About Lyocell (TENCEL)
Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fibre (cellulose-regenerate fibre) produced from wood pulp using a direct-solvent process. The process was developed by Courtaulds in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s, with first commercial production in 1992. In 2000, Austrian Lenzing AG acquired the technology and now markets it globally under the brands TENCEL Lyocell and TENCEL Modal. The solvent (NMMO) is recovered in a closed loop at over 99 % efficiency.
Facts:
- Invented: 1980s by Courtaulds (UK); commercial production from 1992; TENCEL brand since 2000 (Lenzing)
- Raw material: wood pulp from FSC-/PEFC-certified eucalyptus, beech, birch
- Manufacturing process: direct dissolution in NMMO (N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide) in a closed loop, ≥99 % solvent recovery
- Properties: very soft, highly absorbent (50 % more than cotton), antibacterial, biodegradable
- Certifications: FSC, PEFC, EU Ecolabel, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Wikipedia: Lyocell (en.wikipedia.org)
- Manufacturer reference: Lenzing AG (TENCEL) · TENCEL brand site
- Certifying bodies: FSC International · EU Ecolabel
What is Lyocell / TENCEL?
Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fibre obtained from sustainably managed wood (typically eucalyptus from plantations in South Africa, Brazil or Spain). The production process was developed in the 1970s and industrially perfected since the 1990s by Austrian-based Lenzing AG.
TENCEL is Lenzing AG's brand name for Lyocell fibres. Today synonymous with the highest-quality Lyocell variant on the market.
The key production difference vs. viscose:
- Viscose: open solvent process with carbon disulfide (toxic, environmentally damaging)
- Lyocell/TENCEL: closed loop with NMMO solvent, 99.5 % recovered and reused. Virtually no environmental impact from the solvent.
This makes Lyocell the most sustainable cellulose-based fibre on the market.
Properties — What Sets Lyocell Apart
- Exceptionally soft hand-feel — softer than most cotton single-jersey fabrics, especially after multiple washes
- Very high breathability — Lyocell fibres have micro-cavities that absorb and release moisture
- Antibacterial — bacteria adhere less to Lyocell than cotton (less odour build-up)
- Wrinkle-resistant — significantly less than pure cotton
- High colour fastness — fibre absorbs dyes homogeneously, brilliant print results
- Biologically degradable — composts in 6-12 weeks under industrial conditions
- High tear resistance — comparable to polyester, much higher than pure cotton
- Smooth surface — feels silky, often called "plant silk"
Downsides:
- Higher price than standard cotton (typically 30-60 % surcharge)
- Limited availability — not every brand carries Lyocell models, fewer colours than cotton
- Special care — wash cool, no hot dryer
Lyocell Models at ShirtStore
We carry Lyocell models in the premium lines:
Stanley/Stella Sparker Lyocell Blend
Certain Stanley/Stella models use blended fibres from organic cotton + Lyocell for improved hand-feel and breathability. Classic examples are the Sparker long-sleeve models and some hoodie variants.
Continental Clothing Earth-Positive with Lyocell
Continental's Earth-Positive premium models partly use organic cotton + Lyocell for CO2-reduced, premium-soft T-shirts. Suited for eco-premium brand drops.
Premium Hoodie Blends
Some premium hoodies (typically 60-70 % organic cotton + 30-40 % Lyocell) deliver the softest hoodie hand-feel on the market — popular with fashion labels and eco-premium brands.
Note: 100 % Lyocell T-shirts are rare in the B2B finishing industry — typically blends are used because pure Lyocell is expensive and harder to process.
Which Finishing Method Suits Lyocell?
Lyocell has a smooth, fine surface — making it the best foundation for photo printing on the market:
- Digital Print (DTG) — the best choice. Photo quality on Lyocell is exceptionally brilliant, gradients and fine details sit very clearly.
- DTF printing — works very well, also on dark Lyocell hoodies.
- Embroidery — possible, but on fine pure Lyocell T-shirts the fabric can pull slightly through the thread. On blend hoodies no issue.
- Screen printing — works but economical from 50 pieces. Inks adhere well.
Related Material Topics
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ShirtStore supplies Lyocell and TENCEL textiles for premium eco fashion labels and brands with sustainability claims. Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fibre from sustainably grown eucalyptus, produced in a closed solvent loop with over 99 % solvent reuse — marketed by Austrian Lenzing AG as TENCEL Lyocell. Properties include exceptionally soft hand-feel, high breathability through micro-cavities, antibacterial qualities with reduced odour build-up, wrinkle-resistance, biodegradability in 6-12 weeks. At ShirtStore find Lyocell models in the premium lines of Stanley/Stella (Sparker Lyocell blend long-sleeves) and Continental Earth-Positive (organic cotton + Lyocell blends for premium-soft fashion-label drops). Finishing recommendation: Digital Print (DTG) — Lyocell has the smoothest cellulose surface and is the best DTG foundation on the B2B market for photo motifs, gradients and fine details. Care at 30 °C, no hot dryer, no bleach. Surcharge vs. standard cotton typically 30-60 %, premium-blend hoodies (60-70 % organic cotton + 30-40 % Lyocell) are the softest B2B hoodie collection on the market — popular with fashion labels with sustainability claim. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, ideal for allergy sufferers and sensitive skin.
Further Reading
- Lyocell — Wikipedia — process, history and properties
- Lenzing AG / TENCEL — manufacturer and patent holder of the TENCEL Lyocell fibre
- FSC International — certification of sustainably managed wood sources for Lyocell pulp
