Fibre-driven sustainable fashion

 Making ethical fashion choices can often be a struggle. Where is the fabric sourced from? How does it impact the environment? What factors should one consider when aiming to make fashion sustainable? These are just a few of the many questions that weigh on the minds of consumers today. However, there is a material that holds promising answers — lyocell.

What is lyocell?

Lyocell is a type of rayon fibre produced from eucalyptus trees. Unlike cotton, eucalyptus does not strip the soil of its resources. It requires less water, fewer pesticides, and fewer chemicals during the manufacturing process. It employs a closed-loop manufacturing process and offers greater versatility and durability compared to other fabrics.

Once incorporated into garments, lyocell maintains its superiority over cotton in several ways. It resists colour bleeding, shrinking, and fading even after multiple washes, drapes in a wrinkle-free and soft manner, and is particularly suitable for sensitive skin due to its hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

When it comes to disposal, lyocell is also a more environmentally friendly choice. It biodegrades at a faster rate than cotton without releasing any harsh chemicals.

What sets lyocell apart is its closed-loop manufacturing system in which all water and chemicals are recycled and reused, thereby maximising resource efficiency and minimising waste. In this process, by-products from one stage become raw materials for the next. This helps reduce the impact the fashion industry has on the environment.

Spotting lyocell in the market

Birla Cellulose makes it easy for consumers to identify lyocell. Birla Excel, the branded lyocell fibre from Birla Cellulose, is eco-friendly, derived from renewable resources, and manufactured through a closed-loop process. It biodegrades within six weeks, making it easy to discard without contributing to landfills.

Birla Excel is the strongest and most durable among cellulosic fibres. However, despite its strength, the fibre remains gentle. With a moisture absorbency of 13%, garments made with Birla Excel are comfortable and soft to wear. Due to its moisture-absorbing properties, it is also ideal for individuals with sensitive skin.

Birla Excel retains its colours even after multiple washes thanks to its unique morphological structure. This results in a vibrant, comfortable fabric with excellent lustre and drape. Consequently, it is used in a wide range of applications, from non-woven face and baby wipes to denim and casual wear.

Furthermore, Birla Excel utilises Green Track, a blockchain-based tool to trace both upward and downward value chains, ensuring authenticity of data. This unique feature also eliminates the possibility of counterfeiting.

The bottom line

Lyocell is the smarter and more sustainable choice compared to fibres derived from other sources such as cotton, viscose, and other cellulosic fibres. Its closed-loop manufacturing process and fast biodegradability set it apart. Birla Excel and lyocell fibres promise a sustainable future for the fashion industry, playing a crucial role in transforming its public image from one associated with excessive resource consumption to one that prioritises environmental responsibility.