top of page
  • Instagram

Good

Material Deep Dive

Lyocell (Generic)

Generic lyocell scores 77/100, reflecting the lyocell process's inherent environmental advantages—non-toxic solvent, full biodegradability, and relatively low water impact.

Regenerated

Virgin

End of Life

2 months

100/100
Chemical Use

Low

80/100
Pollution

Low

80/100
Water Usage

4,480 L/kg

87/100
Carbon Footprint

5.5 kg CO₂/kg

55/100
Considerations

•

Environmental performance varies significantly between manufacturers with branded options offering stronger guarantees

•

Carbon footprint is higher than branded lyocell due to varying energy efficiency and solvent recovery rates

•

Water consumption during production can be substantial depending on the facility

•

Supply is concentrated among a few major producers mostly in Asia with variable environmental standards

•

More expensive than conventional viscose or polyester though generally cheaper than branded lyocell

Strengths

•

Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp using the lyocell process with a non-toxic solvent (NMMO)

•

Fully biodegradable in soil, freshwater, and marine environments within weeks

•

Does not shed plastic microfibres unlike synthetic alternatives

•

Naturally soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking with excellent drape

•

Look for FSC or PEFC certification to ensure responsibly sourced wood pulp

Carbon Footprint Analysis

55/100

Lyocell (Generic) produces approximately 5.5 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.

The Data

Carbon Footprint

5.5 kg CO₂/kg

FSI Carbon Score

55/100

Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report

Sustainability Breakdown

Microplastic risk

None

Care level

Easy

Available certifications

oeko_tex_100, fsc, pefc, gots, eu_ecolabel

Key properties

soft, breathable, moisture-absorbent, biodegradable, drapes well, hypoallergenic, lustrous

Common uses

apparel, t-shirts, dresses, blouses, underwear, denim, activewear, home textiles, bedding

Also known as

generic lyocell, unbranded lyocell, non-TENCEL lyocell

Lyocell (Generic) quick guide

bottom of page