modal, lenzing™

When it comes to eco-friendliness, Tencel Modal by LENZING™ is more sustainably produced than regular modal. Lenzing is an Austrian fabric company that focuses on producing more sustainable materials. For Tencel Modal, they use sustainable and certified wood sources. 

It means that they apply due diligence, ensure legal compliance and require from suppliers to comply with their wood and pulp policy. Almost all the wood they buy is FSC or PEFC certified. Also, they strive to avoid wood or pulp from forests in Canada, Russia, Amazon region or endangered rainforests in West Africa or Indonesia. In case the wood or pulp is sourced from these areas, they require, for instance, the FSC certification.

But that's not all! By offsetting their carbon emissions, the production of Tencel Modal is actually carbon-neutral. However, not all types of modal are created equal. The production of regular modal is often linked to the use of many toxic chemicals and deforestation. Yes, that's right. Unfortunately, it is not always the case that modal is sourced from ethically and sustainably managed forests. And many manufacturers are not so transparent about their sourcing practices. 

In other words, the sustainability of modal truly depends on the manufacturer.  Long story short: Tencel Modal is the most eco-friendly modal fiber. So, a little investigative work is often necessary to satisfy our sustainability needs. But don't put on your trench coat or your detective hat just yet. We've got some pretty good news for you!

You might have already guessed it. Or you will just give out a huge sigh of relief. But yes, in our department store, you can filter products by materials too. This way, no products made with regular modal will be shown to you. And you will be able to smoothly scroll through pieces made with Tencel Modal by Lenzing only.

Tencel Modal is a super comfortable, soft, stretchy and lightweight material. So many great qualities. We could go on and on. So, we will! It is also breathable, flexible and long-lasting. It dries quickly, and is resistant to wrinkling, moths and mildew. And it doesn't crease or shrink, and drapes well too. 

Its luxurious properties make it a great vegan alternative to not-so-sustainable silk.

Nobody's perfect, and the same goes for this fabric too. Tencel Modal doesn't have good resistance to high temperatures. So, it can lose longevity when often exposed to sunlight.

Tencel Modal is often used in formal wear. Think of blouses, evening dresses, suits, or coats and jackets. It is also used in knitwear, sweaters, pajamas, underwear, lingerie and T-shirts & tops. 

Doing sports can be also in the theme of Tencel Modal as it is also used in sportswear and activewear. And you can find towels or bathrobes made with Tencel Modal too.

The production process of Tencel Modal and viscose is quite similar. 

Yet, Tencel Modal is more breathable and lighter. It is also more durable and stronger, especially when wet. This means it doesn't lose its shape as opposed to viscose. 

And most importantly, the production of viscose is infamous for using more water and toxic chemicals too. So, when you're given the choice, opting for Tencel Modal instead is the way to go.

Lyocell and Modal are both produced by Lenzing. So, if you confuse these two materials, know that you're not alone. 
Especially because Tencel Modal was previously called Lenzing Modal. And the terms 'Lyocell' and 'Tencel' were used interchangeably. But don't worry. We're here to help you out!

Modal is a bit softer and more delicate than Lyocell. But both fabrics are very comfortable and breathable. And they both have a luxurious feel.

Lyocell and Modal are both made from wood pulp. Yet, the production of Lyocell involves a non-toxic cellulose solution. It serves as an organic replacement of sodium hydroxide that is used to produce Modal. 

Also, Lyocell is produced in a closed-loop process. In other words, almost all water and chemicals can be fully recovered and reused. 

For these reasons, Lyocell is considered to be more eco-friendly than Modal.