results of these investments is Tencel.
If you have been shopping, you must have come across a fabric known as Tencel. Were you wondering what this Tencel material is? How is Tencel made?
This guide will answer all your questions.
What Is Tencel?
Tencel is a brand name for a pair of fibers called lyocell and modal. An Austrian company, Lenzing, owns the brand. Even though the technology was first developed in 1972, Tencel has gained popularity in recent years due to the demand for environment-friendly clothing brands. Tencel is produced by environmentally responsible processes and sustainably sourced wood from eucalyptus trees.
Tencel lyocell fibers are really versatile and can be combined with a wide range of textile fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, etc., to enhance the fabric’s functionality. Tencel lyocell fabric is strong, gentle to the skin, and efficiently absorbs moisture. It is mainly used in the bedding industry.
Tencel modal fibers are very similar to lyocell but even softer. It is mainly used in the apparel industry.
Benefits of Tencel
Softness
Tencel is naturally soft to the touch as it has a very smooth surface. It is very gentle on the skin, and even people with sensitive skin feel no irritation.
Breathability
Tence’ls smooth surface absorbs and releases moisture, efficiently supporting the body’s thermal regulation. This hydrophilic function of the Tencel keeps the body cool while you sleep.
Color Vibrancy
The smooth surface of Tencel allows for deep penetration of the dye into the fabric structure. It adds a beautiful sheen to the fabric and makes them less prone to fading.
Antibacterial
Tencel’s moisture absorption properties make it less susceptible to bacteria growth. Hence Tencel keeps you safe from displeasing odors and allergies.
Environment Friendly
The sourcing and processing of Tencel fabrics are done in such a way that their impact on the environment is less than other fabrics. It also uses less energy and water and produces less waste.
Durability
Tencel is an incredibly durable fabric provided that it is properly taken care of. Keep your Tencel away from high heat, and it will last for a long, long time.
What Is Tencel Fabric Made Of?
Tencel fabric is made from the sustainably sourced wood pulp of eucalyptus trees.
- The tree logs are first debarked and hacked into wood chips.
- The cellulosic components are then separated and processed into sheet pulp.
- The pulp is then dissolved in solvents and processed with closed-loop technology.
- The solution is then pumped through spinnerets with microfine nozzles.
- The fibers are spun into continuous strands of filaments.
- The yarn is then woven into the fabric.
Environmental Impact
Biodegradable
Tencel is derived from the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees. As a fiber derived from natural sources, Tencel is biodegradable.
It means that instead of lingering in the environment for decades, Tencel will fully revert back to nature.
Requires Less Resources
Processing Tencel consumes relatively less water and energy than other fibers like cotton.
Tencel is pure white when produced, so bleaching it is unnecessary. It also requires a lot less dye when compared to cotton.
Less Waste Production
Tencel is produced using a closed-loop system. It means that virtually no solvent used to dissolve the pulp is dumped into the environment. The solvent is instead recycled over and over to produce new fibers and keep waste to a minimum.
As per Lenzing, the solvent recovery rate for this process is more than 99%.
Tips to Take Care of Tencel
Pretreat
Pretreat any potential stains with a stain solution safe for Tencel fabrics.
Handwash
Handwashing is the best and safest method for washing Tencel. Use two capfuls of delicate natural detergent in a tub of cold water and submerge your items in the tub. Leave them submerged for thirty minutes, then rinse them with cold water.
Machine Wash
If you wish to machine wash your Tencel clothes, turn them inside out and bundle them inside a mesh laundry bag.
Fill your machine with cold water and two cupfuls of delicate natural detergent. Place the bag in the machine and choose the delicate cycle with low spins.
Dry
You can either machine dry at medium settings or hang dry the clothes. However, we would recommend you to hang dry Tencel clothes.
Iron
Make sure not to iron the Tencel at high temperatures, or you risk burning the fabric. Iron it at medium temperature or use steam to get rid of any wrinkles.
Store
Fold your clothes properly and store them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
Note: Always look up the tags of your clothes and follow the instructions. There may be embellishments on the clothes that require them to be dry cleaned.
Conclusion
As you can see, Tencel fabric is an excellent alternative to other fabrics like cotton. Not only is Tencel exceptionally soft and sturdy, but it is also made using environment-friendly processes.
In today’s world, which faces a climate crisis, it feels good to see sustainable alternatives in the bedding industry.
