Lyocell bed linen with eucalyptus pulp in the test: advantages and comparison with bamboo and co.

Dream something nice, little star. Be sure, I love you: This or any other goodnight saying is not enough to ensure a restful sleep. In fact, there are many factors that have a major influence on this aspect of our lives. One of the most important is undoubtedly the sheet material from which the bed linen is made. 

Not so long ago, people didn't have many options in this regard. But the whole thing has developed a lot over the years, so cotton is far from being the only material that guarantees an undisturbed night's sleep. Thanks to the many advantages that eucalyptus wood-based bed linen offers, this material is becoming the latest trend in terms of a restful sleep. 

But what sets the bed linen apart? What specific advantages can one have on the list in this case?

Here you will find all the important information you need to know before the lights go out and you dive into the world of dreams!

 

What exactly is eucalyptus pulp bed linen made of?

Lyocell fibers are used to make the bed linen. Lyocell consists entirely of cellulose and is sold by the manufacturer under the brand name Tencel. Wood from eucalyptus, spruce, pine and beech, among others, is used to produce Lyocell.

As we will show in a moment, it combines the properties of all known natural fibers. The fabric cools like linen, is more absorbent than cotton and warms like sheep's wool.

How is Lyocell made?

1. The first process is to cut wood into small pieces, which are then soaked to loosen the pulp.  
2. The pulp obtained is then mixed with water and organic, environmentally friendly solvents.
3. The next step is to heat the mass under vacuum, whereby the water is removed and the cellulose dissolves and the spinning solution is formed.  
4. The viscous mass is then filtered and pressed through spinnerets.
5. Finally it goes into a spinning bath, where the fibers are created.

The solvent can be filtered out of the water without leaving any residue and reused for subsequent production processes. 

This incredible production cycle is closed by up to 99.7% and the process therefore received the environmental prize from the European Union: “European Award for the Environment” .

 

Bed linen made from eucalyptus pulp: advantages and disadvantages in detail

From sustainability to the feel-good aspect to easy care, Lyocell fibers are a real all-rounder that can impress in many areas.

Before we go into the individual advantages and disadvantages in detail, here is a summary:

 

The advantages in detail

Advantage 1: The Lyocell fiber is sustainable

Conventional cotton cultivation is quite problematic because millions of hectares of land worldwide are used for cotton cultivation . It is farmland that could be put to other useful uses by millions of people. 

For example, no arable land is required for the eucalyptus stocks of lyocell and water consumption is approximately 95% lower than for the production of cotton.

For people who want to live their lifestyle in harmony with nature and the environment, Lyocell bed linen is the optimal choice. Both the wood from which the lyocell fiber is made and the production process itself meet the demand for sustainability. 

In concrete terms, this means: The companies that produce these substances rely on FSC-certified, sustainable forestry and protect threatened primary forests. T he trees may only be planted where the natural rainfall is sufficient to cover the trees' water needs.

The manufacturing process is almost closed, which means bed linen based on eucalyptus wood  meets the requirements of the circular economy.

The cultivation of eucalyptus trees is also free of pest control or genetic manipulation.

Advantage 2: The optimal temperature when sleeping in winter and summer

Did you know that your bedding plays a crucial role in ensuring that you feel comfortable in your bed and can enjoy a restful sleep? This is because bedding supports the optimal sleeping temperature. Bedding next to your duvet ensures that it doesn't get too cold or too warm while you sleep. 

Why Lyocell does this job well is due to its thermoregulating properties. This means that it cools you down in the summer and keeps you nice and warm in the winter.

Advantage 3: Perfect for allergy sufferers due to hypoallergenic properties

Chemicals and bleaching agents are often used in the cotton manufacturing process. For sensitive people, the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process can lead to itching and allergic reactions. Lyocell bed linen is particularly recommended for allergy sufferers, as no solvents or pesticides are used in the production process.

In addition, the bed linen avoids a high incidence of mites thanks to its temperature and moisture management. 

