The Life & Times of TENCEL™

If you’ve browsed our selection of sheets and duvet covers, chances are you’ve come across the brand TENCEL™! You may have read our bedding with TENCEL™ branded fibers is supremely soft, sustainable, and excels at regulating temperature. But if you’ve never encountered this fiber before, you may also be wondering, what is it exactly? And what makes it so special? Read on to find out!

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What is TENCEL™?

First thing’s first, TENCEL™ is actually a brand name, not a fabric itself!

It refers to a range of sustainable fibers produced by the Austrian textile company, Lenzing AG. So there’s a big difference between a fabric labelled just “lyocell” or “modal” and a fabric labelled TENCEL™ Lyocell or TENCEL™ Modal. The difference? Quality and sustainability.

To carry the TENCEL™ brand, at least 30% of a fabric’s fibers must be made by Lenzing. As a leader in eco-friendly textiles, Lenzing produces top quality fibers that are sustainable from forest to fabric. Here’s how:

How TENCEL™ Fibers Set a New Standard of Sustainability

Sourced From Renewable Raw Material

TENCEL™ fibers are made out of cellulose from renewable wood sources. Specifically, TENCEL™ Lyocell is mainly made from eucalyptus trees, while TENCEL™ Modal is made from beech trees. These trees are sustainably grown and harvested from European forest based on criteria laid out by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Made Using Eco-Friendly Processes

Next step, the eucalyptus and beech trees are chopped into wood chips. These wood chips are soaked in an organic, non-toxic solvent to break them down into pulp. Then, the pulp is ejected under high pressure through tiny holes to produce fibers. Finally, these fibers are woven into fabric like TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal.

Sustainable Production of TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal

TENCEL™ Lyocell

TENCEL™ Lyocell is well-known for its award-winning closed loop production process. “Closed loop” means the water and organic solvent used to make these fibers is recycled and fed back into production. In fact, the solvent is recovered at a rate of over 99%!

TENCEL™ Modal

TENCEL™ Modal is also made using processes that minimize waste and recover chemicals at a high rate. Specifically, sodium sulfate, a compound generated during production, is recycled and used in household products, like detergent and glass.

The Unique Benefits of TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal Fibers

TENCEL™ fibers excel at regulating body temperature, as their hollow structure allows them to wick away excess moisture & enhances breathability — keeping you cool & dry no matter the climate.

Cool & Comfortable All Night Long

Under an electron microscope, TENCEL™ fibers show off a sleek surface! This makes for a luxuriously soft fabric with a silky smooth hand feel.

Exquisitely Soft
& Smooth

Bacteria love moisture, so by wicking it away, TENCEL™ fibers create an unfavourable environment for bacterial growth! With TENCEL™, your bedding stays fresh and clean for longer!

Long-Lasting
Freshness

TENCEL™ fibers love colour dyes! Thanks to their smooth exterior & hollow interior, they excel at taking up & retaining dye, keeping your bedding’s brilliance & lustre wash after wash.

Vibrant Colour
Retention

The longer the fiber, the stronger the material. That means TENCEL™ fibers are incredibly strong as a result of being so long & silky!

Strong, Durable
& Long-Lasting

Hypoallergenic & supremely gentle on skin, TENCEL™ Lyocell & TENCEL™ Modal are ideal for those with sensitivities, allergies, or anyone seeking a comfortable sleep environment.

Skin & Sensitivity-Friendly