Discovered in the early twentieth century, viscose was a cheaper alternative to silk, similar to look & feel. However, the fabric was so flammable it was quickly taken off the market until the German Bemberg Company developed a safer process. As a more sustainable alternative, Ecovero was produced by Lenzing, as a viscose fiber made using more sustainable wood, using 50% less water and having half the carbon emissions.
And nearly all of the chemicals used during the fiber’s production were recovered and reused. Similarly, Tencel has become popular as a sustainable option for Viscose and is looked at as a somewhat high-end fabric, known for its soft feel and durability. It is also noted for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, which make it an exceptional fabric for temperate regions.
In this blog, we will explore what Tencel is, its types, its benefits, and why it stands out in the realm of sustainable textiles.
What Is Tencel?
Tencel is a brand name for a group of sustainable fabrics made from wood pulp, primarily sourced from eucalyptus trees. The wood pulp is transformed into a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber through a unique manufacturing process. Tencel is well-known for its luxurious feel and exceptional properties. It is breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for various applications, especially in clothing and bedding.
The production of Tencel fibers is designed to be environmentally friendly. The process uses less water and fewer pesticides compared to traditional cotton production. Additionally, Tencel production adheres to sustainable practices, ensuring that the wood pulp comes from responsibly managed forests.
Types of Tencel
Tencel comes in several variations, each with unique characteristics and applications. The two primary types of Tencel are:
Tencel Lyocell
Production: Tencel Lyocell is produced from wood pulp through a closed-loop process, which minimizes environmental impact.
Properties: This type of Tencel is known for its exceptional softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking capabilities. It feels comfortable against the skin and helps regulate body temperature.
Applications: Tencel Lyocell is widely used in various textile products, including shirts, dresses, pants, sheets, and pillowcases.
Tencel Modal
Production: Tencel Modal is created using a similar process to Lyocell, but with slight variations.
Properties: Modal is known for its excellent drape, softness, and vibrant color retention. It is also highly breathable, making it comfortable to wear.
Applications: Tencel Modal is commonly used in lingerie, sleepwear, and fine knitwear, providing a luxurious touch to these garments.
Tencel Blends: A Symphony of Materials
While Tencel is a high-end fabric, it can be blended with other fibers to make it more accessible and to achieve specific fabric characteristics. Here are some common Tencel blends:
Tencel and Cotton
Benefits: This blend combines Tencel's softness and breathability with cotton's durability and affordability.
Applications: It is often used in T-shirts, casual wear, and bedding.
Tencel and Polyester
Benefits: Blending Tencel with polyester offers a balance of Tencel's natural properties with polyester's wrinkle resistance and quick-drying capabilities.
Applications: This blend is popular in activewear, performance clothing, and wrinkle-free shirts.
Tencel and Rayon
Tencel and Linen
Benefits: This natural blend combines Tencel's softness with linen's breathability and durability.
Applications: Tencel and linen blends are great for casual wear, home textiles, and upholstery.
Why Blend Tencel?
Manufacturers blend Tencel with other fibers for several reasons:
Cost Reduction: Blending Tencel with more affordable fibers like cotton or polyester allows manufacturers to create fabrics that retain Tencel's benefits at a lower price point.
Enhanced Performance: Combining Tencel with other fibers can enhance specific properties like wrinkle resistance or quick-drying capabilities.
Unique Characteristics: Blends can create distinct textures and hand-feels, catering to various preferences and applications.
Why is Tencel Considered a Sustainable Material?
Tencel is often praised for its sustainability. Here are some reasons why:
Sustainably Sourced Wood: Tencel uses wood pulp from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests. This ensures that the forests are managed sustainably and protected for the future.
Closed-Loop Production: The production process for Tencel involves a closed-loop system, meaning that 99% of the solvents used are recycled. This results in less waste and a lower environmental impact.
Biodegradable: Tencel fibers are biodegradable, meaning they can break down naturally without harming the environment.
