lyocelli

Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber used mainly in textiles. It is produced from dissolving pulp, typically derived from wood sources such as eucalyptus, beech, or spruce, and manufactured through a solvent-spinning process that regenerates cellulose into fibers. The process uses N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) as a non-toxic solvent in a largely closed-loop system, allowing most solvent to be recovered and recycled.

The fiber is marketed under various brands, notably TENCEL, a trademark of Lenzing AG, though generic lyocell fibers are available from multiple producers. The production involves dissolving pulp in NMMO to form a dope, extruding through spinnerets into a precipitation bath, and drawing and drying to form continuous filaments. The solvent recovery system reduces emissions and water use compared with older viscose rayon processes.

Lyocell fibers are soft, smooth, and breathable with strong moisture absorption and good wrinkle resistance. They have high strength, particularly when wet, and are often used for clothing such as dresses, shirts, and underwear, as well as nonwovens, home textiles, and blends with cotton or synthetic fibers.

Environmentally, lyocell is frequently marketed as more sustainable than many alternative fibers due to lower pesticide use for raw materials, reduced water consumption, and the closed-loop solvent system. However sustainability depends on forest management, processing, dyeing, finishing, and end-of-life disposal.