You've probably noticed Tencel™ appear more and more when shopping for clothes and bedding. It's super soft, breathable, and has sweat-wicking abilities, making it perfect for activewear and, in our opinion, active toddler wear! Here's some background on what it is and why we like it.
What is Tencel™?
Tencel™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG, so any product with Tencel™ must be registered with Lenzing AG and approved to use the name anywhere - from the actual product labels on the garment to mentioning it on the product page. The trademark is closely guarded because it has very strict standards in its production of their lyocell or modal fibers.
What makes Tencel™ more eco-friendly than cotton or rayon?
While Tencel™ produces lyocell fibers, a type of rayon like viscose or modal, not all lyocell fibers are Tencel™. Unlike most other rayons, they only use wood from sustainably harvested forests and less toxic chemicals to produce in a closed loop or circular production system. This means that 99% of the chemicals and solvents used to break down the wood pulp to create the fiber are recovered and recycled, instead of entering the ecosystem. It uses less energy and water than conventional cotton; one study found it to be 40% less. The fibre itself is white when produced, so doesn't need bleaching before dyeing, and is also biodegradable.
Is Tencel™ sustainable?
Because of all of the above, Tencel™ is considered one of the most sustainable fibers available. It has earned a BioPreferred designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is only granted to products made from renewable resources.
This, combined with its super soft hand and breathability, is a reason why we love it in our PlayKnit fabric. Our baby footed yoga pants, toddler jogger pants, and toddler long sleeve tee are all made from the same soft, stretchy and UPF50+ fabric.
For more information on Tencel™, check out these articles on TreeHugger or Good On You.