If you’re looking for sustainable fabrics you’ve likely come across Modal on some clothing tags. Learn more about what it is and if it’s truly an eco-friendly choice:
What is Modal?
Modal is a type of rayon, which is a cellulose-based fiber made from natural sources, such as wood pulp, that go through a chemical process. Modal, viscose, rayon, bamboo, Tencel and lyocell are all in the same family and sometimes referred to as semi-synthetic or cellulose-synthetic fibres because of this process.
However, what distinguishes modal from traditional rayon is the raw material used and the manufacturing process. Modal is typically produced from beech trees, known for their fast growth. LENZING™ Modal is also made in a less toxic, closed-loop system which recovers the chemicals, but it’s important to note that not all modal is made by Lenzing.
Fabric Characteristics
- Hand (Feel): Modal fabric is soft, silky and lightweight, with nice drape.
- Breathability & Heat Retention: Modal is comfortable and breathable. It typically has a ‘cool’ feel and low heat retention.
- Cost: Like most regenerated cellulose fabrics, modal is a cheaper fabric to manufacture with. However compared to rayon or viscose it tends to be more expensive with LENZING™ Modal being the most expensive.
- Care & Longevity: Modal is wrinkle resistant, quick-drying, and can usually be machine washed, however it doesn’t hold up to heat well so cold water washing and air-drying are recommended.
Is Modal Fabric Sustainable?
Modal is often touted as a sustainable alternative due to beech trees growing rapidly and requiring less water, and it using a “less toxic” chemical process compared to conventional rayon.
The criticism of modal though is that it still requires a manufacturing process with toxic chemicals and typically in areas with little environmental regulation about what happens to the water and waste from the process.
Another issue with cellulose fibres is where the wood pulp comes from. Rayon, viscose, modal and other cellulose fibre production causes deforestation and harms ancient and endangered forests.
As mentioned above, one of the confusing things with modal is that there is both generic modal and LENZING™ Modal. LENZING™ Modal claims to be made in a closed-loop system and from sustainably managed forests to address these concerns with cellulose fibres.
Our Conclusion: Look for LENZING™ Modal and if it doesn’t specify, ask brands where their modal came from. The sourcing of wood and chemical use/recovery with cellulose fabrics is a significant concern but Lenzing’s products (also including Tencel and Ecovero) seem to be the most sustainable option currently available.
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