Tencel is the trade name of Lyocell staple fiber. It was introduced by Courtaulds (UK) in 1989 based on Akzo licence.
Tencel is a cellulosic fiber made from wood pulp and is thus 100% biodegradable. Fabrics made from lyocell are absorbent and
comfortable to wear, resembling items made more of cotton than of rayon. It generally has a silk-like touch. Enhanced fabrics have a luxurious touch and feel. Many fabrics are produced to take on a soft peach-skin texture almost resembling sueded silk.
1. Lyocell is produced by "solvent spin" method, namely the wood pulp is physically dissolved and directly returned to fibre form. The solvent used in the process, NMMO is environmental friendly and can be recovered by 98.5%.
2. Unlike rayon, lyocell is strong either wet or dry. Dry lyocell fiber is as tough as polyester fiber; the strength of wet lyocell is 85% that of dry one, still better than rayon.
3. Lyocell is said to be wrinkle resistance as well as abrasion resistant. It can be dyed or printed to create vibrant fabrics. Lyocell has excellent softness and drape when used in weaving a fabric. This helps create comfort without sacrificing a tailoring.
Tencel is a fiber registered by the Courtaulds corporation. Courtaulds must approve any manufacturer that uses Tencel. That approval entitles the user to Tencel hangtags: white hangtag for pure tencel fabrics, and navy blue one for fabrics with 51% or more of tencel.
Characteristics:
Wrinkle resistant
Shrinkage resistant
Soft and silk touch
Excellent perspiration absorption, easy to dry |
