Information on our eco-jersey fabric used in our *NEW* clothing line.

Lycocell is an eco fabric, best known by its brand name Tencel®. It has a soft finish, packs light and is made from cellulose which is vegetable matter or wood pulp. This pulp could be a mix of hardwood trees such as oak and birch, although Tencel® branded lyocell is made from eucalyptus trees. Lycocell is a natural fabric and is noted for its durability and strength, in addition to its eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.

Lyocell is made by chipping wood. The wood fibres are then broken down using a non-toxic chemical called amine oxide and then then placing the material into a spinneret. The spinneret produces long fibres, which are then dried and woven into cloth.

Other companies throughout the world do make lyocell, and though you might commonly associate the material with fabrics for clothing, there are several other uses for lyocell. Since the fabric is durable, it’s been used for items like conveyor belts in super markets and so on and for things such as bandages in the medical field.

In clothing, you’ll find lyocell in number of styles and finishes. Some lyocell clothing looks like denim material, while others approximate the look of suede (usually called moleskin or peach skin). Lyocell can also be made to look like wool, cotton, rayon or poly/silk blends which will feature in our clothing line.

Lycocell fabric is extremely durable. It tends not to wrinkle and many forms of it are easy care for and can be machine-washed. Take care not to tumble dry, the fabric should be dried flat or drip dried ideally.

Some background information

The first fabrics made with wood pulp were made as far back as the mid 19th century. They were not universally accepted or very profitable. At the end of the 19th century, a method for creating rayon out of wood cellulose became popular, and rayon became one of the first manmade fibres used as a silk substitute and then later on an inspiration to produce lyocell. Success of rayon particularly in the latter 20th century fuelled interest in making other products from wood pulp.

Thanks for reading! Our line will be launching Feb 2011 so keep a look out. FB updates to follow.

Love Emi♥. x x