Microplastics
Material-class model assumption
Tencel 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
Tencel Lyocell clothing: health and sustainability score
TENCEL Lyocell is Lenzing’s branded lyocell fiber. Confirm that the listing says lyocell rather than just TENCEL, because the brand also includes modal.
Where it shows up
For shirts, dresses or leggings, check the complete blend and intended use. A lyocell garment with elastane is a blend, not a 100% cellulosic item.
What the evidence supports
Lenzing describes a solvent-recovery process for its lyocell production. This is manufacturer process information, not independent testing of the garment you are considering.
What remains unknown
The trademark does not independently verify every retailer claim, trim, finish or whole-garment end-of-life outcome.
Primary sources
- TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibers (Lenzing (fiber manufacturer))
- Textile fibre names and definitions, Annex I (European Union)
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 Tencel Lyocell. Product-level water, stain, or performance finishes can still change PFAS risk.
Half-life and biodegradability
Material-class model assumption
Tencel Lyocell has no persistence penalty in MaterialsDB, which generally reflects better biodegradability than petroleum-based synthetics.
Fiber shedding
Material-class model assumption
Tencel Lyocell has no default microfiber-shedding penalty in MaterialsDB. Garment construction and laundering still matter.
Manufacturing energy
Material-class model assumption
Tencel 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
80 visible scored products include Tencel Lyocell.
Men's Work Denim 5-Pocket Pants - Regular
Brand: Patagonia
97/100
Men'sPants
Men's Work Denim 5-Pocket Pants - Short
Brand: Patagonia
95/100
Men'sPantsShorts
Bella Stretch Relaxed Straight Jeans
Brand: Quince
94/100
Women'sPants
The Gardener Pull-On Jean
Brand: Everlane
94/100
Women'sPantsDenim
![[PF26.Wood] T-Shirt - Arctic Blue](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fprod-greenercloset%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fv1786960342%2Fgreenercloset%2Fprod%2Fwwr6tvw37f1vnzlovejq.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
[PF26.Wood] T-Shirt - Arctic Blue
Brand: Boldwill
92/100
Men'sShirts
Long Denim Shirt
Brand: H&M
91/100
Women'sShirts
AE Stretch Barrel Jean
Brand: American Eagle
91/100
Women'sPants
Women's Soft Merino Tee - True Black
Brand: Allbirds
90/100
Women'sTanksShirts
Category guides where Tencel Lyocell shows up
Tencel Lyocell 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 Tencel Lyocell clothing shed microplastics?
Tencel Lyocell has no listed microplastic polymer in MaterialsDB. Garment construction and washing can still release fibers.
Is Tencel Lyocell biodegradable?
Tencel Lyocell has no half-life penalty in MaterialsDB, which is a better biodegradability signal than petroleum-based synthetics.
How should I check a Tencel Lyocell blend?
Use the Greener Closet material-label checker with the full percentage label, because blends can change the final score even when Tencel Lyocell is only one part of the garment.