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lyocell.

Developed in 1972, lyocell is a manufactured, natural polymer, semi-synthetic cellulose fiber and is a form of viscose, although differing in its production. Lyocell’s production is more efficient and ultimately produces less waste than viscose production. Lyocell is manufactured by making pulp consisting of wood. The amine oxide used to make this fabric can be recovered, therefore making lyocell’s production a circular manufacturing system.

Lyocell is manufactured by making pulp consisting of wood and a cocktail of chemicals – of which are unknown. The cellulose that emerges from this process is dissolved in an organic solvent. The mass is then pressed into a spinning bath after filtering. In this bath, the fibers precipitate and are then washed, bleached if necessary, and dried. Lyocell’s processing is high on energy and depending on its cellulosic material it is also high on water usage.

Officially communicated information on lyocell’s production is that it has less of a negative impact on workers because no toxic solvent is used as it is also biodegradable. Presently, it is unsure if lyocell is compostable. Lyocell production is still a very intransparent process making assurance of its sustainability very difficult. Consequently making this fiber not necessarily sustainable. Ultimately, lyocell’s sustainability depends on the production facility’s practice. Furthermore, lyocell production contributes to the deforestation of already endangered forests but – if processed correctly – does not introduce any toxins into the environment.

Conclusively, due to its intransparent manufacturing process, I am unsure if it is indeed compostable. The best end of life solution is to recycle it.

+ PROS

what it gives.

  • smooth and soft to the touch
  • is durable
  • is breathable
  • has high water absorption
  • takes on dyes well
  • drapes well
  • high density
  • is anti-bacterial

− CONS

what it asks.

  • is wrinkle prone

ADVICE

what to look for.

Go for FSC-certified fabrics. I personally struggle with my opinion of lyocell’s sustainability. I feel the production process is very intransparent, which gives me a reason to believe it wouldn’t have to be if it was made sustainably. That is why there is no lyocell fabric on this website and I recommend using a natural fabric.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

where this comes from.

https://materialarchiv.ch/en?type=all&q=Lyocell

https://www.textileschool.com/9977/properties-of-regenerated-cellulosic-fibers-modal-lyocell/

https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/lyocell-fabric

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