Lyocell is a regenerated ([[artificial fibers]]). [[Tencell]] is the most common commercial name of lyocell. It is a relatively new fiber that can be assigned a variety of looks and features, all from silk to cotton-like. Lyocell fibre is made from cellulose originating from eucalyptus wood and it has unique material properties that can be suitable for a variety of different applications. The fiber is strong and durable to wash with little risk of shrinkage. The manufacturing process for lyocell is a closed loop process, which makes it a viable sustainable alternative to cotton, viscose and possibly other synthetics.
==Background==
In 1991 Lyocell was introduced on the international market under the brand name Tencel and was classified as a type of artificial silk but The Federal Trade Commission designated, in 1996, Lyocell fibers as a separate fiber group, the first in 30 years. In May 2004, Lenzing who previously sold Lyocell under the name of Lenzing Lyocell, took over Tencel and is now the leading producer in the market.
In all applications, lyocell has moisture wicking properties, good absorbency, is wrinkle resistant and has good drapability.
Fiber production is environmentally friendly in comparison to the production of [[modal]] and [[viscose]] that requires environmentally hazardous chemicals. To transform hard wood into lyocell fabric, the cellulose must be separated from other compounds found in the trees. The wood material is dissolved through an intensive chemical processes into a pulp, which is then extruded to form fibres. The solvent used to transform the pulp into fibre is amine oxide (NMMO=N-Methyl-Morpholine-N-Oxide), which is considered non-toxic.
TENCEL® lyocell is the registered brand name for lyocell fibres manufactured by Lenzing in Austria. The TENCEL® lyocell fibre manufacturing process operates as a closed loop system, in which 99.8% of the solvent is recovered, filtered and reused and any remaining emissions are broken down harmlessly in biological wastewater treatment plants.[1, 2, 3]
Lenzing also claims that the trees used as feedstock for TENCEL® lyocell are harvested from sustainably managed farms certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).4 Lenzing has also confirmed that pulp used for the manufacture of TENCEL® lyocell fibre is supplied from production locations that comply with the EU Timber Regulation.[4, 5]
Since lyocell fibre absorbs and redirects moisture (i.e., sweat) fewer washings may be needed, resulting in water and energy savings as well as reduced wear and tear that occurs with repeated laundering.
The dyeing process for lyocell can significantly reduce water consumption and dye and chemical use due to its good colour absorption.
Depending on the dyes and trims used, lyocell may be biodegradable if disposed of in optimum environmental conditions (exposure to water, air, light).4 Lenzing has reported in a Biodegradability Technical Bulletin that TENCEL® lyocell fibres were found to have degraded completely after 6 weeks when composted.[6]
== Potential impacts ==
==Marketing opportunities==
'''TENCEL® lyocell''' Fabric should be referred to as TENCEL® lyocell.
<br/>'''low impact fibre''' Since lyocell is derived from a natural renewable resource, and developed using a closed loop process it is considered a low impact fibre, and can be safely labeled as such.<br/>'''FSC-certified''' If TENCEL® lyocell from FSC-certified plantations is used, this can be claimed.<br/>'''PEFC-certified''' If TENCEL® lyocell from PEFC-certified plantations is used, this can be claimed.<br/>'''biodegradable''' All fibres, yarns, trims and dyes used to manufacture the product or garment must also be biodegradable, or disassembled before disposal. This should be substantiated with documentation that the product can completely break down into non-toxic material by being processed in a facility where compost is accepted. Secondary label or marketing material should be provided to instruct customer.
==Innovation opportunities==
==Sources==
1. # Textile Exchange “TENCEL® lyocell From Lenzing” March 20112. # http://www.lenzing.com/sites/botanicprinciples/website/index.htm3. # symposium.lenzing.com/fileadmin/template/pdf/lectures_speakersLCA_Li_shen.pdf4. # Dr. Bianca SCHACHTNER, personal communication, January 14, 2014.5. # ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/timber_regulation.htm6. # Http://www.spuntech.com/files/sertificates/Biodegradability.pdfOTHER: www.lenzing.com/en/fibres/TENCEL® lyocell/TENCEL® lyocellr.html
==External links==