After decades of over producing, harmful manufacturing & using multiple types of fabrics in the fashion industry; such as cotton, synthetics (polyester, nylon, spandex, etc.) and rayon; we are now seeing new alternative fabrics that are changing our approach to creating garments & offering better solutions for the planet. These alternatives also have great natural attributes.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is one of these alternative fibres to create fashion garments.

It is a beautifully soft, natural and sustainable fibre that comes from wood pulp from trees. Known for their natural comfort, the fibre is versatile and can be combined with a wide range of textile fibres such as cotton, polyester, acrylic, wool and silk to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of fabrics. Unique physical properties of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres lead to their great strength, efficient moisture absorption and gentleness to skin.

But what is it?

For decades we have been turning trees into fibres, and calling it viscose or rayon, however this process is incredibly harmful to the environment through the endless deforestation, the gallons of water required for every tree used and the incredibly harmful chemicals used to create the final fibres. In commercial viscose production, 70% of the tree is wasted and burned for energy or discarded. Finding sustainable fibres on a planet that is running out of natural resources is a challenge, and one that Lenzing, the company creating TENCEL™, in the heart of Austria, decided to take on.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is a completely sustainable natural fibre. The trees used to make this fibre are sustainably grown and forested, the trees are broken down into wood chips, which is then broken down further into a wood pulp. The wood pulp is extracted from the chips using a closed loop system, which recovers and reuses the same water and solvents time and time again, leaving an incredibly minimal impact on the environment and our natural resources. The wood pulp is spun into the beautiful soft TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres, that are then knitted together into our fabrics.

Why is water management so important? 

By 2025 it’s predicted that two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. As TENCEL ™ Lyocell is produced in an advanced closed-loop system, the water and the small amount of solvents needed to process the wood pulp are recycled at a recovery rate of 99%. Producing low emissions and using less water than both conventional synthetics and cotton production, making it an even better choice.

What does it do & why do we use it?

The natural properties and benefits of this fabric make our products good for you. Due to the nature of the fibres and the trees they are created from, the TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are breathable and sweat-wicking to keep you cool, dry and comfortable the whole time you’re wearing them. The thermal regulating properties also help keep you comfortable day and night, winter or summer. The fibres are incredibly smooth making them soft and gentle on even the most sensitive skin. The natural property of the fibres inhibits bacterial growth on the fabric.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is also biodegradable, so they’re not only made sustainably, they can also be discarded sustainably! Making it quite an incredible fibre to be able to work with.

TENCEL™ Lyocell & Rosaseven 

TENCEL™ Lyocell is the majority fibre in our products and one of the most important to us when creating our Rosaseven sustainable period underwear.

With our Rosaseven sustainable period underwear, we want the fabrics we choose to be both sustainable for the planet, but also good for your body : two very important factors for us, that drive all our decisions. Learn more about our sustainability approach here. 

All of these reasons are why we ensured that TENCEL™ Lyocell was the majority fibre in our products, to give you the best, most comfortable and sustainable period.

Photo credits© : Cristina Gareau