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Hello! This is Kimura from the ApparelX Sustainable Team.
Are you familiar with "cellulose fiber"?
In recent years, with the growing attention on sustainable materials, more and more brands are adopting cellulose fibers such as Tencel™, Modal, and Ecovero™.
You may have heard of it in relation to SDGs, but many of you may have questions such as "What is cellulose fiber?" and "Why is it considered environmentally friendly?"
This time, we will introduce the characteristics and types of "cellulose fiber" and the reasons why it is attracting attention as a sustainable material!
Cellulose fibers are fibers made from cellulose, a natural component found in the cell walls of plants. Because they are made using plant resources such as wood pulp and cotton, they are characterized by the use of renewable resources compared to petroleum-derived synthetic fibers. Cellulose fibers can be broadly divided into two types: "natural cellulose fibers" and "regenerated cellulose fibers."
| kinds | Examples of main materials | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Natural cellulose fiber | Cotton, linen, etc. | Extracting fibers directly from plants |
| Regenerated cellulose fiber | Rayon, Tencel™, Modal, Seacell, etc. | Eco-friendly fiber made from respun plant pulp. |
In particular, the latter, regenerated cellulose fiber, is attracting attention as a "modern sustainable material" that combines the best of both natural and synthetic fibers, thanks to its enhanced softness, drape, and luster achieved through technological reprocessing.
Raw materials are renewable plant resources such as wood and cotton. Unlike petroleum-based fibers, which rely on limited resources, sustainable supply is possible.
In addition, products such as TENCEL™ (Lyocell) use wood from FSC® certified forests. Through responsible forest management, we also contribute to ecosystem conservation.
: Regenerated cellulose fibers have evolved significantly in recent years thanks to the "closed-loop production system."
By recycling more than 99% of solvents and water, it has become possible to reduce harmful wastewater to almost zero.
♾️What is closed-loop production?
The production of regenerated cellulose fibers requires solvents to dissolve wood pulp. In conventional rayon production, these solvents and wastewater sometimes caused environmental pollution.
This is where the "Closed-Loop Production" system comes in. ▷ To put it simply... it's a production method that almost completely recovers and reuses the solvents and water used. In other words, it's a manufacturing process that "doesn't throw away what's used, but recycles it" = near zero emissions. Lenzing, the manufacturer of TENCEL™ (Lyocell), has achieved a solvent reuse rate of over 99%, and production is carried out with almost no waste or hazardous wastewater.
cellulose fibers are made from biodegradable materials, they return to the soil after disposal and do not generate microplastics.
The cycle of "plants → fibers → returning to the soil" is truly a symbol of circular fashion.
Renewable plant-derived raw materials ▶ Uses renewable wood and cotton, without relying on fossil fuels. Resource management is also clear by choosing certified forest materials.
Biodegradable/Does not produce microplastics ▶ Returns to the soil after disposal, so it does not remain in the environment.
High moisture absorption and breathability, smooth to the touch ▶ Provides comfort close to natural fibers, suitable for a wide range of items from innerwear to dresses that come into direct contact with the skin.
Reduced environmental impact through closed-loop production ▶ Solvents and water can be reused, minimizing wastewater and CO₂ emissions.
Price is slightly higher ▶ Due to the need to maintain environmentally friendly manufacturing facilities, the cost tends to be higher than that of general synthetic fibers. Prone
to wrinkling and strength may change with moisture ▶ Depending on the material, care may be required when washing or ironing due to the structure of the fibers.
Risk of mixing with cheaper similar materials ▶ Even if the appearance and texture are similar, the transparency of the manufacturing process may differ, so it is important to purchase from a reliable manufacturer/supplier.
In recent years, keywords in apparel brand trends have included "clean," "seasonless," "natural tech," and "quiet luxury."
Cellulose fiber combines a natural texture with elegant drape, creating a modern sense of luxury that is "simple yet high-quality."
Cellulose fibers are characterized by their excellent moisture absorption and release properties, as well as their smooth feel against the skin.
Tencel™ and Modal have a silky sheen, and when blended with cotton, they offer an optimal balance of breathability and firmness. Therefore, they can be used for a wide range of applications, from innerwear to dresses, uniforms, and casual wear.
We are entering an era where fashion-conscious consumers are increasingly drawn to the "background of materials." Cellulose fiber has a story behind it—it's "plant-derived," "renewable," and "biodegradable"—making it a material that can be used to convey a brand's sustainability message.
Click on each material name to see a list of ApparelX materials, so please make use of it!
| Material name | Features | Examples of brand adoption |
|---|---|---|
| TENCEL™ | Made with FSC-certified wood and a closed-loop construction. Silky smooth. | Dress, blouse, and shirt fabrics |
| Seacell | Seaweed x Wood Pulp. Gentle on the skin with mineral components. | Sustainable loungewear |
| MODAL | Soft and highly absorbent and breathable. Natural drape. | Cut and sew tops and innerwear |
| EcoVero™ | Developed by Lenzing. Significantly reduces CO₂ and water usage. | One-piece dress and blouse |
Made with plant-derived, sustainable TENCEL™ lyocell fibers, this lightweight material boasts a moderate drape and a dry, comfortable feel against the skin. The
subtle sheerness, combined with a natural texture, creates a material that offers a perfect balance of elegance and relaxation. TENCEL™ and Tencel™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.
This is an original Okura Shoji. It's a jersey textile ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as innerwear, T-shirts, and baby clothes. It's
a sustainable material that's gentle on both the skin and the environment. SEACELL® is blended with organic cotton for an even softer and more comfortable feel. It
also comes with a SMARTFIBER hang tag.
This ombre check fabric uses cotton for the warp thread and Tencel modal fiber for the weft thread. It strikes a good balance between the strength of cotton and the drape of Tencel modal fiber, resulting in a soft, comfortable material that can be worn all year round.
This jersey jersey uses environmentally friendly rayon staple fibers LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and long-staple organic cotton thread , resulting in superior thread strength and a smooth surface. It is slightly thin, with a moderate sheen and a smooth feel. LENZING™ and ECOVERO™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.
: In the future, NatureTech materials, which combine the advantages of natural materials and environmental considerations with functionalities such as CO2 water repellency, are likely to become mainstream.
Among these, cellulose fibers are expected to be a relatively easy material to incorporate.
? Did you learn a little more about cellulose fibers?
Cellulose fibers are a sustainable material that utilizes renewable resources derived from plants. They combine environmentally friendly production methods with excellent comfort, and their adoption is spreading to many brands.
ApparelX handles a wide variety of cellulose fiber materials, including Tencel™, Modal, EcoVero™, and SeaCell®, so we hope this will be helpful for brands that want to use environmentally friendly materials or plan sustainable products in their product development and material selection.
This material is gaining renewed attention not only as a trend, but also as a way to convey a brand's stance, so we hope you will take advantage of it.
