What Are Regenerated Fibers?

Regenerated fibers, serving as a bridge between natural and synthetic fibers in the textile industry, are increasingly becoming a core choice for sustainable fashion due to their unique raw material sources and performance advantages. These fibers are produced by chemically dissolving and purifying natural polymer compounds (primarily plant cellulose) and then spinning them into fibers. They retain the excellent properties of natural fibers while overcoming some of their limitations, and they are distinctly different from fully synthetic fibers derived from petrochemicals (such as polyester and nylon).

Main Types of Regenerated Fibers

Viscose Fiber

The oldest and most widely produced regenerated cellulose fiber, typically made from wood pulp or cotton linter pulp. Its production process is mature and relatively low-cost. Viscose fiber offers excellent moisture absorption and breathability (with a standard moisture regain of up to 13%), a soft and smooth hand feel, and good drape. It is easy to dye and produces vibrant colors. It is widely used in clothing (underwear, T-shirts, dresses, linings), home textiles (bed sheets, duvet covers), and industrial textiles. However, its wet strength is relatively low, and it is prone to deformation. Additionally, traditional production processes involve chemicals like carbon disulfide, which has raised environmental concerns (modern processes are actively addressing this issue).

Lyocell Fiber

Hailed as the "green fiber of the 21st century," with Tencel being a prominent brand. Its revolutionary feature lies in its eco-friendly solvent spinning process, where wood pulp is dissolved in N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO), a non-toxic organic solvent that is nearly 99.5% recyclable, and then spun directly into fibers. This process produces almost no pollution.

Lyocell combines the advantages of both natural and synthetic fibers: excellent moisture absorption and breathability, a soft and smooth hand feel, elegant luster, high strength (especially wet strength, far superior to viscose), good dimensional stability, and strong wrinkle resistance. Its raw materials come from sustainably managed forests, and its closed-loop production process enhances its environmental benefits. It is widely used in high-end clothing, denim, bedding, and non-woven fabrics.

Cupro Fiber

Made by dissolving cotton linter in a copper ammonia solution to form a spinning solution, which is then solidified in an acid bath to produce filaments. Its most notable feature is the ability to produce extremely fine fibers (reaching ultra-fine denier levels), with an exceptionally soft, smooth, and lightweight hand feel, a subtle luster, excellent moisture absorption, and superior drape. It is often used in high-end silk-like fabrics (e.g., premium linings, imitation silk), medical non-woven fabrics (gauze, dressings), and precision wiping materials. However, its production process is complex, costly, and output is relatively limited.

Acetate Fiber

Produced by esterifying wood pulp with acetic anhydride to form cellulose acetate, which is then dissolved in solvents like acetone and spun into fibers. Its standout feature is its thermoplasticity: it can be shaped and permanently set under heat and pressure, resulting in a luster and drape similar to real silk. Its moisture absorption is lower than viscose and lyocell (but better than synthetic fibers), and it is wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying. It is widely used in high-end fashion linings, satin fabrics, women's blouses, ties, cigarette filters, and eyeglass frames.

Bamboo Fiber

A regenerated cellulose fiber made by chemically dissolving bamboo (using processes similar to viscose or lyocell) into pulp and then spinning it into fibers. Its physical and chemical properties are similar to those of regular viscose fiber. Market promotions often highlight its potential antibacterial, deodorizing, and UV-protective functions, which are partly attributed to the "bamboo kun" compounds naturally present in bamboo.

Core Advantages

1. Renewable Raw Materials, Promoting Sustainability

The primary raw materials are wood (fast-growing forests), bamboo, and cotton linter, all of which are biomass resources. With scientific planning and sustainable management (such as FSC/PEFC forest certification), these materials can be continuously supplied, significantly reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil resources and aligning with the principles of a circular economy.

2. Exceptional Skin-Friendliness and Comfort

Most regenerated cellulose fibers (viscose, lyocell, cupro, bamboo) inherit the excellent traits of natural fibers. They offer outstanding moisture absorption and breathability, quickly absorbing sweat and releasing it to keep the skin dry and comfortable. This makes them ideal for intimate apparel, T-shirts, bedding, and clothing for hot seasons.

3. Excellent Dyeability and Appearance

Regenerated fibers generally have superior dyeing properties, taking color easily and producing vibrant, rich hues with good color fastness. Their luster can be adjusted during production to range from subtle to bright, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.

4. Environmentally Friendly and Biodegradable

This is the core environmental advantage of regenerated fibers over synthetic fibers. Their main component is natural cellulose, which, under appropriate natural conditions (such as soil burial, specific temperature, humidity, and microbial environments), can be broken down by microorganisms into water and carbon dioxide within months to years. This allows them to re-enter the natural cycle, effectively reducing "white pollution" and microplastic issues. The closed-loop production process of lyocell fiber, in particular, minimizes environmental impact.

5. Designable Performance

By adjusting raw material sources, spinning processes, and finishing techniques, regenerated fibers can be endowed with specific properties, such as increased strength (high-strength viscose, lyocell), improved wrinkle resistance (lyocell, some modified viscose), or added functionalities (e.g., the claimed antibacterial properties of bamboo fiber or the thermoplasticity of acetate fiber).