Viscose, modal and lyocell, explained
Viscose, modal and lyocell are all types of manmade cellulosic fibres, which begin life in the forest. Soft to the touch, fluid in drape and effortless to wear, they’re now our fifth most-used material. We partner with Lenzing to reduce the risk of deforestation and ensure responsible chemical management.
What are manmade cellulosic fibres?
Derived from cellulose, which is extracted from woodchips, these types of fibres are connected by nature.
With this in mind, we place careful consideration on how they are sourced, with a focus on protecting forests and preserving the ecosystems, habitats and biodiversity they support. This is why, we’re moving away from generic manmade cellulosic fibres towards verified alternatives with Lenzing.
The process
1. Forest
Derived from fast-growing and renewable trees species including beech, pine and eucalyptus, the wood taken is balanced with forest growth rates to support ongoing availability.
2. Wood
Harvested wood is processed into woodchips, from which cellulose – the essence of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and TENCEL™ fibres – is extracted.
3. Pulp
The wood pulp is refined and put through a precise dissolving and spinning process, transforming the cellulose into fine, fluffy fibres.
4. Fibre
These fine fibres are formed and prepared to be spun into yarn.
5. Yarn
The fibres are spun into yarn, either on their own or blended with other fibres such as cotton to enhance softness and absorbency.
6. Fabric
The spun yarn is woven or knitted into fabric using different techniques to achieve a variety of finishes.
7. Finished product
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and TENCEL™ fibres are used across our bathroom, knitwear and lounge collections, adding extra comfort to your favourite pieces.
Our preferred partner, Lenzing
Lenzing have a deep-rooted history of innovation, quality and versatility that reflects their commitment to the environment. At their state-of-the-art production facility in Upper Austria, near the picturesque Lake Attersee, extremely high standards are upheld to respect the surrounding environment.
Lenzing’s fibres – including LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and TENCEL™ – ensure that raw materials are sourced from certified or controlled origins. Production processes are designed to be resource-efficient and everything is traced using unique DNA marker technology.
Why choose LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose
Derived from certified or controlled wood sources
The wood used for all LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres is sourced from certified (FSC® or PEFC certification*) or controlled wood sources, in line with the stringent Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. Lenzing has also been recognised in Canopy’s Hot Button Report as one of the highest-performing companies globally for its sourcing practices, helping to protect Ancient and Endangered Forests.
*FSC® (FSC-C041246) or PEFC (PEFC/06-33-92) certification.
Lower carbon emissions and water use
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibre production processes are continuously refined to maximize resource efficiency and minimise environmental impact. As a result, carbon emissions and water consumption of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres are at least 50% lower compared to generic viscose fibres, according to Higg MSI.*
*Results calculated in line with LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) Version 3.9.1 (December 2024) by Cascale.
Certified with the EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence*
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres are certified with the EU Ecolabel* for textile products. This widely recognised label is awarded to products with a reduced environmental impact across their lifecycle, including production processes limiting the usage of substances harmful to human health or the environment and minimising key environmental impacts.
*EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001).
Why choose TENCEL™ modal and lyocell
Derived from controlled or certified wood sources
The wood used for all LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres is sourced from certified (FSC® or PEFC certification*) or controlled wood sources, in line with the stringent Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. Lenzing has also been recognised in Canopy’s Hot Button Report as one of the highest-performing companies globally for its sourcing practices, helping to protect Ancient and Endangered Forests.
*FSC® (FSC-C041246) or PEFC (PEFC/06-33-92) certification.
Lower carbon emissions and water use
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibre production processes are continuously refined to maximise resource efficiency and minimise environmental impact. As a result, carbon emissions and water consumption of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres are at least 50% lower compared to generic viscose fibres, according to Higg MSI.*
*Results calculated in line with LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) Version 3.9.1 (December 2024) by Cascale.
Certified with the EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence*
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres are certified with the EU Ecolabel* for textile products. This widely recognised label is awarded to products with a reduced environmental impact across their lifecycle, including production processes limiting the usage of substances harmful to human health or the environment and minimising key environmental impacts.
*EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001).
We’re proud to be a CanopyStyle brand partner
Every year, around 300 million trees are cut down to create textiles, including from some of the world’s most vital forest ecosystems. Together with Canopy – an award-winning NGO dedicated to protecting the world’s forests, species and climate – we’re supporting initiatives that help keep Ancient and Endangered Forests out of textile supply chains.
We also use Canopy’s annual Hot Button Report, a key fibre-sourcing analysis tool for the fashion and textile sector that focuses on the impact towards Ancient and Endangered Forests by assessing global, manmade cellulosic fibre producers on their environmental performance. Lenzing are one of the highest rated producers, recognised by Canopy for their progressive practices. Find our CanopyStyle policy here.
Tracing our manmade cellulosic fibres
We are proud to partner with TextileGenesis™, a pioneering traceability platform, to trace our manmade cellulosic fibres. Using Fibrecoin™ technology, we are able to embed product-level traceability by creating digital tokens that trace and verify each step in the supply chain, from fibre to finished product.
LENZING™, ECOVERO™ and TENCEL™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.
Find out more
Take a look at other ways we’re committed to improving our practices.
