What is lyocell and how is it made?

Lyocell is a type of regenerated cellulose fiber made by dissolving wood pulp in a non-toxic organic solvent called NMMO (N-methylmorpholine N-oxide). The dissolved cellulose is extruded through spinnerets to form fibers, and the solvent is recovered and reused at a rate exceeding 99%. This closed-loop manufacturing process is what sets lyocell apart from older regenerated fibers like viscose rayon, which uses hazardous chemicals and discharges pollutants.

The wood pulp used for lyocell typically comes from fast-growing eucalyptus, beech, or spruce trees harvested from certified managed forests. Eucalyptus is especially favored because it grows quickly, requires no irrigation, and does not need pesticides. The resulting fiber is strong both wet and dry, naturally smooth at the microscopic level, and highly absorbent.

While Tencel is the most recognized lyocell brand, lyocell itself is a generic fiber classification. Other manufacturers produce lyocell fibers, but Lenzing's Tencel line is the most widely used in sustainable fashion due to its rigorous environmental certifications. At ONDU, virtually all the lyocell products we feature use Tencel-branded lyocell from Lenzing.