What a closed loop means in production

Short answer: A closed loop means that the chemicals and water used in the process are collected and reused instead of being led away. It concerns what leaves the factory, not what you hold in your hand. The term is most often used about lyocell and less often about viscose.

What a closed loop is

In a closed loop, the chemicals and water used in production are collected and used again instead of being led away. The principle is simple, and it is easy to see why it sounds good. What decides how well it works in practice is how large a share of the liquid actually returns into the process.

How it works

The solvent used to dissolve the plant pulp is distilled and purified after use. The purified liquid then goes back into the process and is used again. Water circulates in the same way. So instead of every production run starting with new chemicals, part of them is reused, and that reused part is what forms the loop.

What it means for the product

The fibre itself does not become different because of it. The difference lies in what leaves the factory, not in what you get in your hand. A garment from a closed loop does not feel softer or stronger for that reason. It is a statement about production and not a property you feel when you put the clothes on.

Where you meet the term

You most often meet the term about lyocell and less often about viscose. It is information the producer gives itself, and it appears in the product description if it is stated. See for example bamboo long sleeve t-shirt for men and read the material description to see what information is given.

Are all closed loops the same

No. They differ in how large a share is reused. A plant that collects most of it is one thing, and a plant that collects a smaller part is another, even if both use the same word. It is therefore reasonable to ask for the figures if a producer uses the term, and not to read it as a quality guarantee.

Can viscose be made in a closed loop

Partly. Modern plants collect a large share of the chemicals and water used. That does not mean all viscose is made that way, and producers differ. Read the product description and ask the shop if you want to know how the specific fibre you are considering was made.

Can you see it on the garment

No. It is not on the garment and cannot be seen or felt. It is in the product description if the producer states it. See for example bamboo split sheets and women's bamboo pants and read the text about the material. If the detail is missing, ask the shop rather than assuming it applies.

What the term does not tell you

A closed loop tells you how the solvent and water are handled. It says nothing about where the raw material comes from, about working conditions or about how long the garment lasts. It is one piece of information among several, and should be read with fibre name, labels and care label if you want a full picture of a product.

How to use the information

Use the term as a sober piece of information about production. Read what the producer says and see whether figures or documents stand behind it. Then look at the fibre name, the fit and the care label, which decide how the clothes work in daily life. That way the term gets the weight it deserves, and no more.

Frequently asked questions

Are all closed loops the same

No. They differ in how large a share of the chemicals and water is reused. Ask the producer or the shop if you want to know how large a share is collected.

Can viscose be made in a closed loop

Partly. Modern plants collect a large share of the chemicals and water, but not all viscose is made that way. The product description gives information about that specific fibre.