ALL ABOUT MODAL: THE FABRIC OF SOFTNESS, DURABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY
Are you looking for a fabric that is incredibly soft, strong, and sustainable? If so, modal is the perfect fabric for you. Modal is a semi-synthetic fabric made from reconstituted cellulose, making it both eco-friendly and incredibly comfortable. It is also incredibly durable, meaning it can last for many years with proper care.
WHAT IS MODAL FABRIC?
Modal fabric is a type of textile that is made from the cellulose of beech tree pulp. It is known for its softness, durability, and breathability, making it a popular choice for clothing, bedding, and home textiles. Modal fabric has a luxurious feel and is often compared to silk or cotton, but it has some unique characteristics that set it apart.
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Modal fabric is made through a chemical process that involves dissolving the wood pulp in a special solution to create a viscous substance. The fibres are then extruded through spinnerets to create long continuous strands. These strands are then spun into yarn, which is woven into fabric.
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Modal fabric is incredibly soft and has a smooth, silky texture. It also has a natural sheen that makes it look and feel luxurious. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, which makes it comfortable to wear in warm weather. Modal is also highly absorbent, which makes it a great choice for athletic clothing or activewear.
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Modal fabric is also known for its durability. The fibres are strong and can withstand multiple washes without losing their shape or becoming fuzzy. Modal is also resistant to shrinkage, pilling, and fading, which makes it a good choice for bedding and other home textiles.
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Modal fabric is also sustainable. It is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable. The manufacturing process uses less water and energy than cotton, which makes it an eco-friendlier choice.
WHAT IS MODAL?
Modal is a type of fabric made from cellulose fibres extracted from beech trees. It was first developed in the 1950s by Lenzing AG, a textile company based in Austria. Since then, Modal has become a popular material for clothing and other textiles due to its softness, durability, and sustainability.
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Modal is often compared to other natural fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen. However, it is superior to these fabrics in several ways. For instance, Modal is exceptionally soft and silky, making it a comfortable fabric to wear against the skin. It is also known for its strength and durability, which means that Modal garments can withstand wear and tear over time.
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Another significant benefit of Modal is its sustainability. Because it is made from natural beech tree fibres, Modal is a renewable and biodegradable material. The production process also requires less water and energy than other fabrics, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
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Modal is used in a wide range of clothing and textile products, including shirts, dresses, bedding, towels, and more. It is also a popular choice for athletic wear, due to its ability to wick away moisture and keep the skin cool.
HOW IS MODAL MADE?
Modal fabric is a semi-synthetic fabric that is derived from the cellulose of beech trees. The process of making modal involves the harvesting of beech trees from sustainable forests. The wood is then chipped into small pieces and treated with chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulphide. This process creates a pulp that is then transformed into fibres using a process called the viscose process.
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During the viscose process, the pulp is mixed with a solvent, such as sodium hydroxide, and passed through a spinneret to create long continuous fibres. These fibres are then treated with a finishing agent, such as glycerin, to improve the fabric's softness and durability. The fibres are then spun into yarns, which can be knitted or woven into fabrics.
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One of the unique qualities of modal fabric is its ability to hold dyes well. This means that modal fabric can be dyed to a range of vibrant and long-lasting colours without the use of harsh chemicals. Modal also has excellent moisture-wicking properties, which make it an ideal fabric for sportswear and activewear.
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The manufacturing process of modal is also environmentally friendly. The production of modal requires less water and energy than the production of other fabrics such as cotton. Additionally, the solvents used in the production process are almost entirely recycled, reducing the amount of waste produced.
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BENEFITS OF MODAL FABRIC
1. Softness: Modal is known for its luxurious softness, making it a popular choice for clothing, bedding, and towels. The fibres of modal fabric are smoother than cotton fibres, resulting in a silky texture that feels great against the skin.
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2. Durability: Modal fabric is strong and durable, making it a great choice for clothing and other textiles that are subject to regular wear and tear. The fabric resists shrinkage, fading, and pilling, ensuring that it retains its appearance and softness over time.
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3. Breathability: Modal fabric is highly breathable, allowing air to circulate freely and preventing excess heat and moisture from building up. This makes it a great choice for summer clothing and bedding, helping to keep you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.
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4. Eco-Friendly: Modal is made from renewable beechwood fibres and produced using an eco-friendly manufacturing process. This makes it a sustainable alternative to conventional cotton and other fabrics that rely on large amounts of water, pesticides, and other resources to produce.
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5. Low Maintenance: Modal fabric is easy to care for, requiring only basic washing and drying instructions. It is also less prone to wrinkles and creases than other fabrics, making it a great choice for travel and busy lifestyles.
WHERE IN THE WORLD CAN MODAL FABRICS BE MADE?
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Modal fabric was originally developed in Japan, but it is now manufactured worldwide. The most popular production countries are the United States, Austria, and Germany. Europe has some of the biggest modal fabric manufacturers and production facilities in the world.
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In the United Kingdom, there are also several manufacturers that produce modal fabric, including Luxury Fabrics, which is known for its high-quality and durable fabrics.
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Overall, modal fabric can be made anywhere in the world, but it is important to look for reputable manufacturers who prioritise sustainability and ethical production practices. Choosing modal fabrics from European and UK manufacturers is a great way to support sustainable fashion and to ensure that your clothing and fabrics are of the highest quality.
MODAL VS. TENCEL
Modal and TENCEL are both popular sustainable fabrics, but they differ in a few ways. TENCEL is a branded type of lyocell fabric, while Modal is a type of rayon. TENCEL is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, and the production process uses less water than other types of rayon.
TENCEL is also known for its excellent moisture-wicking properties and its ability to keep the skin cool and dry. Modal, on the other hand, is made from beechwood pulp, and the production process uses less energy than other types of rayon.
Modal is also known for its extreme softness, durability, and resistance to shrinkage. While both fabrics are eco-friendly, Modal may be a better choice for those seeking a softer and more comfortable fabric, while TENCEL may be better for those seeking a moisture-wicking and cooling effect. Overall, both Modal and TENCEL offer sustainable alternatives to traditional fabrics, and their unique properties make them popular choices for eco-conscious consumers.