All you need to know about TENCEL™ Lyocell to get a good night’s sleep

 
The world of quality bedding is immense. As sustainability grows in importance among the people today, more and more consumers have begun taking an interest in uncovering comfortable, long-lasting and eco-friendly bed linen. Amidst this increasingly championed cause is TENCEL™, a brand of Lyocell and Modal cellulosic fibers that stand out for their long list of benefits. Here, we unravel the properties of TENCEL™ in contact with the skin and the environment, as well as how well it can endure years of wear and tear.

What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?

TENCEL™ is a brand that produces a combination of cellulosic fibers known as Lyocell and Modal, originally developed and introduced by an Austrian textile company, the Lenzing Group (Lenzing AG). As TENCEL™ has come to be naturally associated with Lyocell fabric over the years, both terms are often used interchangeably.

Difference Between Lyocell and TENCEL™

Lyocell is a type of fiber sourced from raw wood materials, obtained particularly from eucalyptus trees and also bamboo, beech, birch and oak. These fibers are processed to become Lyocell – a semi-synthetic material derived from regenerated cellulose commonly used in our everyday items such as clothing, medical products and even tire cords.

As mentioned earlier, TENCEL™ is a brand founded by the Lenzing Group. TENCEL™ specializes in the production of both Lyocell and Modal fibers for home textiles from bed sheets, duvet covers to blankets and more. As such, Lyocell is often used to refer to the biodegradable fiber formed by the lyocell process, while TENCEL™ would in most cases refer to either the brand of Lyocell or Modal fiber manufactured by the Lenzing Group.

How is TENCEL™ Made?

TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers are made by dissolving wood chips in a non-toxic chemical solvent (Amine Oxide) to liquefy them into wood pulp. From this process, the resulting substance is filtered through a spinneret that twists the pulp into fine and usable threads before being processed and spun into yarn. This yarn is woven to create the TENCEL™ fabric we touch and feel in our home textiles today, a fiber that lends a smooth and soft feel that's actually organic in material but manufactured in nature, due to the chemical process involved in their production.

The Different Types of TENCEL™: TENCEL™ Lyocell vs. TENCEL™ Modal

TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers are extremely similar in terms of their properties and production, but there are still some key distinctions that set them apart.

FEEL Lyocell fabric is absorbent and moisture-wicking. For this, it is frequently incorporated in activewear and bed sheets, helping users feel more dry and comfortable. Its breathability further aids users by regulating body temperature. While Lyocell shares the same silky softness as Modal, Modal's heat and moisture management may not be as efficient as that of Lyocell fibers'.

PRODUCTION PROCESS Both TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers are produced from closed-loop systems, which are generally considered to have low environmental impact. However, Lyocell sets a high standard for sustainability in its implementation of eco-friendly manufacturing practices and standards, from sustainably sourced wood, minimal water consumption to reduced chemical waste. In addition, Modal may require more chemicals and energy to produce compared to its newer counterpart.

DURABILITY Both TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal are strong and high-performing fibers, but Lyocell goes through multiple reinforcements in its line of production to improve its fiber structure and length for durability. Lyocell fibers are also subjected to treatments to further enhance their resistance, such as crosslinking agents that control the fiber's risk of deformation, pilling and chemical degradation.

What Makes TENCEL™ So Special?

 
TENCEL™ spearheads the bedding industry in delivering revolutionary and well-balanced materials that satisfy users in terms of sustainability, comfort and performance. Its combination of innovative, cutting-edge technology and commendable environmental practices make TENCEL™ a figure to be reckoned with, especially among eco-conscious consumers with a regard for premier bed linen.

By investing in TENCEL™ fabric, users are subscribing to a host of personal and environmental benefits: sustainability, biodegradability, softness, breathability, sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties, among others.

TENCEL™ and Its Unique Properties

TENCEL™ branded fibers, in particular Lyocell, are highly sought-after as the superior choice for bedding based on their attractive and almost inconceivable properties. Below, we list out common queries regarding the characteristics of TENCEL™ fibers and their products, with some handy information that can help you maintain the fabric and even harness it for better sleep.

Is TENCEL™ Soft?

The smooth, luxurious softness of TENCEL™ is undeniable, being a popular material used in woven fabrics such as upholstery, apparel and home textiles. Pleasant to touch, a core feature of TENCEL™ is that it does not compromise its long-lasting quality for softness, making it a versatile choice that stays airy, lustrous and durable through repeated and continuous usage.

Is TENCEL™ Breathable and Cooling?

 
The cellulose fibers of TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fabrics are part of what makes the fabric hydrophilic. Its natural affinity for water means TENCEL™ fabric can wick moisture effectively, absorbing water away from your body to keep you dry and comfortable, especially in warmer climates. This cooling mechanism is also supplemented with the porosity of the fabric, allowing for temperature regulation, maximum air circulation and breathability even when you are lying on your back in muggy weather.

Is TENCEL™ Stretchy?

TENCEL™ is less stretchy compared to other fibers such as spandex or polyester, but it rarely poses a problem as it can be easily integrated with materials that promote more elasticity. We Are Cozzy, for instance, is best-selling for their Essential Bundle set that offers supple and lightweight TENCEL™ sheets fitted with elastic all around, letting you drape your mattress in a smart and snug fit effortlessly.

