From the tree to the fiber
Rotauf Knowledge
Tencel Lyocell
Tencel is a textile fiber derived from wood, and its many beneficial properties make it so special: Its surface is smooth like silk, it provides almost as much warmth as sheep's wool, cools like linen, and is far more absorbent than cotton. Sustainable raw material extraction, environmentally friendly production in a closed-loop process, and exemplary use of natural resources make it the most environmentally friendly textile fiber of all.
THE FIBER FROM WOOD
Tencel™ equals Lyocell, or does it equal Tencel™? Not quite!
Although both terms refer to the same fiber, namely lyocell, the designation Tencel™ refers to the registered trademark under which the Austrian company Lenzing AG exclusively produces the wood-based fiber. Unlike commercially produced lyocell fiber, Tencel™ is manufactured in a self-contained production process and adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and environmental protection.
The fiber is extremely breathable, optimally regulates temperature and moisture, and is also odorless thanks to its antibacterial properties. Despite its solid structure, the fabric is silky soft and virtually wrinkle-free, and when dyed in an environmentally friendly way—as is done in-house at ROTAUF—it's also biodegradable.
From woody bourgeois to skin flatterer
So how does a hard piece of wood become a soft fabric?! It actually works. In a sophisticated process, Lenzing AG transforms the bulky wood into a supple yet robust fiber. The basic building block for this is cellulose. This cellulose is processed into Tencel™ fibers in a closed and environmentally friendly production process, which are then spun into yarns and knitted into pleasantly soft fabrics. Our high-quality ROTAUF Wood Shirts are made from these sustainably produced and subsequently environmentally friendly dyed fabrics.
A well-rounded thing
Compared to other fabrics such as viscose or commercially produced cotton, the production of Tencel™ is far more environmentally friendly. The fiber is extracted from wood using only a single chemical, and the process is completed in a closed-loop production process. This ensures that no harmful substances are released into the environment. The non-toxic solvent used, called N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), is recycled up to 99.8% and continually reintroduced into the production process. The remaining 0.2 percent is cleaned and degraded in high-performance wastewater treatment plants.
Powered by its own initiative
After extracting the valuable raw materials from the wood, the remaining residue is used 100% to generate thermal energy and electricity, which are then fed entirely into the production process. This significantly reduces water and energy consumption, ultimately benefiting our environment and its resources.
Where do the raw materials come from
The wood used in production comes from sustainably managed forests certified according to FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes). The majority of our Tencel™ fibers are sourced from European beech forests. Due to the high demand for this environmentally friendly textile, Lenzing AG supplements its wood procurement from other sustainably managed raw material sources on the global market, such as South Africa, Canada, and the USA. This ensures secure procurement from responsible sources and contributes significantly to the preservation of forests and biodiversity.
From tree to shirt... to tree
And because all our ROTAUF products are dyed according to the strict guidelines of the Greenpeace Detox Commitment, you can simply bury your Wood Shirt in the garden or compost after its long and adventurous lifespan. Cut out the seams and labels first, as these are currently still made of plastic. With a little patience, a new, small plant will grow, which in turn can become a new, sustainably produced ROTAUF Wood Shirt.
TENCEL
Did you know
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Wood Performance
Wood Performance in detail
To understand exactly what happens in the fiber, we delve into its interior.
Moisture-transporting properties
The moisture-wicking properties of Tencel™ are closely linked to its unique microstructure. Unlike conventional fibers, Tencel™ fibers are permeated with numerous small capillaries and pores. These microstructures absorb moisture better and then effectively transport it away from the skin.
The capillary effect
Capillary action is a key mechanism driving this process. When moisture reaches the surface of the fiber, it penetrates these tiny capillaries. There, the moisture is trapped inside the fiber, preventing it from simply remaining on the surface but actually penetrating the material. This property allows Tencel™ to absorb large amounts of moisture without feeling wet.
Evaporation
Once the moisture is trapped in the capillaries of the Tencel™ fiber, another important step occurs: evaporation. Because Tencel™ fibers are naturally breathable, they allow for efficient air exchange. The moisture within the fiber gradually evaporates and is released into the surrounding air. This evaporation process ensures continuous moisture transport away from the skin, helping to maintain a dry and comfortable feel.
Conclusion
Overall, Tencel™'s optimal moisture transport is based on a combination of its unique microstructure, the capillary action of the fibers and their natural breathability.
Tencel™ also has antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This means Tencel™ garments stay fresher longer, especially during intense physical activity or in warm environments. This means you'll have to wash your Wood Shirt less often, which is convenient for you and also helps conserve resources.
