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Hello! I'm Kimura from the ApparelX Sustainability Team.
Have you ever heard of the term "cellulose fiber"?
I think many people have heard of sustainability and the SDGs, but don't really understand what is meant by sustainability.
This time, we will introduce you to cellulose fiber!
Now that fashion sustainability has become a reason for choosing a brand and a factor in brand value, there is a growing movement to emphasize the "circularity of the materials themselves."
One material that is attracting attention is cellulose fiber, a regenerated fiber derived from plants. Many brands are adopting this material as a "naturetech" material, which represents the harmony between nature and technology.
Cellulose fiber is made from cellulose, a natural component found in plant cell walls. It is made from wood pulp and cotton, and is cyclical in that it is "born from plants and returns to nature."
Broadly speaking, there are two types of cellulose fibers: natural cellulose fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers.
| kinds | Main material examples | Features |
|---|---|---|
| natural cellulose fibers | Cotton, linen, etc. | Fiber extracted directly from plants |
| regenerated cellulose fiber | Rayon, Tencel™, Modal, Seacell, etc. | Eco-friendly fiber made from respun vegetable pulp |
In particular, the latter, regenerated cellulose fiber, has been reprocessed using technology to enhance its softness, drape, and luster, and is attracting attention as a "modern sustainable material" that combines the best of both natural and synthetic materials.
The raw materials are renewable plant resources such as wood and cotton, which allows for a sustainable supply without relying on limited resources like petroleum-based fibers.
Additionally, we use wood from FSC®-certified forests for our Tencel™ (lyocell) and other materials, contributing to ecosystem conservation through responsible forest management.
Regenerated cellulose fibers have made great advances in recent years thanks to the "closed-loop production system."
By recycling over 99% of solvents and water, harmful wastewater is reduced to almost zero.
♾️What is closed-loop manufacturing?
The production of regenerated cellulose fibers requires a solvent to dissolve wood pulp, and in conventional rayon production, this solvent and wastewater can sometimes cause environmental pollution.
This is where the "Closed-Loop Production" system was born. ▷ Simply put, it is a production method in which used solvents and water are almost completely recovered and reused. In other words, "using materials that have been used is not discarded, but recycled" = a manufacturing process with close to 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 fibre is a biodegradable material, so it returns to the soil after disposal and does not produce microplastics.
The cycle of "plant → fiber → return to the soil" is a symbol of true circular fashion.
Renewable plant-based materials: We do not rely on fossil fuels and use renewable wood and cotton. By choosing forest-certified materials, resource management is also clear.
Biodegradable and does not produce microplastics: After disposal, it returns to the soil and is less likely to remain in the environment.
Highly absorbent and breathable, and smooth to the touch: It is as comfortable as natural fibers and can be used for a wide range of items, from innerwear to dresses.
Reduced environmental impact through closed-loop production: Reuse of solvents and water minimizes wastewater and CO₂ emissions.
Slightly higher price: In order to maintain environmentally friendly manufacturing facilities, costs tend to be higher than those of general synthetic fibers.
Materials that wrinkle easily or whose strength changes with moisture: Due to their fiber structure, care is required when washing and ironing.
Risk of mixing with cheap, 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 supplier.
In recent years, the keywords for brand trends are "clean," "timeless," and "natural tech."
Cellulose fibers combine a natural texture with elegant drape, creating a modern sense of luxury that is "simple yet high-quality."
Cellulose fibers have excellent moisture absorption and release properties, and are smooth to the touch.
Tencel™ and Modal have a silky luster, and when blended with cotton, they offer the perfect balance of breathability and firmness, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from innerwear to dresses, uniforms, and casual wear.
We are entering an era where fashion-conscious consumers are empathetic to the "background of materials." Cellulose fiber has a story behind it, such as being "plant-derived," "renewable," and "biodegradable," and can be used as a material to communicate a brand's sustainability message.
Click on each material name to see the ApparelX material list, so please make use of it!
| Material Name | Features | Brand adoption examples |
|---|---|---|
| TENCEL™ | FSC-certified wood, closed-loop construction. Silky smooth. | Dress, blouse, and shirt fabric |
| Seacell | Seaweed x wood pulp. Mineral ingredients are gentle on the skin. | Sustainable Loungewear |
| MODAL | Soft and moisture-wicking. Natural drape. | Cut and sewn clothing/innerwear |
| EcoVero™ | Developed by Lenzing. Significant reduction in CO₂ and water usage | Dresses and blouses |
Made from plant-based, sustainable Tencel™ Lyocell fiber, this thin material has a moderate drape and a dry touch that feels comfortable against the skin.
By adding a natural look to a sheer, non-transparent feel, we have created a material that combines just the right amount of elegance and a relaxed feel. TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.
An Okura Shoji original, this jersey textile is ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as underwear, T-shirts, and baby clothes.
A sustainable material that is gentle on the skin and the environment, SEACELL® is blended with organic cotton for a softer, more comfortable feel.
SMARTFIBER hang tags are also available.
This ombre check fabric uses cotton for the thread and Tencel Modal for the thread. It has a good balance of the strength of cotton and the drape of Tencel Modal, making it a soft, comfortable material suitable for all seasons.
This jersey with environmentally friendly rayon staple fiber LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and organic thread thread , which has long fiber length, thread strength, and a smooth surface. It is slightly thin and features a moderate luster and a smooth feel. LENZING™ and ECOVERO™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.
In future apparel trends, NatureTech materials, which combine the beauty of natural materials with environmental friendliness through technology, will likely become mainstream.
Cellulose fibre is a material at the very heart of this endeavour, and it could be the key to translating environmental values into design and communicating the brand's philosophy and future.
What do you think? Did you learn a little more about cellulose fiber?
"Plant-derived and renewable / clean production process / high-quality comfort and design / easy to incorporate into a brand's story" Cellulose fibers are the "next-generation basic" that combines sustainability and beauty.
This material is gaining renewed attention as a way to transcend trends and convey the brand's stance, so please make use of it.