The bed linen is both antibacterial and completely antifungal. Not only are unpleasant smells avoided, but also possible mold growth . 

All of the above facts make eucalyptus wood-based bed linen ideal for allergy sufferers and those who have problems with sensitive skin.

Advantage 4: Sweat-regulating

Regardless of whether you feel like you sweat a lot or a little at night, everyone loses a certain amount of sweat. In the worst case scenario, if the fabric is not breathable, it will become very damp. Lyocell bed linen, on the other hand, is very breathable. Compared to cotton, it is around 50 percent more breathable.

But how does this great breathability arise in the fabric?

Lyocell fibers have a fibril structure. This is excellent at absorbing the sweat that is released overnight. At the same time, sweat is released back into the environment. This is exactly what makes sleeping much more comfortable.

Advantage 5: Particularly soft

Lyocell fiber is naturally softer and smoother than pure cotton. You get incomparable comfort thanks to the smooth, almost silk-like surface. People with sensitive skin are particularly grateful for this. Due to the lower surface friction, Lyocell is softer than cotton and becomes even cozier with every wash.

Benefit 6: Good for skin and hair

The soft and smooth properties are also a great benefit for skin and hair. Anyone who sleeps in high-quality Lyocell bed linen will be amazed by the good feeling on their skin. The smooth surface minimizes the friction of the hair on the duvet cover and thus prevents hair breakage. 

The  Lyocell pillowcase also helps with skin problems due to its antibacterial properties and is good for acne.

Advantage 7: Easy to care for and energy saving

The antibacterial properties of Lyocell are so hygienic that the bed linen can be washed at low temperatures. The fabric should be washed at 40° and does not require any special care. In addition, lyocell stays in shape thanks to its increased elasticity and does not shrink, as is the case with cotton, for example.

Advantage 8: Robust and durable

The lyocell fiber is extremely robust and tear-resistant even when wet, which makes the bed linen extremely durable. With Lyocell, buying new bed linen every few years is no longer necessary because the quality of the fabric remains the same for a long time.

 

Typical materials for bed linen in comparison: which one is best?

As shown, using Lyocell bed linen has many advantages. But how does it all compare to the classic option such as cotton and other fabrics? 

In the table below we show the main properties in comparison:

Lyocell vs cotton

Cotton has a long history as a natural fiber and for many centuries it was the only option for producing clothing, bed linen or cloths. Of course, there are also big differences in quality.

For a fair comparison, you should differentiate between conventional and organic cotton.

The latter option is neck and neck when it comes to sustainability.

The properties of cotton compared to Lyocell summarized:

• Organic cotton also sustainable.
• Cotton is breathable and antibacterial, but not as strong as lyocell.
• Cotton is cheaper.
• In comparison, it is less absorbent.
• Not such a smooth surface. Causes scratching, which is a disadvantage, especially for sensitive skin.

Lyocell vs Polyester (Microfiber)

Polyester is a synthetic fabric usually derived from petroleum. It is widely used in various consumer and industrial applications.

The properties compared to Lyocell summarized:

• Often perceived as slippery
• Not sustainable manufacturing.
• Poor quality fabrics can become brittle over time.
• Has less good temperature and moisture regulating properties
• Does not provide a breeding ground for house dust mites and germs.
• Relatively cheap products.

Lyocell vs bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass whose fiber is also used in textile production. 

The properties of bamboo compared to lyocell summarized:

• Bamboo is sustainable in many ways, but the use of solvents such as sodium hydroxide creates an environmental impact, which is a major disadvantage.
• Otherwise, the fiber is also breathable and feels gentle on the skin.
• Bamboo bed linen tends to lint.

Conclusion on comparison

Lyocell is a real all-rounder. Bed linen based on eucalyptus wood in many cases surpasses the properties of cotton and other materials and can therefore be described as a new and better generation of bed linen. 

It offers many advantages, including greater environmental friendliness, responsible cultivation, increased longevity and better sleeping properties.