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Hello! I’m Kimura from the ApparelX Sustainable Team.
Are you familiar with "cellulose fibers"?
In recent years, as interest in sustainable materials has grown, more brands are adopting cellulose fibers such as TENCEL™, modal, and ECOVERO™.
You may have heard of them in connection with the SDGs, but many people may still wonder what cellulose fibers are and why they are said to be environmentally friendly.
In this article, we’ll introduce the characteristics and types of cellulose fibers, as well as why they are attracting attention as sustainable materials!
Cellulose fibers are fibers made from cellulose, a natural component found in the cell walls of plants. Because they are produced using plant resources such as wood pulp and cotton, their key feature is that they can use renewable resources compared with petroleum-based synthetic fibers.Cellulose fibers are broadly divided into two types: "natural cellulose fibers" and "regenerated cellulose fibers."
| Type | Main material examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Natural cellulose fibers | Cotton, linen, etc. | Fibers are taken directly from plants |
| Regenerated cellulose fibers | Rayon, TENCEL™, modal, SeaCell®, etc. | Eco fibers made by respinning plant pulp |
In particular, regenerated cellulose fibers have been reprocessed with technology to enhance softness, drape, and luster, and are attracting attention as "modern sustainable materials" that combine the best of natural materials and synthetic fibers.
The raw materials are renewable plant resources such as wood and cotton. Unlike petroleum-based fibers, they do not rely on finite resources, so a stable supply is possible.
Also, in products such as TENCEL™ (lyocell), wood from FSC®-certified forests is used. Through responsible forest management, they also contribute to ecosystem conservation.
Regenerated cellulose fibers have evolved significantly in recent years thanks to "closed-loop production systems."
By recycling more than 99% of solvents and water, it is now possible to reduce harmful wastewater to nearly zero.
♾️ What is closed-loop production?
Producing regenerated cellulose fibers requires a solvent to dissolve wood pulp. In conventional rayon production, these solvents and wastewater could sometimes cause environmental pollution.
That led to the development of the "closed-loop production system (Closed-Loop Production)." ▷ Simply put... it is a production method that almost completely recovers and reuses the solvents and water used. In other words, it is a manufacturing process that "does not discard what was used, but recirculates it" = close to zero emissions. At Lenzing, which produces TENCEL™ (lyocell), the solvent reuse rate has reached more than 99%, allowing production with almost no waste or harmful wastewater.
Because cellulose fibers are biodegradable, they return to the soil after disposal and do not generate microplastics.
The cycle of "plant → fiber → back to soil" is truly a symbol of genuine circular fashion.
Renewable plant-based raw materials ▶ Uses renewable wood and cotton rather than relying on fossil fuels. By choosing forest-certified materials, resource management is also made clear.
Biodegradable / does not create microplastics ▶ Returns to soil after disposal, so it is less likely to remain in the environment.
Highly absorbent, breathable, and smooth to the touch ▶ Offers comfort close to natural fibers, suitable for a wide range of items from next-to-skin innerwear to dresses.
Reduced environmental impact through closed-loop production ▶ Solvents and water can be reused, minimizing wastewater and CO₂ emissions.
Slightly higher price ▶ To maintain environmentally friendly manufacturing equipment, costs tend to be higher than for ordinary synthetic fibers.
Prone to wrinkling / strength may change when wet ▶ Depending on the material, care may be needed during washing or ironing due to fiber structure.
Risk of being mixed with inexpensive similar materials ▶ Even if the appearance and texture are similar, the transparency of the manufacturing process may differ, so it is important to source from trusted manufacturers/suppliers.
In recent apparel brand trends, keywords such as "clean," "seasonless," "natural tech," and "quiet luxury" are gaining importance.
Cellulose fibers combine a natural texture with elegant drape, creating a modern luxury feel that is "simple yet high-quality."
A key feature of cellulose fibers is their excellent moisture absorption and release, along with a smooth feel against the skin.
TENCEL™ and modal have a silky sheen, and when blended with cotton they achieve an ideal balance of breathability and body. As a result, they can be used in a wide range of products, from innerwear to dresses, uniforms, and casual wear.
We are entering an era in which fashion-conscious consumers relate to the "story behind the material." Cellulose fibers carry stories such as "plant-based," "renewable," and "biodegradable," and can be used as a material that helps communicate a brand’s sustainability message.
Click each material name to view the ApparelX material listings. Please make use of them!
| Material name | Characteristics | Brand adoption examples |
|---|---|---|
| TENCEL™ (TENCEL™) | Uses FSC-certified wood, closed-loop production. Silky smoothness | Dresses, blouses, shirting fabrics |
| SeaCell® (SeaCell®) | Seaweed × wood pulp. Gentle on the skin thanks to mineral content | Sustainable loungewear |
| MODAL (modal) | Soft and highly absorbent/releasing. Natural drape | Cut-and-sew tops, innerwear |
| EcoVero™ (EcoVero™) | Developed by Lenzing. Greatly reduces CO₂ and water usage | Dresses, blouses |
This thin material uses plant-based, sustainable TENCEL™ lyocell fiber and has a moderate drape and dry touch with a feel that does not cling to the skin.
By adding a natural look to a sheer finish that is not overly transparent, it has been finished into a material that combines just the right amount of elegance and relaxation. TENCEL™ and TENCEL™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.
An original Okura Shoji product. This jersey textile is ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as innerwear, T-shirts, and baby clothes.
A sustainable material that is gentle on both the skin and the environment. By blending SEACELL® with organic cotton, it has been finished with an even softer and more comfortable texture.
A SMARTFIBER hangtag is also available.
An ombré check made with cotton for the warp thread and TENCEL modal fiber for the weft thread. It combines the strength of cotton with the beautiful drape of TENCEL modal fiber in a well-balanced way, making it a soft material that blends gently with the skin and can be used all year round.
A jersey made with environmentally conscious rayon staple fiber LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and organic cotton yarn, which has longer fiber length and a smoother yarn strength and yarn surface. It is slightly lightweight and features a moderate sheen and a smooth feel against the skin. LENZING™ and ECOVERO™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.
In future trends, nature-tech materials that combine not only the benefits of natural materials and environmentally conscious aspects, but also functionality such as C0 water repellency, are likely to become mainstream.
Among these, cellulose fibers are expected to become one of the more accessible materials to adopt.
Please also see this blog on PFAS-free / C0 water-repellent textiles
▶Is it common sense around the world!? PFAS regulations and PFAS-free textiles
What did you think? Did you learn a little more about cellulose fibers?
Cellulose fibers are sustainable materials made from renewable plant-based resources. They combine a production method with low environmental impact and excellent comfort, and they are being adopted by more and more brands.
At ApparelX, we carry many cellulose fiber materials such as TENCEL™, modal, ECOVERO™, and SeaCell®, so we hope this will be helpful as a reference for product development and material selection for brands that want to use environmentally conscious materials or plan sustainable products.
As a material that goes beyond trends and conveys a brand’s attitude, it is gaining renewed attention, so we hope you’ll make use of it.
