Lyocell is a type of rayon fabric that is manufactured from wood pulp using a solvent spinning process called "closed-loop." During manufacturing, the solvent, normally N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO), is recycled for reuse instead of being disposed as waste. This makes lyocell production more environmentally sustainable compared to other regenerated cellulosic fibers like rayon.
Properties of Lyocell Fiber
Lyocell fibers are made from the cellulose in wood pulp or bamboo. Some key properties of lyocell fibers include:
- Soft and Breathable: Lyocell Fabric has a soft, silky feel similar to cotton. It is highly breathable and moisture-wicking, making it comfortable to wear.
- Absorbent: Lyocell fiber is highly absorbent and can hold up to 35% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. This makes it suitable for fabric in clothing, towels, etc.
- Durable: Despite its softness, lyocell fiber has good strength and durability. It is durable for regular laundry and maintains its shape well after washing.
- Biodegradable: Being made of cellulose, lyocell is completely biodegradable and breaks down quickly without harming the environment.
- Environmental Credentials: The closed-loop production process involving solvent recycling makes lyocell production more eco-friendly compared to other man-made fibers.
Varieties and Grades of Lyocell Fiber
Depending on the source of cellulose used and manufacturing process parameters, lyocell fibers can be produced in different varieties and grades for specific textile applications:
- Tencel: This was the first commercial lyocell brand launched by Courtaulds in 1990s. It is known for its exceptional softness and moisture handling properties.
- Lyocell: A generic type of lyocell made from wood pulp cellulose using the closed-loop solvent spinning process. It provides good absorbency, drape and comfort.
- Bamboo Lyocell: Made from bamboo pulp, it has similar properties to wood-based lyocell but is considered more sustainable due to faster growth of bamboo plants.
- Improved Lyocell: Newer production methods yield varieties with enhanced elasticity, smoothness, durability and easy-care properties over conventional lyocell.
- Specialty Lyocell: Grades treated with finishes provide functions like wrinkle-resistance, moisture-wicking, thermo-regulation, UV protection, etc. making them suitable for activewear and outdoor apparel.

Applications of Lyocell Fabric
Due to its breathability, moisture management and eco-friendly credentials, lyocell fabric is increasingly used in many apparel and textile products:
- Innerwear and Socks: Lyocell keeps skin dry and comfortable, making it ideal for innerwear like thermals, underwear and athletic socks.
- Activewear: Its absorbency and quick-drying ability make lyocell great for moisture-wicking sports shirts, leggings, swimwear and other active clothing.
- Bed Linens: The soft, luxurious feel and moisture-wicking power of lyocell is perfect for high-quality bed sheets and towels.
- Fashion Apparel: Garments made from lyocell suit seasonal styles due to its breathability and drape while maintaining shape and durability through washes.
- Medical Textiles: Lyocell's absorbency, strength and biodegradability qualify it for uses like surgical gowns, patient clothing and wound dressings.
- Home Furnishings: Upholstery, curtains and wall coverings using lyocell stay wrinkle-free, pleasant to touch and resist allergens/odors.
Advantages of Using Lyocell in Textiles
The growing use of lyocell fiber in apparel and home textiles can be attributed to numerous environmental and performance advantages:
- Eco-friendly Production: Closed-loop production has less environmental impact than conventional rayon or other synthetic fibers.
- Biodegradability: Lyocell breaks down quickly in soil without harming the environment at end-of-use.
- Absorbency: It manages moisture well, keeping the wearer dry while wicking away sweat.
- Breathability: The fabric is highly breathable and allows easy evaporation of moisture.
- Softness: Lyocell imitates cotton/silk in texture andHANDLEGING SKIN WELL.
- Durability: Surpasses cotton and is long-lasting despite increased laundry and abrasion.
- Wrinkle-Resistance: Retains its shape and bounce back fast even after prolonged wearing or handling.
With increased environmental awareness, lyocell fabric use will likely grow in the textile industry and marketplace due to the above advantages over other natural and synthetic fibers. Its manufacturing also supports sustainable forestry practices through pulp sourcing.