Creating The Fiber

The process of creating lyocell fibers can be divided into several distinct steps. First, wood pulp is dissolved in NMMO by being heated, which forms a sludge-like solution called “dope.” A solvent spinning technique then pushes the dope through a spinneret (showerhead-like holes) where the fiber is transformed from a liquid into an insoluble solid. Lyocell fibers are then processed in water washes, lubricant finishings, and procedures that remove static. Due to its cellulose composition and chemically intensive manufacturing process, lyocell is considered a semisynthetic fiber. In addition, since lyocell is a fabric formed from cellulose converted into a chemical compound, it is a type of rayon, but is far less harmful for the environment.

The Benefits of Lyocell fiber

Lyocell fibers offer benefits both valuable to the environment and the consumer.

Lyocell is highly absorbent (50% more so than cotton). The fiber’s capability to absorb and quickly release liquids allows it to regulate the body temperature and maintain the water balance of its wearer. Since lyocell absorbs moisture within the fiber rather than on its surface, it is antibacterial and odor free. This trait ultimately requires less washes and therefore less water.

Additionally, lyocell is extremely versatile. Due to its lightweight, smooth and breathable nature, the fibers can be arranged in various shapes to resemble both the appearance and feel of drastically different fabrics like silk or suede.

Lastly and most importantly, lyocell is astronomically environmentally friendly in comparison to other fibers. Lyocells raw materials primarily consist of eucalyptus (although it is sometimes from other wood cellulose) which is derived from well-managed forests without depleting this valuable resource. In addition, production of lyocell creates no harmful chemical byproducts, something that other rayons are infamous for. Lyocell is biodegradable and requires no insecticides of pesticides to grow its wood. Furthermore, eucalyptus grows on arid land, which many other crops are incapable of surviving on.