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Everything You Need to Know About Tencel Fabric

Mary Anthony
For the fashion-conscious, eco-friendly, and on-the-go consumers, this wonder fabric is proving to be a boon. This story gives more information on the revolutionary 21st century man-made Tencel fabric and its various uses and benefits that you need to know.
Eco-Denim through Tencel!
Lenzing, the makers of Tencel and INVISTA, the owner of the COOLMAX® brand, have announced a second innovative collaboration in denim - that is COOLMAX® fabric blended with TENCEL® fiber. This revolutionary denim promises to deliver soft and durable fabrics keeping in mind the fashion-conscious female consumers.
Tencel is also known as Lyocell, and is a modern-day, man-made fabric made from the aromatic pulp of eucalyptus wood. Eucalyptus trees grow in abundance and quickly as well, hence, they are cultivated in special farms under the certification of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The overall production of Tencel fabric is more as compared to the cotton fabric and being eco-friendly makes it the most preferred fabric of the 21st century. TENCEL® is the brand and trademark that is owned by Lenzing Fibers located in Austria.
About Lyocell
• Tencel is the brand name for a type of Lyocell. Lyocell is the generic term for a fiber which is man-made and eco-friendly. It is made out of the cellulose obtained from wood pulp (cellulose is a natural polymer obtained from all vegetative living cells).
  • The process used to make the fabric is called 'closed loop' solvent spinning process. It starts by turning the wood chips into thick, paper-like material. This material is then cut up and broken down into small pieces and chemically dissolved forming a cellulose slurry which is then extruded through a device with many tiny holes in it.
  • Lyocell then comes out as long thin fibers which are subjected to further chemical processes followed by washing and drying process before being compressed. At this stage, the Lyocell fibers can be spun, and then, either used alone, or blended with other fibers, to make a yarn.
  • This process does not require bleach which is commonly used in the production of other fabrics; thus, the production plant emissions are significantly lower in comparison to many other man-made fiber operations.
  • This fabric is strong and long-lasting. It can be, and often is, blended with other fibers including: wool, cotton, silk and other more durable man-made fibers. It is biodegradable, and can be recycled again and again.
  • This process is recognized and awarded the Environmental Award 2000 by The European Union in the category "Technology for Sustainable Developments".
Advantages
  • Eco-Friendly: As it is obtained from natural cellulose found in wood pulp, it is economical and abundantly available in natural resources. It is also fully biodegradable.
  • Dyed into any desirable Color:Tencel fabric is color-friendly and can be dyed in various colors because of its high absorbency level.
  • Moisture Resistant: This eco-friendly fabric has natural breathability, and moisture absorption level of 50% which is more than cotton.
  • Anti-Bacterial: Due to its moisture resistant nature it is also anti-bacterial.
  • Soft Feel: Tencel has an extremely smooth, soft surface that drapes beautifully to flatter every figure.
  • Great for Sensitive Skin: Tencel's smooth fiber surface feels soft and supple against the skin and keeps the skin dry.
  • Versatility: This eco-fabric has controllable fibrillation (the very fine hair found on the outer fibers) which can be manipulated into everything from suede-like softness to a silky smooth finish.
  • Durability: It can hold up a beating in a wet and dry state and is wrinkle-free.
Tips to Take Care of Tencel Fabric
  • Tencel has a tendency of shrinking say about 3% with the first washing but it does not shrink beyond that. Hand-wash the fabric gently in cold water with mild detergent and dip dry.
  • For machine-wash read the garment care label carefully for instructions. Generally a gentle spin with mild detergent is ideal.
  • Ironing the fabric is unnecessary, if you feel like ironing, then only warm iron it, as too much heat will scald it.
Dry clean the garments if the care label says so. It's because other fabrics have been blended with Tencel. (for e.g. Linen)
Touted as a figure-enhancing fabric in the fashion world, Tencel is known for its "drape". It compliments one's figure. The style and feel of this fabric is expensive and sophisticated. It also symbolizes a new beginning in the development of environmentally sustainable textiles.