TENCEL: THE NEW GENERATION FIBER
Tencel is a natural cellulose fiber obtained from eucalyptus wood, it has many advantages: feeling of freshness , neutralization of odors, regulation of perspiration, soft and smooth touch.
THE ADVANTAGES OF TENCEL
Tencel is a natural fiber obtained from Eucalyptus wood . We will see that it has many advantages:
- Feeling of freshness
- Neutralizes odors
- Regulates perspiration
- Soft and smooth touch
- Sustainable
- Eco-friendly
HUMIDITY DEGREE
The higher the water content in the heart of a fiber, the more it feels fresh!
As Tencel is hydrophilic , the surface of the fiber remains dry and does not provide any feeling of humidity but a pleasant sensation of freshness.
Tencel also dries very quickly. Due to evaporative cooling during drying, the body is constantly kept at an ideal temperature level, without feeling damp.
REGULATES PERSPIRATION
Tencel fiber has the same working mechanism as merino wool.
It can absorb moisture while remaining dry on the surface . A network of microscopic channels conducts moisture quickly and evenly to the core of the fiber.
CANDY
The surface of the Tencel fiber offers an extremely soft feel. Its smooth and uniform structure makes it particularly stable, resistant to pilling and tearing.
ECO-FRIENDLY
With 6m² of floor space , we can produce a single cotton T-shirt, compared to ten Tencel T-shirts.
At the same time, cotton requires 10 to 20 times more water, often requires the use of pesticides and occupies vast areas that could be used for food crops.
HOW IS TENCEL MADE?
Tencel production is an environmentally friendly, closed-loop production process.
In addition to wood and water, the production of the fiber requires only the use of a solvent.
And the latter can even be recovered almost 100% so that no pollutants harm the environment or remain in the fiber.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TENCEL AND LYOCELL?
Tencel and Lyocell are two textile fibers that are often confused, but there are notable differences between them.
Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, primarily eucalyptus, oak, or birch. It is produced through an environmentally friendly process where the wood pulp is dissolved in a non-toxic organic solvent, amine oxide, and then extruded to form fibers.
Tencel, on the other hand, is actually a brand of Lyocell fibers marketed by the Austrian company Lenzing AG. What sets Tencel apart from other Lyocells is its patented manufacturing process, which ensures high standards of sustainability and environmental impact. Tencel uses a closed-loop system, recovering and reusing almost 100% of the solvent, significantly reducing emissions and water consumption.
BETTER THAN TRADITIONAL COTTON?
Tencel and cotton are two fibers with distinct characteristics, both in terms of production and environmental impact. Tencel uses 80% less water than cotton in its production. In terms of carbon footprint, Tencel produces approximately 1.4 kg of CO₂ per kg of fiber, compared to 2.1 kg for cotton.
Additionally, cotton requires approximately 11,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of fiber, while Tencel uses only 1,500 liters.
BETTER THAN TRADITIONAL COTTON
Tencel and cotton are two fibers with distinct characteristics, both in terms of production and environmental impact. Tencel uses 80% less water than cotton in its production. In terms of carbon footprint, Tencel produces approximately 1.4 kg of CO₂ per kg of fiber, compared to 2.1 kg for cotton.
Additionally, cotton requires approximately 11,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of fiber, while Tencel uses only 1,500 liters.
WHAT ARE ITS DISADVANTAGES?
First, the production cost of Tencel is relatively high, making this material less accessible than fibers like conventional cotton.
Moreover, its manufacturing process is not without criticism. Some concerns remain about the use of chemical solvents, even though they are largely recycled in a closed-loop system.
These drawbacks, although minor compared to the many benefits of Tencel, must be taken into account when choosing materials for sustainable clothing.
