Tencel Yarn

What is Tencel Yarn?

Tencel yarn forms from cellulose taken from sustainably harvested trees spun into soft, smooth filaments. It exceeds cotton in softness yet maintains excellent strength, absorbency, and breathability hence its growing popularity as a textile. Tencel yarn utilizes a closed-loop production process converting wood pulp to yarn through non-toxic solvents in a zero-waste facility. This eco-friendly manufacturing process sets Tencel apart as a highly renewable and biodegradable fiber well-suited for sensitive skin. Tencel’s smooth surface area allows superior dye uptake for brilliant coloration.

Properties and Benefits of Tencel Yarn

As a botanic fiber, Tencel yarn provides exceptional properties compared to synthetic options. The fiber’s smooth surface feels ultra-soft on skin whereas its botanical origins bring antibacterial properties to inhibit odor-causing bacteria. Tencel yarn further wins over synthetic opponents with stronger moisture absorption, maintaining 50% more moisture than polyester. Tencel also bests cotton in tensile strength – 20% higher than cotton – while meeting cotton in breathability. Blending Tencel with other fibers bolsters the strengths of both components. For instance, pairing Tencel with wool boosts Tencel’s insulation and elasticity while the Tencel enhances wool’s moisture management and smoothness.

Here is a table summarizing the key points comparing Tencel yarn to cotton and polyester:

How is Tencel Yarn Produced?

Tencel yarn starts as dissolved wood pulp. The pulp gets forced through spinneret nozzles to form filaments then bundled into larger strands. These yarn bundles pass through an ‘air-gap’ to dry before twisting into the final yarn product. Tencel’s closed-loop manufacturing recycles over 99% of solvents deployed to dissolve the pulp. This helps minimize water usage making Tencel more eco-friendly than cotton or polyester production. Tencel facilities also filter emissions to prevent any pollution. The result is a botanic yarn made through a sustainable process worthy of OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.

Tencel Yarn vs Cotton Yarn

While Tencel and cotton share similarities as botanic, cellulosic fibers, Tencel outperforms cotton in many regards. Tencel yarn is smoother than cotton with better moisture absorption thanks to a higher surface area. Tencel also bests cotton in strength and durability. Blending the two together brings out their mutual benefits, such as cotton’s breathability and Tencel’s smoothness. However, Tencel’s closed-loop production makes it far more eco-friendly than cotton growing’s heavy water and pesticide demands. For those seeking a renewable fiber alternative to cotton, Tencel yarn makes a superior choice.

Tencel Yarn vs Polyester Yarn

Against synthetic polyester, Tencel yarn shines as the more eco-friendly and skin-friendly option. Tencel comes from trees – a renewable resource – contrasting petroleum-based polyester. The botanic origins also give Tencel natural antibacterial properties lacking in polyester. Tencel further outperforms polyester for moisture absorption, only half as absorbent as Tencel. Polyester however beats Tencel in elasticity and wrinkle resistance. Blending the two offsets their weaknesses, improving Tencel’s elasticity and polyester’s moisture absorption. For sustainable fabrics however, Tencel standalone makes the best choice over polyester.

Applications and Uses of Tencel Yarn

The soft feel and moisture-managing properties of Tencel yarn make it well-suited for apparel, especially lingerie, underwear, activewear, and sportswear where it wicks perspiration from skin. Tencel’s breathability and smoothness also work nicely for bedding and linens. Blending with spandex or wool improves stretch and insulation for varied weather apparel uses. Beyond fabrics, Tencel’s absorbency suits medical products like gauze, bandages, and surgical products. Tencel’s resemblance to silk also enables use producing faux silk fabrics or garment linings. For any application favoring softness, breathability, and renewable resourcing, Tencel yarn serves well.

Sourcing and Availability of Tencel Yarn

As a proprietary fiber made only by Lenzing Fibers, Tencel yarn sources primarily from this single Austrian company. Lenzing operates Tencel production facilities in the USA, Europe, and Asia ensuring steady worldwide supply chains. The fiber is available through textile manufacturers globally in a broad range of sizes and blend variations including Tencel A100, Tencel A200, Tencel A400, Tencel Excel, Tencel L1500, and RefibraTencelTM. Made-to-order options allow buyers to specify custom Tencel blend ratios and fabric finishes. Lenzing also controls the lyocell standard behind generic versions of Tencel produced under alternative brand names by other manufacturers.

Cost Analysis of Tencel Yarn

Pricing for Tencel yarn remains somewhat higher than cotton though competitive against other synthetic and manmade fibers. Tencel costs more to manufacture than cotton given the pulp dissolving and solvent recovery involved yet the closed-loop process offsets environmental expenses. Tencel prices also benefit from scale as production volumes increase. At roughly $3.50-$5.50 per pound, Tencel sits below the cost of silk, wool, or specialty synthetic yarns. For buyers focused purely on upfront price, cotton may beat Tencel on cost. However, Tencel’s enhanced durability over cotton reduces per-use costs.

Caring for and Washing Tencel Fabrics

Garments, bedding, and other textiles made from Tencel yarn require gentle care to uphold the fiber’s smooth softness. Hand or machine washing in cool water helps retain vibrancy. Low heat machine drying or air drying is best to prevent shrinking. Ironing at a low setting also maintains vibrant coloration and original fabric texture. While durable, Tencel items may pill with abrasion over time. Pilling removers safely eliminate bobbles without damaging the underlying fabric. Regular washing and drying also helps reduce pilling. With proper care in laundering and storage, Tencel items will maintain integrity over numerous wears and washes.

The Future of Tencel Yarn

As consumers and manufacturers continue seeking ecologically responsible fibers, demand for Tencel will likely keep rising. Lenzing plans to expand production capacities targeting annual Tencel output exceeding 400,000 tons by 2026. New technologies and proprietary genetic research promise continued improvements enhancing Tencel’s sustainability profile and desirable qualities. Innovations like Refibra recycled Tencel, Tencel Luxe filament yarn, and Tencel limited editions withFunciones junk textiles further broaden Tencel’s capabilities and applications. For the eco-conscious textiles industry, Tencel stands positioned as a preeminent sustainable fiber well-placed for future growth.

High Quality Tencel Yarn Supplier – Salud Style

As a premier supplier of Tencel yarn, Salud Style provides the high quality and sustainability brands demand. We offer a broad selection of Tencel grades and blends purpose-built for our clients’ textile needs. Our in-house spinning and finishing processes uphold Tencel’s signature smoothness and softness while allowing customization of yarn size, twist, blend ratios and more. Salud Style currently produces Tencel yarns for major apparel companies across underwear, activewear, denim, and casual fashion segments. Let us deliver the exceptional quality of Tencel to your next collection. Contact our team today to learn more about our Tencel yarn capabilities.