In recent years, awareness of sustainability and environmental protection has grown significantly in many industries. The textile industry has also undergone a transformation , with more and more companies turning to environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes. One notable product that stands out in this context is Tencel . In this blog post, we take a closer look at Tencel and the fascinating production of this sustainable material.
What is Tencel?
Tencel is a fiber derived from the raw material wood. Tencel is a brand of Lenzing AG and includes fibers such as Lyocell and Modal, which are produced using different processes. The main source of Tencel is beech or eucalyptus wood, which comes from sustainably managed forests. Tencel is often referred to as a "botanical fabric" because it is made from natural cellulose fibers and is biodegradable. These properties make it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic fibers.
Production of Tencel:
The Tencel manufacturing process is extremely innovative and environmentally friendly. It begins with the selection of certified wood sources. The wood is shredded into small wood chips and dissolved into pulp in a chemical process. This pulp solution is then forced through fine nozzles to form fine fibers, which are processed into a nonwoven fabric. The fibers are then washed to remove impurities and treated in a solvent bath to stabilize the fibers. Finally, the fibers are spun into threads and woven into Tencel yarns.
Environmentally friendly advantages of Tencel:
Tencel offers a variety of environmental benefits that make it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers and companies. First, Tencel production requires significantly less water than conventional fibers like cotton or polyester. This aspect is especially important given the global water crisis. Second, the solvent used in the manufacturing process is almost entirely reused, resulting in a significant reduction in wastewater. Furthermore, Tencel fiber leaves no microplastic residue, making it very environmentally friendly compared to synthetic fibers.
Properties of Tencel:
Tencel offers not only environmental benefits but also a number of functional advantages. The fiber is pleasantly soft, breathable, and odorless. It's also particularly durable and easy to care for.
Advantages at a glance:
soft on the skin | breathable | odorless | durable | easy-care
Conclusion:
Tencel is undoubtedly a remarkable material that has revolutionized the textile industry. Its environmentally friendly production from sustainably sourced wood and its numerous positive properties make it a preferred choice for sustainable sportswear. As consumers, we have the opportunity to do our part to contribute to the change – away from plastic and toward natural materials.