Microplastics
Material-class model assumption
Lyocell is recorded as Regenerated Cellulose Fiber and tied to no listed microplastic polymer, which drives the material's microplastics score pressure.
Regenerated Cellulose Fiber
Lyocell clothing: health and sustainability score
Lyocell is regenerated cellulose made by a process distinct from viscose. It is a generic fiber name; not all lyocell is TENCEL branded.
Where it shows up
When comparing lyocell and modal garments, start with the specific fiber, blend, construction and care rather than treating the names as interchangeable.
What the evidence supports
The textile fiber definitions distinguish lyocell’s cellulose dissolution process. That definition does not establish the measured environmental performance of every factory.
What remains unknown
A generic label does not identify pulp sourcing, solvent recovery at the actual facility, dyes, finishes or product-specific testing.
Primary sources
- Textile fibre names and definitions, Annex I (European Union)
- TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibers (Lenzing (fiber manufacturer))
Reviewed 2026-09-05.
How the model interprets this fiber
Greener Closet scores the disclosed share using the corresponding MaterialsDB record. Its factor defaults are model assumptions, not product testing, a factory life-cycle assessment or independently validated quantitative calibration.
Low concern
PFAS uncertainty
Material-class model assumption
MaterialsDB does not apply a base PFAS penalty to Lyocell. Product-level water, stain, or performance finishes can still change PFAS risk.
Half-life and biodegradability
Material-class model assumption
Lyocell has no persistence penalty in MaterialsDB, which generally reflects better biodegradability than petroleum-based synthetics.
Fiber shedding
Material-class model assumption
Lyocell has no default microfiber-shedding penalty in MaterialsDB. Garment construction and laundering still matter.
Manufacturing energy
Material-class model assumption
Lyocell carries a manufacturing-energy penalty, so production impacts remain part of the score even when microplastic risk is low.
Other fibers to compare
Best next step
Paste the full fabric label into the homepage checker. A 95% cotton, 5% elastane garment will not score the same as 100% cotton, and the checker handles those percentages.
Use the material-label checkerRelated scored products
36 visible scored products include Lyocell.
Everyday Bralette
Brand: Kiseau
90/100
Women'sBras
Denim Relaxed Flare Jumpsuit in Croswell Wash
Brand: Madewell
90/100
Women'sJumpsuits and Rompers
Chambray Tencel Long Sleeve Shirt
Brand: Quince
88/100
Women'sShirts
The Oversized Blazer in Buttersmooth | Heather Steel
Brand: Everlane
87/100
Women'sCoats and Jackets
The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
Brand: Maeve
87/100
Women'sPants
The Colette Cropped High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Brand: Maeve
85/100
Women'sPantsDenim
Element Tee
Brand: äktiiv
84/100
Women'sTanksTanksShirts
Women's SuperLight Tree Runner
Brand: Allbirds
84/100
Women'sShoes
Common questions
Does Lyocell clothing shed microplastics?
Lyocell has no listed microplastic polymer in MaterialsDB. Garment construction and washing can still release fibers.
Is Lyocell biodegradable?
Lyocell has no half-life penalty in MaterialsDB, which is a better biodegradability signal than petroleum-based synthetics.
How should I check a Lyocell blend?
Use the Greener Closet material-label checker with the full percentage label, because blends can change the final score even when Lyocell is only one part of the garment.