Microplastics
Material-class model assumption
Modal is recorded as Regenerated Cellulose Fiber and tied to no listed microplastic polymer, which drives the material's microplastics score pressure.
Regenerated Cellulose Fiber
Modal clothing: health and sustainability score
Modal is a regenerated-cellulose fiber. TENCEL Modal is a branded version, and TENCEL Lyocell is a different fiber: the trademark alone does not identify which one a garment contains.
Where it shows up
For underwear, tees and lounge clothing, compare the modal percentage, stretch blend, fabric weight and care instructions.
What the evidence supports
Lenzing describes its modal production as a modified viscose process, distinct from its lyocell process. That manufacturer description is not a claim about every modal supplier.
What remains unknown
Generic modal does not establish the named manufacturer, its process controls or a finished-garment certification.
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 Modal. Product-level water, stain, or performance finishes can still change PFAS risk.
Half-life and biodegradability
Material-class model assumption
Modal has no persistence penalty in MaterialsDB, which generally reflects better biodegradability than petroleum-based synthetics.
Fiber shedding
Material-class model assumption
Modal has no default microfiber-shedding penalty in MaterialsDB. Garment construction and laundering still matter.
Manufacturing energy
Material-class model assumption
Modal 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
71 visible scored products include Modal.
SoftTerry Light 1/4 Zip Fleece
Brand: tentree
91/100
Women'sSweatshirts
Men's Cotton Modal Blend Long Boxer Brief 8"
Brand: Bombas
90/100
Men'sUnderwear
Highland Luxe Jogger
Brand: Definite Articles
88/100
Women'sPantsActivewear
Violeta Jumpsuit
Brand: Villa Melina
88/100
Women'sOne-Pieces
Bestee Crop T-Shirt
Brand: Old Navy
84/100
Women'sShirts
SoftTerry Light Seamed Fleece Sweatshirt
Brand: tentree
82/100
Women'sSweatshirts
SoftTerry Light Twist Fleece Sweatshirt
Brand: tentree
80/100
Women'sSweatshirts
Men's Cotton Modal Blend Boxer Brief 3-Pack Gift Box
Brand: Bombas
80/100
Men'sUnderwear
Category guides where Modal shows up
Modal is on the look-for or watch-out list for these categories. Each guide ranks scored products and explains what the fiber label can tell you.
Common questions
Does Modal clothing shed microplastics?
Modal has no listed microplastic polymer in MaterialsDB. Garment construction and washing can still release fibers.
Is Modal biodegradable?
Modal has no half-life penalty in MaterialsDB, which is a better biodegradability signal than petroleum-based synthetics.
How should I check a Modal blend?
Use the Greener Closet material-label checker with the full percentage label, because blends can change the final score even when Modal is only one part of the garment.