TENCEL - A New Kind Of Fabric

The world can no longer sustain fast fashion. We cannot continue to throw away clothes made of plastics like polyester, nylon, acrylics, and other petroleum-based materials. These textiles produce too many greenhouse gas emissions, and these fabrics break down into microplastics that pollute our planet and harm our health. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

One company is on a mission to change the fabrics used in our clothes and accessories. Say hello to TENCEL.

Sustainable Fashion with TENCEL™: The Future of Eco-Friendly Fabrics

TENCEL has pioneered two fibers sourced from sustainably farmed wood called Lyocell and Modal. These natural fibers are an alternative to traditional fabrics but are created with more sustainable practices than conventional textile production. The result is a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable fabric for fashion.

What Makes TENCEL™ Special?

TENCEL fibers are made from wood pulp, a natural and renewable resource the company receives from responsibly managed forests. This ensures that the trees used to create the fabric aren’t being depleted in areas considered valuable conservation areas, and the forests are managed to ensure a healthy ecosystem. The company follows strict guidelines when it sources its wood to ensure future generations don’t shoulder the burden of deforestation.  

TENCEL™'s Commitment to Climate Action

The company behind the creation of TENCEL, Lenzing, was the first producer of cellulosic fiber (a fancy way of saying plant-based fibers) to set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s targets align with the global push to limit climate change and ensure that industries, including textiles, contribute to a sustainable future. To do this, the company completed five necessary steps:

1. Carbon Footprint Assessment:
   To reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, the company first had to measure its current emissions. Lenzig did this by calculating all emissions from a cradle-to-customer assessment. This way, they ensured that every stage of their process, from raw materials to final transportation, was measured.  

2. Reduction Targets:
   Next, Lenzing committed to reducing their emissions by 25-42% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions across their production by 2050. These targets have been scientifically verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), proving Lenzing's dedication to addressing climate change.

3. Sustainable Production Practices:
   In order to achieve their climate goals, TENCEL™ fibers are produced with renewable electricity. They have also optimized raw material sourcing, further reducing the carbon impact of manufacturing.

4. Carbon Offset Projects:
   For the unavoidable emissions that their production chain produces, TENCEL offsets through certified climate projects. These projects are thoroughly audited by independent third parties to ensure transparency. Lenzig is committed to helping the world achieve net-zero emissions.

5. Transparency:
   Lastly, TENCEL publishes its climate efforts through Climate-ID pages, allowing consumers and brands to track the impact of their purchases.  

Authenticity and Traceability

The world is growing more complex, and with so many steps in the supply chain, from the procurement of raw materials to the shipment methods in which final products are delivered, it’s difficult to know how much of an impact brands are really making.

TENCEL has taken steps to trace every element of their production. They do this by making their fibers traceable with technology that can identify their specific fibers throughout the entire production process. This allows brands and retailers to confidently guarantee the product they are promising, and protect consumers from counterfeit products.

Biodegradability and Compostability

Even after production TENCEL™ fibers are reducing textile waste. These fibers are certified biodegradable and compostable, meaning they can break down in soil, freshwater, and marine environments, unlike synthetic fibers that persist for years and contribute to microplastic pollution. When combined with compatible dyes and finishes, TENCEL™ fibers return to nature, offering an eco-friendly solution to the growing waste problem in fashion.

However it’s important to note that the fabrics would still need to break down under compostable conditions. This is different than just being sent to the landfill. However, TENCEL’s fibers are certified as USDA Biobased Products and are 100% biobased. No plastics. Ever.

Responsibly Sourced Wood

The wood used for TENCEL™ fibers is sourced from forests that are managed according to strict sustainability standards. This includes certifications such as FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).

These certifications ensure responsible forest management and prevent the loss of vital ecosystems by using regenerative farming practices.

Lenzing has been recognized for preserving ancient and endangered forests and is listed among the top-performing companies in Canopy’s Hot Button Report for 2023. This report acknowledges and ranks companies in the fashion and textile industries based on their practices for sustainable and responsibly managed wood.

Reduced Water Consumption

Traditional textile production of fabrics like cotton can use thousands of gallons of water, but TENCEL’s fibers utilize a closed-loop process, which allows for up to 50% less water to be used during production.  

A Sustainable Future for Fashion

As sustainability becomes a core value in the fashion industry, TENCEL™ leads the way in demonstrating that eco-friendly materials can be both high-performing and luxurious. From responsible sourcing and production processes to its traceable fibers and biodegradability, TENCEL™ is setting new standards for environmentally conscious textiles. By choosing TENCEL™ fibers, consumers can feel confident that they are supporting a brand that prioritizes sustainability, comfort, and style.

With TENCEL™, the future of fashion is not only stylish—it’s also sustainable.