lyocell fiber

Types of Lyocell Fiber

Lyocell is a modern fabric made from the natural cellulose found in wood pulp. It is manufactured by dissolving wood pulp from trees such as eucalyptus, beech, and spruce in a non-toxic solvent called N-methylmorpholine N-oxide. The solvent is then recycled multiple times to ensure that the environmental impact is minimized. This process creates a fiber that is not only biodegradable but also incredibly soft, strong, and absorbent.

The following are some common types of Lyocell fiber:

• Tencel Lyocell

  Tencel Lyocell is now a registered brand from one of its many manufacturers, Lenzing AG. It involves the production process of soaking lyocell wood pulp in a solvent, spinning it into fibers, washing the fibers, and finally drying to produce premium quality soft and strong Lyocell fibers. Tencel Lyocell fabric is known to be more absorbent than cotton, biodegradable, and very gentle on the skin.

• Organic Lyocell

  Organic lyocell employs pulp from trees under strict organic farming conditions, meaning no harmful pesticides or chemicals were used during the growing process. It then follows the conventional lyocell production process described above. This is a more environmentally conscious choice for lyocell fabrics.

• Vegan Lyocell

  Vegan lyocell is simply lyocell fiber obtained from trees like eucalyptus, beech, or spruce and not pulp from bamboo, which is commonly associated with viscose. While the fibers share similar characteristics of softness, strength, and absorbency, vegan lyocell is sometimes marketed as a purer, less chemically intensive alternative depending on the source of the pulp.

• Luxe Lyocell

  Luxe Lyocell is typically produced by Lenzing using its new generation lyocell and trademark fiber Luxe Lyocell. Luxe Lyocell goes through a special patented production to create Lyocell fabric having superior drape and shine. Luxe Lyocell is often used in upscale clothing and home textiles for its luxurious feel and elegance.

Features of Lyocell Fiber

Lyocell fabric possesses many unique features that make it a popular choice across many domains, especially for textiles.

• Softness

  Lyocell Fiber has a very smooth and soft texture on the skin, which makes it feel comfortable and non-irritating. This property makes it suitable for sensitive skin, such as skin irritation and allergies. Lyocell fabric is very comfortable and feels good to all, especially with undergarments, activewear, and bed linen.

• Moisture Absorption

  Lyocell fabric can absorb moisture very well, up to 50% without looking wet on the surface. This keeps the body dry and minimizes bacterial growth and body odor, improving comfort. Lyocell is ideal for athletic clothes and shoes in warm and humid weather.

• Biodegradability

  Lyocell is also not a synthetic fiber such as polyester which lies in the ground for ages and does not decompose. Instead, it is fully biodegradable and decomposes purely back into natural materials like water and carbon dioxide in a mere 6-8 weeks in an appropriate environment. This makes it eco-friendly and sustainable.

• Durability

  Even though Lyocell feels very soft and silky, it is nevertheless strong and durable. This contributes to the aging and lifespan of Lyocell products, so they do not readily tear or wear out. Lyocell has great strength when dry and excellent wet-shrink strength, making it highly versatile in many uses, such as bedding and curtains.

• Hypoallergenic

  Because of its natural and smooth fiber composition, Lyocell is resistant to dust mites and other allergens, making it a healthier choice for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma. Additionally, the lack of chemicals in Lyocell production means no irritating synthetic residues remain on the fabric. This makes Lyocell suitable for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

Uses of Lyocell Fiber

Lyocell is a very versatile solvent-spun cellulose fiber ideal for various applications, mainly in textiles.

• Clothing

  Many manufacturers prefer Lyocell to produce clothing like dresses, shirts, trousers, and activewear. Lyocell has the striking properties of drapability, softness, and absorbance. No wonder Lyocell is suitable for making women's wear such as flowing dresses, blouses, and professional wear where good drape and comfort are required. The moisture-wicking ability makes it ideal for activewear and loungewear.

• Bedding

  Lyocell is normal and commonly used in bed linens like sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Lyocell is breathable, silky smooth, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for bedding and enhancing comfort while sleeping. Lyocell also gives luxurious-looking fabrics that do not readily wrinkle and simplify maintenance.

