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{{Lyocell}}
==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.
==ProductionBenefits ==Eucalyptus trees, from which lyocell is derived, grow rapidly on marginal lands without artificial irrigation, gene manipulation or synthetic pesticides.
Lyocell is made of cellulose, which is the main product in plant cellshas a smooth fibre surface and round cross section. Fiber production is environmentally friendly in comparison to the production of [[modal]] This fibrillar structure enables improved dye pickup and [[viscose]] that requires environmentally hazardous chemicals including caustic soda, carbon disulphide achieves vibrant colours and sulfuric acid. Moreover, a slight sheen on the material is as well as modal surface of the fabric while using less dye-stuff and viscose, 100% biodegradable. The production process is relatively simple because the substance (pulp) can be easily resolved from the fiber because it is readily soluble in less water. The steps in throughout the dyeing process are as follows: firstly one mix the pulp with the amine oxide which is then dissolved with no chemical reaction thereof, forming a viscous mass. This is later filtered and the amine oxide is spun out and is purified to the degree that about 99% can be reused. Thereafter, the fibers are washed and dried.
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 ==
[[File:TENCEL® lyocell® Manufacturing process.png|300px|right|thumb|TENCEL® lyocell® Manufacturing process]]
===Processing===
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. Currently, the solvents used for lyocell are derived from petrochemicals. However, the solvents are being recovered and reused.
===Dyeing===
Although the dyeing process for lyocell can significantly reduce water consumption and dye and chemical use due to its good colour absorption, the dyeing process still involves standard industry chemicals and water use. Although color absorption is good lyocell requires special paints and work and is one of the reasons that the price level is a little higher than similar fibers.
==Availability==
Most lyocell made is TENCEL® lyocell. TENCEL® lyocell is readily available and the fibre is produced in three production sites: Mobile, Alabama, USA; Grimsby, United Kingdom; and Heiligenkreuz, Burgenland, Austria.
== End use==
There are many different ways where Lyocell is used making it what could be called an all-around fabric. You can prepare material in many different ways, for example: giving it a woolly or silky feel. This is done by allowing people to control the fibrillation. You can also get Tencel ® (lyocell lenzinger) in a non-fibrillated variant which is called: Tencel ® LF and Tencel A100 ®.
As staple fiber, Lyocell is used in denim, lingerie and even towels. These types of products have a more silky feel and are used instead of filaments. The most common version of Lyocell is a cotton-type with 38 mm stroke length. Lyocell is easy to mix with other fibers such as Cotton, this blend provides improved properties such as strength and luster, and a mixture with wool provides more absorption of moisture. Typical products of these materials are include denim, dress pants, jackets, dress shirts, blouses, dressesactive wear, sleepwear, work wear, shirts and skirts often with denim or chambray structure. Moreover soft furnishings home textiles such as bedding and filling material for mattresses and blankets are common uses. In addition, it is used as nonwowens to faux leather, filters, hygiene products, cosmetic and medical products.
==ProducersMarketing opportunities=='''TENCEL® lyocell''' Fabric should be referred to as TENCEL® lyocell.'''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.'''FSC-certified''' If TENCEL® lyocell from FSC-certified plantations is used, this can be claimed.'''PEFC-certified''' If TENCEL® lyocell from PEFC-certified plantations is used, this can be claimed.'''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.
==External linksSources==*[http:1. Textile Exchange “TENCEL® lyocell From Lenzing” March 20112. 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. www.tencelspuntech.com Tencel]/files/sertificates/Biodegradability.pdfOTHER: www.lenzing.com/en/fibres/TENCEL® lyocell/TENCEL® lyocellr.html
==External links==
*[http://www.lyocell.net Lyocell]
*[http://www.costumegallerytencel.comTencel] *[http:/Textiles/www.lenzing.com/en/fibres/TENCEL® lyocell/TENCEL® lyocellr.htm Costume galleryhtml Lenzing]
*[http://www.fibersource.com Fibersource]