In this guide, we look at whether Modal fiber is eco friendly and sustainable for use in clothing, fabric and textiles.

We look at the sourcing and manufacturing stages, and outline what might be relevant to sustainability across the different processes.

Firstly, What Is Modal?

Modal is a type of regenerated fiber, and also a type of rayon.

It is usually sourced from trees and uses wood cellulose. 

The fibers are usually treated slightly differently to other types of rayon after spinning to make the filaments stronger.

For example, the fibers are also stretched to increase molecular alignment. This means that modal fibers have the potential to be lighter and finer and can be tumble dried without damage. 

TENCEL brand also makes their own branded and trademarked Lyocell Modal fibre with their own sourcing and processing processes. You can read about the specific of TENCEL’s Modal fibre on their website

Another description of Modal:

• Lyocell is the generic name for the fibers (TENCEL Lyocell, and TENCEL Modal) produced by Lenzing, which are not produced by the traditional viscose process but rather by solvent spinning.
• These fibers are manufactured by the Austrian company Lenzing, which advertises its environmentally friendly production processes, based on closed loop systems.

– oecotextiles.wordpress.com

Is Modal Eco Friendly & Sustainable?

It depends on which company is sourcing and producing the modal.

There are probably two main factors that determine how ecofriendly and sustainable a particular type of modal is:

What source the cellulose comes from (what the raw material is, and how it’s grown)

What chemicals are used for production/manufacturing, and the method and procedures involved in the manufacturing

In general, the Modal fiber produced by TENCEL is considered to be ecofriendly and sustainable compared to other fibers.  But – you have to look at the weaving process too, which is a separate consideration.

But there’s also the consumer usage, maintenance and waste/recycling stages to consider as well. Some bamboos and hemps could be reasonably sustainable when sustainably/responsibly grown, and combining that with closed loop processes, naturally derived production chemicals, and similarly more natural/organic and ecofriendly post-growing processes and chemicals used.

An Example of Modal Fiber by TENCEL and How It’s Eco Friendly & Sustainable

TENCEL (owned by Lenzing) produces two main fibers – TENCEL Lyocell, and TENCEL Modal.

With TENCEL Modal specifically:

• Growing Of Cellulose Material Source – TENCEL™ Modal fibers are mainly manufactured from the renewable source of raw material beech wood, sourced from sustainable forests in Austria and neighboring countries. 
• Production – Numerous Lenzing innovations have been integrated in the production of TENCEL™ Modal fibers, to make the process environmentally sound. Lenzing strives to safeguard resources for future generations by the use of renewable energy and by the recovery of process chemicals. 

– tencel.com 

Both the growing/sourcing and production processes used by TENCEL are sustainable and ecofriendly. 

Wood is sourced sustainably.

And, the production process involves renewable energy, and the recovery of process chemicals (through closed loop processing). This means these chemicals are discharged in wastewater (which contaminates and wastes that water – especially if it comes from a freshwater source) into the environment (which contaminates water, soil, and can impact wildlife) like they might be with the production process for many other types of fibers.

And, the production process involves renewable energy, and the recovery of process chemicals (through closed loop processing). This means these chemicals are discharged in wastewater (which contaminates and wastes that water – especially if it comes from a freshwater source) into the environment (which contaminates water, soil, and can impact wildlife) like they might be with the production process for many other types of fibers.

How To Know If You Are Getting Eco Friendly & Sustainable Modal

You can probably do two things:

1. Look at the label of the product you are buying and see the fibers listed (you may even see a fiber mix such as modal and another fiber)

2. Look at the brand and have a look on their website to see how they both grow their cellulose source (such as wood), and how it is processed. Check also for any certifications, names of suppliers, traceability of materials and supply chains, and any detailed information of the entire sourcing, manufacturing, finishing and transportation process.

A Note on Fiber Suppliers and Fabric Makers

Obviously, fibers, filaments and yarns are used to make fabrics.

Growing and production of fibers has an environmental impact, but so does the weaving process to turn yarns and fibers into fabric.

Geotextile's makes a note about this to be aware of when considering the lifecycle assessment of how ecofriendly and/or sustainable a particular fiber is:

• … [in 2012] Lenzing does not make fabrics – it sells yarns to mills and others which use the yarns to make fabric and other goods.
• So, we’re back to the beginning again, because people totally forget about the environmental impact in the weaving of fibers into fabric, where the water and chemical use is very high – if done conventionally, the environmental burden is devastating and the finished fabric itself probably contains many chemicals which are outlawed in other products.
• It’s critically important to look at both the fiber as well as the weaving in order to make a good choice.

For any questions regarding our Douceur soft™ fabric Modal,

Please contact: info@douceursoft.com