By Sander Tamm
Last updated: Jan 24, 2025
Pictured: 96% TENCEL Modal shirt (Amour Vert)
What is TENCEL Modal?
TENCEL Modal is a branded semi-synthetic fabric, made primarily from beech wood cellulose and produced exclusively by Lenzing AG, a leading producer of regenerated cellulosic fibers like Lenzing EcoVero and TENCEL Lyocell. It is made from sustainably sourced wood certified by FSC and PEFC and processed into fiber in Austria and China. Unlike generic modal fibers from multiple manufacturers, TENCEL Modal is only produced by Lenzing AG.
As a second-generation rayon, TENCEL Modal features more sustainable production methods and enhanced fiber properties than traditional rayon or viscose. TENCEL Lyocell, a third-generation rayon, innovates further with a nearly closed-loop chemical process. TENCEL Modal relies on a modified viscose process, which is less harmful to the environment than regular rayon or viscose but does not achieve the same level of sustainability as lyocell.
What is TENCEL Modal made of?
TENCEL Modal is made from sustainably sourced, FSC or PEFC-certified wood, primarily beech wood, and other woods such as spruce, eucalyptus, birch, maple, southern pine, and acacia. Its sourcing policy excludes wood from controversial sources, including ancient or endangered forests, illegal logging, and threatened habitats.
Lenzing AG sources around 2.5 million tons of wood annually to support its fiber production, 500 thousand tonnes of which comes from its new dissolving pulp mill in Minas Gerais, Brazil, the largest of its kind in the world. The mill is a joint venture, with Lenzing AG holding a 51% stake and Dexco (formerly Duratex), a Brazilian producer of engineered wood products, a 49% stake.
Where is TENCEL Modal produced?
TENCEL Modal is produced in two countries:
- Austria: Located in Lenzing, Austria, the company’s namesake town, the largest production facility of TENCEL Modal has an annual production capacity of 119 thousand tonnes. Modal fibers have been produced in Lenzing, Austria since 1965.
- China: Located in Nanjing, China, this newly converted facility produces 35 thousand tonnes of TENCEL Modal annually. This production line was converted from generic viscose to TENCEL Modal in 2023.
What other modal fibers does Lenzing produce?
Here are a few other specialty modal fibers produced by Lenzing AG:
MicroModal
MicroModal is a softer and finer alternative to regular TENCEL Modal. It provides enhanced comfort and softness for everyday clothing that requires a balance of softness and resilience.
MicroModal AIR
MicroModal AIR offers greater fineness and softness than standard MicroModal. Its ultra-fine fibers enhance its lightweight, airy feel, making it the most breathable option among Lenzing's modal-based fabrics. It is ideal for sustainable lingerie.
ProModal
ProModal is a 65/35 blend of TENCEL Modal and TENCEL Lyocell. This fiber combines TENCEL Modal's softness with TENCEL Lyocell's moisture absorption, skin-friendly qualities, and strength, offering a fuller feel.
What are the properties of TENCEL Modal fabric?
TENCEL Modal is known for its softness, smoothness, and lightweight structure. The fibers retain their softness even after repeated washing, with a cross-section that enhances color retention and resists shrinking and pilling. It is an excellent partner for cotton blending due to easy tone-on-tone dyeing and its durability, with TENCEL Modal maintaining its structure and shape through prolonged use.
Fabrics made from TENCEL Modal fibers are ideal for high-quality, next-to-skin applications such as underwear, loungewear, and bedding. Washing at low temperatures is recommended to preserve the properties and longevity of the fabric.
Is TENCEL Modal sustainable?
TENCEL Modal has limited sustainability but represents a significant improvement over conventional modal. Its integrated pulp and fiber production facilities, FSC and PEFC-certified wood sourcing, adherence to OEKO-TEX standards for chemical management, and emissions reduction efforts contribute to its sustainability. However, some risks, such as eutrophication, remain, and TENCEL Modal scores a low “D” from the Made-By Benchmark, which evaluates fibers for key environmental impacts.
TENCEL Modal generates 2.84 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per 1 kg of fiber, resulting in a carbon footprint 10% smaller than TENCEL Lyocell and 50% lower than conventional modal. Lenzing’s adherence to the Paris Agreement and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) underscores its commitment to long-term climate management and the company is a frontrunner in Canopy’s yearly Hot Button Report, which evaluates wood sourcing risks in the semi-synthetic cellulosic fibers industry.
While TENCEL Lyocell sets the gold standard in sustainable MMCF production, TENCEL Modal remains a decent choice, particularly for next-to-skin clothing such as sustainable underwear and loungewear, where its unique properties are most desired.