Home / Natural fibers / TENCEL Lyocell
TENCEL Lyocell
Wood-based fiber, not a natural fiber. Lyocell comes from wood pulp, not petroleum, but it is chemically processed.
TENCEL Lyocell is a wood-based fiber made by dissolving wood pulp in a closed-loop solvent process. It is not made from petroleum, but it is chemically processed and is not a natural fiber.
Where it comes from
TENCEL is a brand name owned by Lenzing AG, an Austrian company. The fiber is produced from sustainably sourced wood pulp — primarily eucalyptus, beech, and spruce — using a solvent-spinning process that recaptures 99% of solvents for reuse.
Properties
Soft
TENCEL has a smooth surface similar to silk, soft against skin.
Moisture-wicking
TENCEL absorbs moisture efficiently and releases it quickly, keeping skin dry.
Breathable
The fiber structure allows good airflow.
Closed-loop production
The manufacturing process recaptures solvents rather than releasing them, reducing environmental impact compared to conventional viscose.
Microplastics
TENCEL Lyocell does not contain synthetic polymers derived from petroleum. However, because it is chemically processed, the fiber breakdown profile differs from purely natural fibers. It is not classified as synthetic.
Certifications to look for
OEKO-TEX Standard 100FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)EU Ecolabel
TENCEL Lyocell brands in the directory
Fibers and certifications as published by each brand.