Bamboo is what is called a chemical fiber or regenerated fiber in textile language. A regenerated fiber is made based on nature's own chemical compounds and is extracted from bamboo, wood, cotton waste and similar plants with a high cellulose content. Often with a beautiful shine, fewer wrinkles and easier cleaning as a result.

It all started with the development of viscose back in the late 1800s. Then came the Lyocell manufacturing method in the early 1990s, when a manufacturing method was desired that was less harmful to the environment.

In general terms, the plant material is first cut into smaller pieces (wood chips). It is then dissolved into a slurry and the cellulose is extracted. The syrup-like substance is called schmelze. It is then pressed through a funnel with small holes (spinning nozzle).

The rays that emerge are drawn to the desired thinness, after which the fibers are cooled, washed, dried and finally wound onto skeins, as an infinitely long filament yarn.

The Lyocell method is very similar to the process described above. With one – very important – difference, the Lyocell method takes place in a closed loop. In this closed loop, the chemicals used in the decomposition process are recycled.

It is precisely the chemicals in the degradation process that have not yet been found to be environmentally friendly alternatives. Therefore, a system has been developed that recycles around 99% of the chemicals. In addition, this method requires significantly less water consumption than the classic viscose production.

It might also be worth mentioning that Lyocell is the same as Tencel. However, the name Tencel may only be used when it comes from the Austrian factory Lenzing, which is a leader in environmentally friendly production methods.

The majority of the clothing we sell here at bambustøj.dk is FSC® and OEKO-TEX certified. You can read more about the FSC® certification here and the OEKO-TEX certification here.