Low Carbon Footprint: Compared to many synthetic fibers, Tencel has a lower carbon footprint due to its sustainable production methods.
While Tencel is a sustainable option, the overall environmental impact can vary based on the specific practices of manufacturers and suppliers. Always look for certifications like FSC to ensure the sustainability of the products you purchase.
Benefits of Tencel
Tencel offers several advantages over other common fabrics:
Softness: Tencel is known for its incredible softness, making it comfortable against the skin.
Breathability: The fibers allow for good airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable, especially in warm weather.
Moisture-Wicking: Tencel helps draw moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Durability: Tencel is relatively durable and can withstand frequent washing and wear.
Sustainability: The sustainable practices used in Tencel production make it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to some synthetic fibers.
Hypoallergenic: Tencel is generally hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Tencel vs. Other Fabrics
When comparing Tencel to other fabrics, several key characteristics set it apart.
Softness:
Tencel is exceptional in softness, providing a luxurious feel against the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for clothing that you want to wear all day comfortably. In contrast, cotton is also soft but doesn't quite reach the same level of luxury as Tencel.
Polyester tends to be fair in softness and can feel rougher on the skin, while rayon offers a good softness but lacks the superior comfort of Tencel. Linen, known for its natural feel, has moderate softness that some may find less comfortable than Tencel.
Breathability:
Tencel excels in breathability, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cool. This property is particularly beneficial in warm weather. Cotton offers moderate breathability, making it a suitable option but not as effective as Tencel. Polyester struggles in this area, providing poor breathability, which can lead to discomfort during hot days.
Rayon maintains a good level of breathability, but it does not match Tencel's outstanding performance. Linen stands out for its excellent breathability, making it a popular choice for summer clothing.
Moisture-Wicking:
Tencel demonstrates great moisture-wicking capabilities, efficiently drawing moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable. Cotton performs moderately in this aspect, absorbing moisture but taking longer to dry. Polyester, however, offers poor moisture-wicking properties, which can lead to discomfort in active situations.
Rayon provides moderate moisture management but doesn't match Tencel's efficiency. Linen offers good moisture-wicking abilities, making it a decent choice for warm weather.
Durability:
In terms of durability, Tencel is good, able to withstand frequent washing and wear while maintaining its quality. Cotton also rates as a good option, known for its longevity. Polyester shines in this category with excellent durability, making it ideal for heavy use.
Rayon, while soft, is fair in durability and may wear out faster than Tencel or cotton. Linen is good as well, being a strong natural fiber that holds up well over time.
Overall, Tencel stands out for its exceptional softness, excellent breathability, great moisture-wicking properties, and good durability, making it a versatile and desirable fabric choice compared to others.
NoName’s Partnership with Tencel
NoName, a leading clothing manufacturer in India, also uses Tencel in their clothing manufacturing process apart from various other organic and sustainable options. They understand the importance of sustainability in fashion and strive to create high-quality garments that are not only stylish but also eco-friendly. Recognizing the importance of sustainability,
NoName incorporates Tencel into their production to provide consumers with comfortable, durable, and environmentally responsible clothing. By obtaining the relevant certification, such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or GOTS, NoName ensures the quality and sustainability of their Tencel products.
While fashion brands often face challenges in getting Tencel, you can trust NoName to deliver authentic and high-quality garments made with this sustainable fiber. NoName’s commitment to using Tencel demonstrates their dedication to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry and providing consumers with ethical and sustainable clothing choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tencel is a remarkable fabric that stands out for its softness, breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and sustainable production methods. As more consumers seek environmentally friendly options, Tencel is becoming a popular choice for clothing and textiles. If you're looking for high-quality, sustainable clothing, consider products made from Tencel.
For those interested in sustainable fashion, NoName is a top choice as a clothing manufacturer in India. With their commitment to using Tencel, you can feel good about your purchase while enjoying the luxury and comfort of this exceptional fabric. Explore NoName's collection today and embrace a more sustainable wardrobe!
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