What Are Tencel and Ecovero? A Sustainable Fabric Guide
Tencel and Ecovero are both made from wood cellulose but are produced through a closed-loop process (where water and solvents are recovered), consuming far less water and chemicals than standard viscose production. Tencel (lyocell) offers a silky, ultra-smooth surface, while Ecovero is positioned more as a sustainable version of viscose.
Key properties of Tencel
Tencel manages moisture better than standard viscose or cotton: it absorbs and disperses moisture quickly, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin and warm-climate products. Its surface is ultra-smooth, which gives sharper print results and a silkier drape.
Where Ecovero fits
Ecovero is produced from certified sustainable forest sources and has a lower emission/water footprint than standard viscose; in texture and hand-feel it's close to classic viscose, so it can be thought of as "the sustainable option that replaces viscose."
Why choose them?
For brands and end users who value sustainability, Tencel/Ecovero offer lower environmental impact than standard synthetic or conventional viscose fabrics; in the DESENIX catalog, this group is recommended for premium dress and blouse applications.
Browse Tencel and Ecovero FabricsWhat is the difference between Tencel and viscose?
Both are made from wood cellulose, but Tencel uses a closed-loop production process that consumes less water/chemicals and has a smoother fiber structure; standard viscose is produced through a more conventional (and more environmentally impactful) process.
Is Ecovero really more sustainable?
Yes, Ecovero uses certified/controlled forest sources and targets lower emissions and water consumption during production compared to standard viscose.
Are Tencel/Ecovero fabrics expensive?
They're generally priced somewhat higher than standard viscose, since production requires more controlled processes and sustainable sourcing. The textural quality and moisture management balance out that difference in price and performance.