Lenzing Lyocell RB is a type of artificial fiber produced from an innovative technological process, in accordance with the standards previously defined for the creation of Lyocell fiber. Also known as Tencel Refibra, Lenzing Lyocell RB uses less organic raw materials and more reusable natural fibers, such as cotton.
Slightly resembling recycled cotton fiber, Lenzing Lyocell RB also makes use of the surpluses left behind by cotton production, or of the discarded cotton in the post-consumer phase.
Either way, these cotton fiber scraps are reconditioned and then added to the chemical mixture made with cellulose, first extracted from wood pulp. Often on the ratio of 1:3. In essence, this means Lenzing Lyocell RB is an artificial fiber that combines the properties of both Lyocell and recycled cotton.
Cotton fibers that would otherwise be sent to landfills or incinerators are thus diverted to new fiber production. Generally speaking, this also means less wood is required to create new fibers which reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
Lenzing Lyocell RB or Tencel Refibra is a method developed to answer questions directly associated with sustainability and the circular economy.
On the one hand, it helps reduce deforestation levels. On the other hand, it finds new ways of giving life to otherwise wasted fibers, both during the pre-consumer and post-consumer stages.
A pioneering method in the area of sustainable development and technological innovation, Lenzing Lyocell RB is an artificial fiber with reduced environmental impact that allows for the creation of high-quality circular knitted fabrics.
Lenzing Lyocell RB is an artificial fiber from organic cellulosic nature that is produced with cotton surpluses or otherwise discarded. Its production process is rather similar to the one used to produce Lyocell to which a mixture of cotton fibers is added.
Likewise, the process of producing Lenzing Lyocell RB happens in a “closed-loop” system. More than 99% of the substances used for its production are recovered and reutilized. Not only that, but the water and the energy used can also contribute to its sustainability, as long as it comes from a renewable source.
Lenzing Lyocell RB is one of the first fibers produced in this manner that is capable of being fabricated at a commercially viable scale. Its name comes from the company that created it: Austrian Lenzing AG, which received a European Commission award for the invention.
Proof that sustainable and quality alternatives exist, Lenzing Lyocell RB is an artificial fiber with low environmental impact that also helps combat textile waste.
This is due to the “closed-loop” system as well as the type of cotton used.
However, the advantages do not stop here. Since other fibers are employed for its creation Lenzing Lyocell RB now requires less cellulose to be created. In turn, this helps reduce wood pulp needed. Although wood is a renewable source, less wood pulp means less water to grow new trees as well as less deforestation.
Finally, there is one other aspect worth mentioning. This artificial fiber was particularly designed so its origin can be labeled and identified, so as to contribute to the entire transparency of the whole production process.
Lenzing Lyocell RB works almost as a glimpse of what the future of circular economy might look like, where nothing is wasted. Indeed, it works as nature itself where nothing is lost, and everything is transformed.
Because of everything we have seen so far, Lenzing Lyocell RB characteristics resemble those of both Lyocell and cotton fibers. As we know, when two fibers coexist in one circular knitted fabric, both their positive benefits come out to the surface.
This is also the case for Lenzing Lyocell RB. However, the capacity to absorb and to breathe are the characteristics that most stand out in this fiber. Its ability to regulate body temperature is practically unparalleled.
Furthermore, the surface of this fiber is very smooth and that is felt on the skin by its extremely delicate touch.
In addition to all of this, together with its sustainable production method, we still must add the fact that it is truly a completely biodegradable fiber, which contributes even more to its reduced environmental impact.
It is true that the concepts of renewable energy, sustainability, and circular economy are not new. However, their combined introduction in the textile industry is still very recent.
Consumers have been searching for sustainable alternatives for a long time but until now every proposed solution was not economically viable. Lenzing Lyocell RB changed this paradigm. Today, producers and consumers alike can opt for quality sustainable circular knitted fabrics, with a commercial potential tried and tested.
Circular economy is at the very heart of Lenzing Lyocell RB available at ITJV only through catalogue requests and sample validation.
This text was written and published in 2021
