Lyocell Vs Tencel: Here is a Complete Comparison

To help you understand the differences between lyocell and Tencel bedding and determine which one best suits your needs, we’ll walk you through a detailed comparison of the two in this article.

Why are Lyocell and Tencel different? Sometimes it can be a little confusing with all of these eco-friendly fabrics. How do lyocell and Tencel differ from one another then? Where they differ is in copyright; since the 2000s, the Tencel brand has been owned by the Lenzing Corporation.

Let’s jump in and put you out of your misery. And you should also know Lyocell Vs Cotton Sheets.

What’s the Difference Between Tencel and Lyocell?

Essentially nothing; lyocell and Tencel have the same appearance, feel, and wear. The reason for this is that they share the same manufacturing processes and raw materials.

Both Tencel and Lyocell are made from natural cellulose materials, most frequently eucalyptus wood pulp, but they can also be made from beech, bamboo, or other types of wood.

The process by which Tencel™ and Lyocell are produced is much more sustainable than earlier versions of cellulose fabrics, such as rayon or modal. The heavy viscose processing used in these earlier versions had negative environmental effects.

Why have you only heard of Tencel, then? Lyocell seems to have been almost forgotten as an environmentally friendly afterthought while Tencel seems to be taking center stage. That’s because branded Tencel™ has come to stand for all things lyocell. Let’s dive in.

Is It the Same as Lyocell?

Yes, sort of. To start, Tencel and Lyocell are both rayon substrates, which are textiles made of cellulosic regenerated fibers that are semi-synthetic. And both use non-toxic NMMO instead of the highly toxic carbon disulfide used in viscose.

The copyright issues are where they diverge; since the 2000s, the Tencel brand has been owned by the Lenzing Corporation. The majority of the wood pulp used by Lenzing comes from FSC-recognized forests, and the company has a strong track record of sustainability. They also frequently have well-run factories with controls in place to guarantee the security of the workforce and the correct handling of chemicals.

This does not, however, imply that the lyocell you prefer that is not branded is not also sustainable. To confirm the details, it might only take a brief email to your supplier. Similar to other household names like Kleenex or Band-Aids, Tencel under the Lenzing brand has begun to replace all lyocell. Regardless of branding, both are made with non-toxic solvents and will wash and wear the same.

WHAT is Tencel™ LYOCELL?

From sustainably managed eucalyptus trees, Tencel™ LYOCELL is produced. The wood is broken down into a pulp using a non-toxic amine solution which can then be spun into sustainable fibers.

The Tencel™ brand from Lenzing has a stellar track record for sustainability. A product must contain at least 30% of the Tencel® Lyocell fibers produced by Lenzing in order to bear the Tencel® trademark.

Lenzing only uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests to produce Tencel™ Lyocell, ensuring that trees are harvested sustainably for present and future generations. The process of turning the wood into pulp is powered by sustainable bioenergy, and nearly all of the solvent needed for that is recovered and recycled. Due to this, we can be sure that the Tencel™ brand is environmentally friendly.

Are There Different Types of Tencel?

Tencel is available in two different varieties, each with a marginally different finish. One has a silky-smooth finish, while the other has a peach skin-like texture that is a little softer and dustier. The advantageous qualities of Tencel, such as its eco-friendliness and ability to produce a soft yet durable fabric, are retained in both of these types.

Few people are aware that other manufacturers sell sustainable lyocell under their own brands. Birla, a manufacturer of textiles, produces lyocell fabrics under the Excel brand name. The evolution of this sustainable fabric doesn’t stop here.

The most recent addition to sustainably produced lyocell is the futuristic-sounding Re: Newcell (also known as Circulose®). Only in 2019 was this contemporary fabric made commercially available. It creates high-quality lyocell textiles by recycling old cellulose fabrics and dissolving natural fibers like cotton into a new, biodegradable raw material that can be used to make lyocell.

It is the first step toward a fully closed-loop clothing cycle, in which used clothing can be completely recycled into new fabric without the need for brand-new virgin materials.

Here is what you need to know about lyocell fabric:

• Pros and Cons of Lyocell Fabric
• Is Lyocell Sustainable?
• Is Lyocell Stretchy? Can You Stretch Lyocell?
• Does Lyocell Shrink When Washed?
• How to Wash Lyocell? Care Guide
• How to Iron Lyocell Fabric? Tips

Conclusion: Lyocell Vs Tencel

Tencel is simply a brand name for a type of lyocell (like Band-Aid to bandages) created by the Austrian textile company Lenzing AG. There are many different types of lyocell, but Tencel™ lyocell stands out as one of the most cutting-edge varieties.

Please leave a comment below if you enjoyed this article and have any queries. It really helps us know what you are thinking and guides our future posts.

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