Is TENCEL™ Prone to Shrinking or Wrinkling?

TENCEL™ Lyocell isn't susceptible to extreme shrinkage. In other words, users will unlikely experience significant shrinking in their Lyocell products with proper care and maintenance. It can be helpful to also take note of the fabric's construction, as tighter knits produce more resistance to shrinkage.

Unlike most natural fibers, TENCEL™ does not wrinkle easily being semi-synthetic and thus, is conditioned to withstand and adapt to changes in temperature, moisture and washing. When it does wrinkle, lightly iron or treat with steam and your fabric should look smooth and pristine in a jiffy.

Is TENCEL™ Hypoallergenic or Good for Sensitive Skin?

Users tend to look for hypoallergenic properties in items that come into contact with the skin regularly, but TENCEL™ offers much more than that. Beyond being hypoallergenic, the fabric is naturally repellent to allergens such as dust mites and other particles that can trigger reactions or sensitivities. Additionally, TENCEL™ is good at removing moisture that can lead to the potential growth of bacteria, branding it inherently antifungal and antibacterial.

Is TENCEL™ Similar to Cotton?

Cotton is a natural fiber directly farmed from cotton plant seeds. While organic cotton is equally absorbent, breathable and low-maintenance, an increasing number of consumers are choosing to purchase TENCEL™ manufactured textiles in view of sustainability, exceptional softness and hypoallergenic properties. In these areas, TENCEL™ Lyocell is considered a better alternative to cotton due to their closed-loop system which limits the exposure to harsh chemicals, with treatments within the production that refine the material to be resistant to pilling, variations in temperature and moisture, and more.

Is TENCEL™ Resistant to Odor?

 
With the antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties of TENCEL™, it is correct to assume that this unique fabric is also odor-free, as it refuses to foster the environmental conditions required for odor-causing bacteria to survive or thrive.

TENCEL™ and Its Relationship With the Environment

One could say TENCEL™ (or its Lyocell fiber) was founded ahead of its time, advocating the ethical and environmentally-responsible practices long before others caught wind of their importance. Through TENCEL™'s creations of sustainable fabric made from renewable resources, an eco-friendly manufacturing process and more, there is much to understand about TENCEL™ and its Lyocell production in striking an ecological balance.

Is TENCEL™ A Natural or Organic Fiber?

 
The botanical fiber in TENCEL™ is extracted from natural raw materials, but manufactured through a man-made process known as solvent spinning. This makes TENCEL™ a form of regenerated cellulose fiber, or semi-synthetic.

Is TENCEL™ Produced Sustainably?

TENCEL™ is produced sustainably with the Lenzing Group's unwavering commitment to conservation. Besides farming from renewable and responsibly managed forests, the Lyocell fibers in TENCEL™ are produced in closed-loop systems that reduce the generation of waste products and inefficient resource management, like greenhouse gas emissions and poor water usage.

Social responsibility is also exercised with the brand emphasizing their strong belief in fair labor practices, from safe working conditions to fair wages.

Is TENCEL™ Biodegradable?

Beyond being recycled, both TENCEL™ branded fibers are biodegradable. With the aim of preserving the environment for future generations, these fabrics can decompose and be broken down biologically and absorbed back into the Earth. This further improves TENCEL™'s stance on being environmentally friendly by not only streamlining their manufacturing process for sustainability, but also minimizing instances of pollution outside their line of production.

Caring for and Maintaining the Quality TENCEL™

Your TENCEL™ brand bed linen can perform and serve you better by following care instructions that preserve the quality of its fibers.

Is TENCEL™ Waterproof?

Being excellent moisture-wicking fabrics, TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal are not waterproof. Instead, they are superb at absorbing and dispersing moisture, helping users evaporate any build-up of heat or humidity to provide an almost anti-perspirant type of comfort.

Is TENCEL™ Machine Washable?

TENCEL™ fabrics are machine washable and are highly durable even in cases of regular using, washing and drying. However, TENCEL™ requires these materials to be machine washed in cold water, as hot water may cause a loss of certain properties such as its strength, color and smoothness. Lyocell also tends to shrink and wrinkle more easily when washed or soaked in waters of high temperatures.

Can TENCEL™ Be Ironed?

Even though TENCEL™ is less vulnerable to wrinkling compared to other fabrics, there may still be instances where it could do with some light ironing. Always check the care label on your TENCEL™ products, whether it is bedding or clothing. As a rule of thumb, always only iron on low heat to avoid damaging the fibers of the fabric. Alternatively, you may also consider ironing on the reverse side of the fabric or using an extra cloth to sandwich your TENCEL™ product between the cloth and the iron.

Conclusion

Searching for quality, sustainability and cost-effectiveness in a single product is not easy. That is why TENCEL™ remains a prominent brand in the bedding industry, providing everything for sleep enthusiasts to hit the sack with a peace of mind.

At We Are Cozzy, we employ the dreamy benefits of TENCEL™ by using their Lyocell fabric in our top-tier bed linen. Browse our fitted sheets, duvet covers and pillow cases to be on the receiving end of sustainably developed softness, breathability and comfort today.