Originally Published October 10, 2012  Â
Characteristics of Modal
Modal Fiber falls under the classification of Rayon. 
Unlike Lyocell Rayon, which is made from wood chip cellulose from a variety of hardwoods, Modal Rayon is made only from wood chip cellulose from the Beech Tree. Cellulose is the natural cell fibers in all vegetation. In keeping with earth friendly, wood pulp cellulose is collected from renewable Beech Trees. Because it is cellulosic, it is fully biodegradable and therefore considered an environmentally friendly material. Due to its strength, the initial use of Modal Fiber was more industrial – being used in the making of tires, conveyor belts, and such. Later process changes resulted in the fibers being strong and wear resistant while possessing a very soft feel. Today Modal has a variety of uses in clothing, furnishings, upholstery, towels, and bedding and is often blended with other fibers like cotton or wool. Modal fibers dye well and are colorfast resulting in fabric made from this fiber being fade resistant. Modal Fabric is warmer and more absorbent than cotton. Light weight, very soft, and comfortable to wear in any climate it is sometimes referred to as ‘artificial silk’. Modal Fiber clothing drapes well, keeps its shape, is shrink and pill resistant.
Sustainability
Considered a sustainable resource, Beech Trees are cultivated without chemicals or pesticides and require minimal irrigation. Found in North America, Europe, and Asia, the Beech Tree is adaptable to many types of soil conditions and can be grown on lands not good for other types of agriculture. With proper management Beech Trees are renewable with a limitless yield labeling it a sustainable natural resource. As a comparison it takes 10 lbs. of raw cotton to produce 1 lb. of Cotton Fiber while only 1 lb. of Cellulose is needed to produce 1 lb. of Modal Fiber.
Process
Although Modal is from a natural resource, not a synthetic, the high chemical-use process needed to soften the Beech Wood Chips results in Modal being considered a manufactured rather than a natural fiber. The good news… the process is closed-loop, with all chemicals being recycled and reused. No toxic liquid is discharged into the environment and the process uses minimal energy and water. This labels the process as environmentally friendly. The basic steps of the process are as follows:
- Production begins with processed Beech Wood Chips.
- Caustic Soda is used to dissolve and soften the chips turning it into a solution.
- Rollers are used to press out any water from the solution resulting in long sheets.
- These sheets are cut and crumbled.
- Exposure to oxygen is used to age the crumbled pieces.
- The aged pieces are mixed with Carbon Disulfide, a chemical solvent.
- The result is formation of a cellulose mixture.
- The cellulose mixture is again dissolved in a caustic solution.
- The dissolved cellulose solution is left to ripen.
- After ripening the cellulose solution is filtered to eliminate any particles that did not dissolve.
- Any air bubbles are then pressed out of the cellulose solution.
- This solution is pressed through small holes in a spinneret.
- As the solution exits the spinneret it is bathed in Sulfuric Acid which forms filaments.
- The filaments are stretched to straighten them.
- Any chemicals are washed from the straightened fibers.The straightened fibers are cut and can be processed in the same way as cotton.
Conclusion
Although not considered organic or natural, Modal is not a synthetic and still falls in the group of fibers labeled eco-friendly. Modal Fibers are fully biodegradable and although the manufacturing process may use heavy chemicals the ‘closed-loop’ system captures and reuses these chemicals keeping them out of the environment. Many manufactures are compliant with high environmental standards for production and even integrate processes to extract by-products. Examples are Xylose – used in the production of sweetening agents, Acetic Acid – used for certain food products, and Sodium Sulphate – for glass making. They also carry certifications for renewable growing and harvesting. The easy care properties of Modal Fiber Clothing and Products make them better for the environment. Easy to clean and soft there is no need for fabric softeners, long washing cycles, whitening agents, or dry cleaning which eliminates possible environmental impact. The strong fibers make them durable and because they hold color, fade resistant which keeps products looking new for a long time.
This eco fiber is a good choice for green living and from the right manufacturer supports the best use of energy and recovery with least environmental impact. Think of the environment and go green with organic and eco-friendly fiber products.
