Lyocell

Lyocell is produced by dissolving cellulose from wood pulp in N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) solvent and extruding it through spinnerets into a water bath that regenerates the fiber. Crucially, 99%+ of the solvent is recovered and reused, giving lyocell a significantly lower environmental footprint than viscose rayon. The resulting fiber has a smooth, round cross-section that lies flat against skin, producing a silky hand with less surface friction than cotton. Lyocell has high wet strength (superior to cotton) and absorbs moisture roughly 50% more efficiently than cotton, helping regulate body temperature. It can be engineered to fibrillate — producing a peach-skin surface effect — or treated to minimize fibrillation for smooth-faced fabrics.