Tencel is an interesting fiber. Actually Tencel is one brand name of the fiber which is actually called Lyocell. I couldn’t find a discovery or creation date for this fiber but I did find out that Lyocell was was first manufactured in 1987 by Courtaulds Fibres UK.
Quick Note: I realized really quickly that some people mix up viscose and lyocell as they are both marketed as rayon. The processes to make these fibers do differ even though they both come from wood pulp. They do have slightly different properties as well.
My Tencel Top bought from Purple Fleece.
OK so what is it made of(I asked myself)? It is bleached wood pulp.
Lyocell is created through a process called solvent spinning. The wood pulp is dissolved in N-methylmorpholine N-oxide, creating a solution called “dope,” which is then pushed through a spinneret to form the individual fibers. After the dope has been spun into lyocell fibers, the fibers are washed and the chemicals retrieved from the water are purified and recycled. (Kadolph, Sara, and Anna Langford. Textiles:Ninth Edition.Prentice Hall. 2002.) Since there is little waste product, this process is relatively eco-friendly. However, it uses a substantial amount of energy, and uses an organic solvent of petrochemical origin.
Products made from lyocell can be recycled, incinerated, or digested in sewage. The fiber will usually degrade completely in just eight days in waste treatment plants.
While production of lyocell fibers is generally eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable, it doesn’t always accept dyes well, and it has a tendency to “pill”. The chemicals used to overcome these issues can be quite harsh and are usually the same chemicals used in the conventional garment industry.
I have to say I’m a bit suprised lyocell isn’t as eco-friendly as I first thought. Still I guess using a small bit of petrochemical and harsh dyes etc. is better than starting with a petrochemical product.
PS. My Poncho is coming along.
PPS. Next Tuesday the next installment of “From Llama to Scarf/Shawl” will be posted. Sign up for our newsletter to gain access.
Tags: animal rescue, animals rescue maine, spinning tencel, tencel spinning fiber, vegan spinning fiber, vegan spinning wool, vegetarian spinning fibers