• Towels

  The unique properties of Lyocell make it possible to produce towels that are lightweight but highly absorbent and quick to dry. Also, Lyocell towels feel softer than most and are gentler on the skin. This blend of luxury and performance makes Lyocell a preferred fiber for bath and hand towels and for hotels' and spas' luxury and high-end towel collection.

• Home Textiles

  Lyocell can be found in curtains, tablecloths, and other home textiles. It provides a quality feel and maintains good colors and drape in home decoration items. Lyocell is eco-friendly and feels luxurious, making it ideal for the fashionable home décor market.

• Industrial Applications

  Lyocell is used in non-woven textile products with desirable properties, including strength, absorbency, and biodegradability. In the medical field, Lyocell can be used in dressings, wipes, and materials for implants due to its biocompatibility. Other industrial applications include biodegradable packaging and filters. This renders Lyocell viable for environmentally sound alternatives in practical application domains.

How to Choose Lyocell Fiber

When choosing Lyocell Fiber, several key factors should be considered to ensure the best quality and suitability for the intended use. Below are the tips on how to choose Lyocell Fiber:

• Pulp Source

  Lyocell fibers from sustainably sourced wood pulp, such as eucalyptus, beech, or spruce, are environmentally responsible and eco-friendly. Lyocell made from organic wood pulp is free from toxic chemicals and pesticides. This makes it a safer choice for the environment and workers. Lyocell fibers that are manufactured with recycled solvents in the production process have a lower ecological footprint.

• Production Standards

  Buyers should also consider the manufacturer’s commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency in the Lyocell production process. If possible, support companies following the European award-winning lyocell production process for their stringent quality control and environmental protection. Choosing fibers from manufacturers who are transparent about their production practices can help guarantee the product quality and ethical manufacturing.

• Fiber Quality

  A quality Lyocell fiber is pure, smooth, and free from impurities or visible defects. Buyers may need to assess fiber strength, softness, and consistency in diameter. This can be achieved by checking product samples or relying on reviews and quality certifications. Industries needing high-quality fibers for premium products require this very quality standard. No wonder quality is the crucial factor in Lyocell fiber selection.

• Industry Applications

  When choosing Lyocell fibers, one should also consider the intended application, be it apparel, home textiles, or industrial products. For clothing, factors as drape, shine, and hand feel should be taken into account. Opt for Lyocell with longer and stronger fibers for enhanced fabric durability. In the industrial field, assess the fiber’s suitability for technical applications leveraging tubular structures.

• Sustainability Certifications

  Many sustainability certifications, such as the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and the FSC label, ensure that certain quality and environmental standards are met. The former certifies that the fiber is free from harmful chemicals, while the latter indicates that the wood pulp source is from responsibly managed forests. Other eco-labels like the EPA award for low environmental impacts also help select suppliers with truly sustainable Lyocell fiber.

Q&A

Q1. Is Lyocell fiber the same as bamboo fabric?

A1. Not really! While both fibers are sometimes considered in the same class, Lyocell is obtained from the wood pulp of trees like eucalyptus, beech, and spruce. On the other hand, bamboo fabric is usually obtained from bamboo pulp.

Q2. How is Lyocell fiber made?

A2. The making of Lyocell fiber involves the dissolving of the cellulose or wood pulp in a solvent called N-methylmorpholine N-oxide. This process is environmentally friendly to produce fibers with desirable characteristics of strength, absorbency, and softness.

Q3. What are the characteristics of Lyocell fiber?

A3. Lyocell's distinct characteristics include smoothness and softness, moisture absorbance up to 50% without feeling wet, hypoallergenic nature, resistance to wrinkles, excellent strength when dry, and eco-friendliness.

Q4. Is Lyocell fiber sustainable?

A4. Yes! Lyocell is quite sustainable and eco-friendly because of the fiber’s production; the wood pulp is sourced from sustainably managed forests, and the solvent is recycled. It is also biodegradable.

Q5. What are the common uses of Lyocell fiber?

A5. The versatility of Lyocell allows its use in clothing, bed linens, towels, curtains, and industrial applications like biodegradable products and medical textiles.