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Good

Material Deep Dive

Modal

Modal scores well on water and end-of-life because it is a cellulose-based fiber that can biodegrade relatively quickly under soil-burial conditions.

Regenerated

Virgin

End of Life

4 months

100/100
Chemical Use

Moderate

60/100
Pollution

Moderate

60/100
Water Usage

838 L/kg

98/100
Carbon Footprint

2.84 kg CO₂/kg

81/100
Considerations

Sustainability varies hugely by producer and process controls

Forest sourcing can be a concern if not responsibly managed

Often blended with elastane, reducing biodegradability and recyclability

Generic modal may have higher impacts than branded versions like TENCEL Modal

Strengths

Low water footprint in production

Fully biodegradable and breaks down quickly in soil

No microplastic shedding

Best-practice producers use strong chemical recovery systems

Carbon Footprint Analysis

81/100

Modal produces approximately 2.84 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.

The Data

Carbon Footprint

2.84 kg CO₂/kg

FSI Carbon Score

81/100

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

Sustainability Breakdown

Microplastic risk

None

Care level

Easy

Available certifications

EU Ecolabel, FSC, PEFC

Key properties

very soft handfeel, breathable, high moisture absorbency, good drape, biodegradable (fiber), color can be made with high color fastness

Common uses

underwear, t-shirts, loungewear, sleepwear, socks, dresses/blouses, towels, bedding

Also known as

modal rayon, high wet modulus (HWM) rayon

Modal quick guide

Last updated: February 2026

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