Lyocell Fabric: Discovering the Versatility and Eco-Friendly Qualities

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Lyocell Fabric

Lyocell is a type of rayon fabric that was first developed in the 1990s as a more sustainable alternative to viscose rayon. Unlike viscose, which is produced using toxic chemicals like carbon disulfide, lyocell is made from pulp using a closed-loop production process that results in less environmental impact.

The raw material used is usually wood pulp from sustainable sources like farms and managed forests. The pulp is dissolved and extruded through a special spinneret process into a coagulating bath where it solidifies into fibers. Any chemicals used like organic solvents are recycled and reused multiple times before being recovered, minimizing waste. This gives cellulosic fibre a significantly lower environmental footprint than viscose.

Properties and Uses of Lyocell Fabric

One of the major advantages of lyocell is that it has properties similar to cotton but is more durable and low maintenance. The fabric is soft, breathable and highly absorbent. It dries quickly and has a natural sheen and drape. Lyocell Fabric are also finer than cotton which makes fabrics feel smooth.

Because of its desirable texture and moisture handling, lyocell has found widespread use in apparel. It is commonly used for t-shirts, underwear, dresses and activewear. The fabric is lightweight, quick drying andodor resistant, making it suitable for sports and outdoor apparel. Some high-end brands also use lyocell to make linens, lounge pants and lounge shirts.

Lyocell's Green Credentials and Certifications

Being more eco-friendly than viscose, lyocell has received multiple certifications that acknowledge its sustainable manufacturing process. The fabric is rated Silver by STEPCI, the sustainable textile production standard. It has an OKO-TEX Standard 100 certificate confirming absence of harmful substances.

Lyocell production also uses fewer chemicals and energy compared to cotton. Emissions and solid waste generated are much lower. The closed-loop process recycles solvents up to 99% which minimizes land, water and air pollution. Many lyocell suppliers have received certifications like EU Ecolabel, GOTS, FSC Mix and Oeko-Tex for their green production practices.

Performance Qualities of Cellulosic fibre

In addition to its eco attributes, lyocell performs very well across different parameters:

Absorbency: Lyocell can absorb up to 3-4 times its weight in moisture and dries faster than cotton. This makes it especially suitable for activewear.

Breathability: Being highly breathable, lyocell keeps skin cool and dry even during strenuous activity by allowing evaporation of sweat.

Shape retention: Lyocell resists wrinkling better than cotton and regains its shape after washing for a neat look.

Durability: The lyocell fibers are very strong yet delicate. Garments last longer and maintain quality after multiple washes.

Stretchability: Lyocell has some natural stretch and soft drape. This enhances comfort and fit for apparel.

Hypoallergenic: Being spun from wood, lyocell is naturally hypoallergenic. It is skin-friendly and less likely to cause irritation.

Sustainability Issues around Lyocell

While lyocell is usually considered eco-friendly, some issues still need addressing to make the fabric completely sustainable:

- The closed-loop solvent recovery system is energy intensive. More efficient manufacturing technologies can help reduce the carbon footprint.

- Large-scale lyocell production puts pressure on wood pulp suppliers. Sourcing from well-managed forests is important to preserve biodiversity.

- Microplastics released during laundering of lyocell clothes can pollute waterways over long term usage. Solutions are needed to eliminate microfiber pollution.

- More traceability is required in the supply chain to ensure wood pulp comes from responsibly managed sources without deforestation or social issues.

With ongoing research and responsible production practices, lyocell has the potential to become one of the most sustainable fabric choices. As awareness grows, its use will likely increase across various applications.

Get more insights on Lyocell Fabric

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

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