TENCEL™ is actually a brand name used by Austrian textile company, Lenzing AG, for a range of fibres made from sustainably sourced wood. These fibres are transformed into fabric using a highly regulated, environmentally friendly process. It is made using only one non-toxic organic solvent that is recycled through a closed-loop system, minimizing waste production. Hence, you can be assured that there is no harmful residues left on the fabric.

TENCEL™ is known for being extremely soft and breathable. It's also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin, and has excellent moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating properties, which keep the wearer cool and comfortable.

Due to its sustainable production and performance, TENCEL™ is often used in premium, eco-friendly clothing, especially for children, as it ensures comfort while being gentle on the environment.

We chose TENCEL™ because we wanted to create a brand that resonates with our parenting values – to create clothing with exceptional comfort for our little ones while minimizing the environmental impact.

 

What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?

There are two types of TENCEL™  — TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal and they are made from different types of wood. However, they have similar characteristics.

Here at Mama Pyjama, we use TENCEL™ Lyocell which is derived from eucalyptus trees.

 

Why Choose TENCEL™?

• Exceptionally soft and smooth fabric
  It is naturally soft and smooth to the touch
• Excellent moisture wicking and temperature regulating properties
  The structure of TENCEL™ fibres is naturally moisture wicking, making wearer feel cooler and is hence a good choice for hot sleepers and hot days
• Anti-bacterial
  TENCEL™ fibres absorb sweat efficiently, resulting in reduced moisture on the fibres' surface. This creates a less favourable environment for the growth of bacteria.
• Hypoallergenic and anti-dustmite
  Due to its excellent moisture management properties, TENCEL™ fibres are naturally repellent to dust mite and allergens, effectively preventing allergies.
• Non-toxic and free from harsh chemicals
  Made using only one non-toxic organic solvent, you can be assured it is free from harmful chemical residue, making it gentle on sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
• Certified environmentally sustainable
  TENCEL™ is certified with the widely recognized EU Ecolabel for textile products. This label is awarded to products that meet high environmental standards. Key criteria for evaluation include production processes limiting the usage of substances harmful to human health or the environment, and minimizing key environmental impacts.

Read more about the sustainability of TENCEL™

 

How is TENCEL™ made?

TENCEL™ is made from regenerated wood pulp. In the case of TENCEL™ Lyocell, this is most commonly eucalyptus. The wood is harvested from sustainably controlled or certified origins. Eucalyptus trees are fast growing and require very little water and no toxic pesticides. The harvested wood is then chipped into smaller wood chips. Thereafter, they are made into wood pulp by dissolving the cellulose in a non-toxic organic solvent. The cellulose solution is then pushed through an extruder to generate the cellulosic fibres. The fibre is spun into yarn and woven to create TENCEL™ fabric and utilized to make garments.

 

How is TENCEL™ eco-friendly?

• Made from wood that is sourced from FSC® or PEFC certified sources
  Unlike other fabrics made from wood fibre, TENCEL™ is guaranteed to be made from wood, a natural and renewable raw material carefully sourced from responsibly managed forests. The wood taken from nature is purposefully balanced with forest growth rates, to ensure the continued availability of this valuable resource. For its highly responsible sourcing practices helping to protect ancient and endangered forests, Lenzing has been recognized as one of the best performing companies worldwide in Canopy’s Hot Button Report in 2023
• Closed loop production process
  Production of TENCEL™ is a closed loop process using a non-toxic solvent. More than 99.8% of this solvent is recovered and reused in the close loop production process, resulting in close-to-zero wastage. In other words, almost none of this solvent ends up in our ecosystem. Instead the solution is recycled repeatedly to generate more fibres, thus minimizing the need for new solvents and reducing the environmental impact associated with solvent production and disposal.
• Lower water consumption
  Due to its close loop production process, most of the water used in its production is captured, purified and reused again. This significantly reduces the overall amount of fresh water needed compared to traditional fabric production such as cotton . In addition, TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus trees grow quickly and require less water than other trees for fabric production.
• Biodegradable and Compostable
  TENCEL™ fibres can break down and compost at the end of their life cycle.
• Certified with EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence
  TENCEL™ is certified with the widely recognized EU Ecolabel for textile products. This label is awarded to products that meet high environmental standards. Key criteria for evaluation include production processes limiting the usage of substances harmful to human health or the environment, and minimizing key environmental impacts. 

 

TENCEL™ sounds too good to be true! Surely there are disadvantages?

The main disadvantage is cost. This is largely due to the technology required to manufacture TENCEL™, its dedication to rigorous environmentally sustainable methods (from sourcing to end product) and limited production.

At Mama Pyjama, we are committed to making sustainability more accessible. This is why we have priced ourselves to be affordable without compromising on quality. You can be assured that by purchasing with us, you are getting certified TENCEL™ products.

 

But there is cheap Tencel out there. Are they any different from TENCEL™?

Yes, there is a difference between Tencel and TENCEL™. TENCEL™ is a trademarked brand name owned by Lenzing AG. TENCEL™ branded fibres are certified to be sustainable, safe, and high-quality compared to cheaper Tencel alternatives. Be sure to look out for the branded TENCEL™ tag to ensure its authenticity.