Immerse yourself in the soft and natural feel of Tencel fabric from the TLD Apparel brand. The Tencel fibers are created using advanced technology, combining meticulous care and respect for the environment. With its smooth, absorbent, and breathable properties, TLD Apparel’s Tencel products provide absolute comfort and a pleasant sensation throughout the day. Learn about Tencel fabric and explore the diverse fabric collection from TLD Apparel in the article below!

Tencel Fabric

What Is Tencel Fabric?

Tencel fabric, also known as Lyocell, is a type of fabric woven from Tencel fibers. The characteristic feature of this fabric is that it is made from cellulose-rich beechwood pulp. Since the 1970s, Tencel fabric has become popular and widely used.

The production process of Tencel fabric begins with debarking and preprocessing the beechwood and grinding it into pulp. The wood pulp is then spun into fibers. What’s unique is that Tencel fibers are produced from natural raw materials and processed using Nanotechnology, creating a completely natural, safe, and skin-friendly Tencel fabric.

With its natural composition and advanced technology, Tencel fabric not only provides comfort but also ensures sustainability and environmental friendliness. Therefore, it has become a popular choice for consumers and is changing the way we perceive the fashion industry.

How Is Tencel Fabric Produced?

Tencel fabrics use less water and chemicals in the manufacturing process. This makes it safer for the environment. Tencel lyocell undergoes different processes to ensure a soft yet sustainable fabric.

Hardwood chips, such as oak or birch, serve as the primary raw materials for extracting cellulose used in Tencel fabric. These trees are typically cultivated on managed tree farms. Upon arrival at a Tencel production facility, the wood is broken down into small chips and placed into chemical digesters, which soften them into pulp.

Afterward, the pulp is thoroughly washed with water, and in some cases, bleach may be used for sanitation. It is then dried into sheets and rolled into large spools, with each cellulose roll weighing around 500 pounds.

These sheets are then cut into small squares, about one inch in size, and placed in pressurized, heated vats containing amine oxide, the primary solvent used in the lyocell production process. Once dissolved into a clear liquid, the cellulose is filtered and pushed through spinnerets.

As the liquid cellulose is extruded through the spinnerets, it transforms into long, thin fibers. These fibers are then immersed in a diluted amine oxide solution to set before being washed with demineralized water.

The lyocell fibers are then dried, and a lubricant, such as silicone or soap, is applied. At this stage, the fibers are referred to as tow, which consists of bundled strands. These tow bundles are then compressed using a crimper. Afterward, the fibers undergo a carding process, which helps separate and align the strands. Finally, they are cut and prepared for use in various products.

In comparison to rayon, the Tencel production process involves fewer steps and is significantly faster. Additionally, because the amine oxide solvent used in lyocell production can be recovered and reused, the process generates considerably less waste than traditional rayon manufacturing.

Types Of Tencel

Tencel is manufactured in one of two main versions: lyocell and modal. It is also sometimes blended with other materials such as cotton and polyester to balance the characteristics of the different materials. 

Tencel Lyocell

This is the latest generation of rayon, which replaces toxic manufacturing chemicals with a nontoxic solvent. The manufacturing process recaptures 99% of the solvent to use again, making lyocell a more sustainable material. It is primarily made using sustainably grown eucalyptus wood. It is a common choice for Tencel sheet sets.

Tencel Modal

Modal is an update to ordinary rayon that gives the material better strength when wet, even when woven into lightweight fabrics. It is primarily made from beech wood. Notably, the manufacturing process uses a harsher chemical than lyocell, but the resulting fabric is more likely to be machine-washable and shrink-resistant. 

Tencel Blends

Tencel threads are often blended with other materials such as cotton or polyester to help balance the characteristics of the different materials in a single fabric. Because Tencel can be somewhat expensive, blends can be used to achieve a lower overall price point.

Characteristics Of Tencel Fabric

Physical properties

• High moisture absorption: Tencel fabric has excellent moisture absorption ability, promoting breathability and providing a comfortable wearing experience.
• No shrinkage or wrinkling: This fabric does not shrink or wrinkle when washed with detergents.
• Breathable: With its good moisture absorption, Tencel fabric has low dust adherence and offers breathability, ensuring comfort for the wearer.
• High durability and minimal stretching: Products made from Tencel fabric have high durability, and minimal stretching, and retain their shape even after extended use.
• Silky smooth texture: Tencel fabric has a soft and smooth texture, providing a comfortable and pleasant feel for the wearer.

Chemical properties

• Biodegradability in soil: Tencel fabric has good biodegradability in soil without causing adverse effects on the environment.
• Safe solvents: The amino acid solvents used in the production process of Tencel fabric are not harmful to health, allowing for multiple reuses while ensuring quality.
• Effective antibacterial properties: Experiments have shown that bacteria have minimal presence and growth on Tencel fabric compared to other types of fabrics.
• Combination of nature and Nanotechnology: With the combination of natural materials and Nanotechnology, Tencel fabric has the ability to resist fiber aging, improve blood circulation, prevent mold, and provide superior protection against bacterial infection.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Tencel Fabric

Advantages

• Environmentally friendly fabric: Tencel fabric biodegrades in soil, causing no environmental pollution. This material does not use toxic chemicals or harmful solvents. Additionally, the production process of Tencel fabric does not require bleaching agents and allows for reusability.
• Durability: Tencel products are quite durable and are less prone to pilling when compared with cotton. However, that durability is contingent on following the care instructions. Avoid the application of high heat to the material for best results and note that some Tencel lyocell products may require dry-cleaning only.
• Health benefits: With excellent moisture absorption ability, wearing Tencel fabric provides comfort without feeling hot or suffocated like other fabrics.
• Safe for sensitive skin: Tencel fabric is breathable and has high antibacterial properties. This helps minimize the presence of bacteria on the fabric, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
• Diverse and eye-catching colors: Tencel fibers are easy to dye and have high durability, allowing for a wide range of color options. This creates attractive products that grab attention.

With these advantages, it’s no surprise that Tencel fabric is increasingly becoming the top choice in the textile industry and household products.

Disadvantages

The only drawback of Tencel fabric is its higher cost compared to other fabrics such as cotton or polyester. The advanced technology and complex manufacturing process of Tencel fabric result in high-quality products but relatively higher prices.

Conclusion

Tencel Lyocell is a nature-friendly fabric that provides both comfort and durability. It requires less water and chemicals, making it safer for both humans and nature. Tencel fabrics are used in fashion and medicine, home textiles, and non-woven fabrics. With Tencel Lyocell, sustainable and eco-friendly clothing is possible. It can help fashion designers create light and soft summer clothes, and its versatility allows for more flowy and vibrant dresses.