Objects of Use Ltd

Tencel Textiles

Care Guide

Tencel is the registered brand name owned by the Austrian company Lenzing AG for two types of semi-synthetic cellulosic fibres: lyocell and modal. Spun primarily from wood pulp, it is renowned for its luxurious, silky texture, breathability, and exceptional moisture-wicking capabilities. While it is chemically processed — meaning it sits in a unique middle ground between fully natural and fully synthetic — it is widely considered one of the most environmentally responsible textiles available today.

Tencel’s reputation as an "eco-winner" comes from its strict supply chain management and highly efficient manufacturing processes:

— Closed-Loop Production System: This is Tencel's ultimate sustainability feature. When manufacturing Tencel Lyocell, the wood pulp is dissolved using a non-toxic organic solvent (NMMO). Instead of releasing this chemical waste into the environment, more than 99% of the solvent and water are recaptured, recycled, and reused in a continuous loop.

— Sustainably Sourced Wood: The raw materials are derived from wood pulp harvested from certified and controlled forests (often FSC or PEFC verified). Tencel Lyocell relies heavily on fast-growing eucalyptus trees, which require no pesticides, no artificial irrigation, and can thrive on marginal lands unsuitable for food crops.

— Resource Efficiency: Tencel has a dramatically lower environmental footprint than conventional cotton. Eucalyptus trees yield up to 10 times more fibre per acre than cotton while requiring up to 20 times less water. Additionally, because the raw pulp emerges pure white, the fibres require no bleaching and absorb dyes far more effectively than cotton, reducing chemical usage further downstream.

— Biodegradability & No Microplastics: Unlike synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, which shed persistent microplastics and linger in landfills for centuries, pure Tencel is fully plant-derived. It is certified as compostable and biodegradable, capable of reverting completely back to nature within a few months under the right conditions.

Lenzing backs up its sustainability claims through rigorous, independent validation rather than just self-marketing:

— EU Ecolabel: Awarded to Tencel for maintaining high environmental standards throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to final disposal.

— OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: Certifies that the final fabric has been thoroughly tested for harmful substances, making it completely non-toxic and safe for sensitive skin.

— Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI): Data verified by the Higg Index shows that Tencel Modal results in at least 50% fewer carbon emissions and significantly lower water consumption compared to generic, unbranded modal.

While highly sustainable, no textile is completely impact-free. Production remains energy-intensive due to the machinery needed to process the wood into pulp and spin the fibres. Overall, when compared to resource-heavy conventional cotton or fossil-fuel-reliant synthetics, Tencel represents a massive leap forward for circular, responsible textile production.

Further Information

Caring for Tencel

When caring for tencel, you must wash the item on a delicate cycle at either 40°C or 60°C in plenty of water; avoid using softener and bleach. When the cycle has finished, reshape the item while it’s still damp. Please note that linen fibres may come off the product during the wash, and the colour of natural linen will become lighter with washing. Do not use a tumble dryer.