Lyocell is a type of rayon fabric that is produced from wood pulp through an environmentally friendly organic solvent spinning process. It is distinguished by its soft draping qualities, breathability, absorbency and natural look and feel. The lyocell fabric in the United States has been witnessing steady growth over the past few years due to rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics.
Demand for Sustainable Fabrics Drives Lyocell Consumption
Consumers today are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they purchase. There is a strong desire for apparel and home textiles that are produced through sustainable manufacturing processes with minimal negative impacts on the environment. Lyocell fabric satisfies this demand as it is produced from naturally renewable wood pulp sources through a closed-loop manufacturing process that recycles its solvents. Compared to other man-made cellulosic fibers, lyocell has a lower environmental footprint. This has boosted its popularity among ethically conscious customers looking for eco-friendly fabric options. Many major apparel brands are emphasizing the use of sustainable fibers like lyocell in their product lines to attract such customers.
Rising Applications in Apparel and Home Textiles Sectors
Lyocell fabric finds widespread applications in apparel as well as home textiles. In the apparel sector, it is used to manufacture various varieties of knit and woven tops, bottoms, dresses and intimate wear due to attributes like breathability, moisture management and soft feel on skin. Its natural appearance and drape also make it suitable for apparel. In home textiles, lyocell is utilized in making sheets, towels, curtains and upholstery fabrics because of characteristics like absorbency, wrinkle resistance and durability. It provides customers a natural alternative to cotton for home textiles. Increasing demand from these end-use sectors is a key factor propelling the lyocell fabric in the country.
Rising Consumption in Bedding and Sheets Segment
Within the home textiles segment, the bedding and sheets category accounts for a major share of lyocell fabric usage. Customers today prefer bedding made from breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics that offer all-night comfort. Lyocell fits their needs admirably as its fiber structure ensures optimal moisture management to keep skin dry through the night. It is also exceptionally soft with a smooth, luxurious feel. Leading bedding brands prominently feature lyocell in their high-end linen and bed sheet lines to leverage its attributes. The success of lyocell in this booming category has catalyzed its consumption growth rates.
Dominance of Knits in Lyocell Apparel
When utilized in apparel, lyocell fabric is predominantly processed and delivered in knit varieties rather than woven styles due to its high affinity for knitting. Lyocell knits possess attributes like stretch, recovery, drape and a soft hand that make them perfect for making various types of contemporary knitwear in demand today, such as sweaters, tunics, leggings and activewear pieces. Their capability to manage moisture and retain shape well through washes has increased lyocell knits' popularity in active and casual apparel. Leading domestic and international knitwear designers depend on lyocell to develop versatile and comfortable knit apparel styles. This factor has cemented lyocell's position as a top choice for knit fabric construction.
Key Players Expanding Lyocell Fiber Capacity
The rise in lyocell fabric consumption has incentivized local players to boost fiber production capacities. Austrian fibers major, Lenzing AG, is a prominent domestic supplier, operating lyocell fiber manufacturing sites in the US. It has undertaken expansion projects to enhance capacities of existing production lines as well as build new lines at their US facilities. Another major player, Aditya Birla Group's subsidiary, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd, established a greenfield lyocell fiber complex in Georgia in 2018. This 35,000 ton capacity facility addressed the growing industry demand. Peer companies like Lyocell fiber specialist TENCEL LLC and Sateri Holdings, a Chinese integrated pulp and viscose rayon supplier, have also been investing to scale up lyocell capacities in the region. These efforts by top lyocell manufacturers will facilitate the industry's continued growth trajectory.
Regulatory Support for Eco-friendly Fibers
Complementing the aforementioned demand and supply trends is supportive regulatory policy. Under its Climate Action Plans, the US government aims to build a circular, sustainable low-carbon economy and promote substitute materials capable of reducing the environmental impact of textiles. In line with this objective, it provides incentives like tax exemptions on plant and machinery for producing eco-friendly cellulose-based fibers like lyocell that utilize cleaner production processes compared to traditional viscose rayon. Lyocell’s credentials as a renewable, naturally degradable substitute for cotton align perfectly with the regulatory drive. Such policy endorsements further stimulate lyocell’s commercialization across apparel, home furnishings and industrial applications in the country.
Outlook
Favorable regulatory support for sustainable materials along with augmenting fiber capacities will enable more widespread lyocell adoption by brands and designers. Meanwhile, end consumers’ growing focus on environmentally responsible products will consolidate lyocell’s popularity as a preferred natural and eco-friendly cellulosic option. Overall, with its distinctive physical properties and sustainable credentials, lyocell fabric is poised to achieve noteworthy penetration and augment its share of the total man-made viscose fibers business in the US over the coming years.