What Is Modal Fabric and Why It’s Considered Eco Friendly

Modal Fabric Overview

Modal fabric is a semi-synthetic material made from beech tree pulp, and in this article we'll explore what makes it unique and whether it truly lives up to its eco-friendly reputation.

What is modal fabric?

Modal fabric is a semi-synthetic textile, meaning it sits somewhere between natural and synthetic materials. 

It is made from beech tree pulp that is processed into soft, lightweight fibres, which are then spun into yarn and woven into fabric. 

Modal is commonly used in everyday items such as clothing, underwear, bedding, and towels.

What is modal fabric made of?

Modal fabric is made from the pulp of beech trees, which are harvested and processed into fibres. 

The pulp goes through a wet spinning process that breaks it down into a viscose solution, which is then reformed into soft, flexible strands. 

These strands are spun into yarn and used to produce fabric.

Properties of modal fabric

Modal fabric has several qualities that make it a popular choice in clothing and home textiles:

• Soft and smooth: Modal has a naturally soft feel that tends to get softer with each wash.

• Highly absorbent: It absorbs water more effectively than cotton, making it a good choice for activewear and towels.

• Breathable: Modal allows air to circulate, helping to keep the body cool and comfortable.

• Lightweight: The fabric is light and flexible, making it comfortable to wear for long periods.

• Color retention: Modal holds dye well, meaning colours tend to stay vibrant after repeated washing.

• Drape: Modal has a fluid, natural drape, meaning it hangs and moves well on the body, which is why it's popular in garments like dresses and loungewear.

• Durability: Modal is relatively strong and resistant to shrinking and pilling, making it long-lasting compared to some other soft fabrics.

• Low static: Modal doesn't cling to the body the way synthetic fabrics like polyester can.

• Moisture-wicking: Related to its absorbency, modal is also good at pulling moisture away from the skin, making it comfortable in warm conditions.

Why modal is considered an eco friendly fabric

Modal is considered an eco friendly fabric due to several reasons:

Modal is biodegradable

As a plant-based fibre, modal breaks down naturally over time, unlike fully synthetic fabrics like polyester.

The production process uses less water

Modal production uses significantly less water than cotton, making it a more water-efficient choice.

Fun Fact: Some modal fibres, such as TENCEL™ Modal, are produced with at least 50% lower carbon emissions and water consumption compared to conventional modal fibres, according to Lenzing.

Lower carbon footprint of beech trees

Beech forests naturally regenerate without the need for replanting, and the trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, contributing to a lower overall carbon footprint compared to some other raw material sources.

Closed-loop production

Some modal, such as TENCEL™ Modal by Lenzing, is made using a closed-loop process that recovers and reuses chemicals and water during production, reducing harmful waste.

Fun Fact: Closed-loop textile systems help reduce waste by keeping fibres and materials in continuous reuse rather than following the traditional “take, make, waste” model (USITC).

Responsibly sourced wood

Many modal fabrics, particularly those produced by Lenzing under the TENCEL™ Modal brand, use wood from sustainably managed forests.

No pesticides or fertilizers

Because beech trees grow naturally without the need for chemical inputs, modal avoids the pesticide and fertilizer use associated with crops like conventional cotton.

Related article: How to Sew Up a Hole in Your Clothing

How modal fabric is produced

Modal fabric is made through a multi-step chemical process that transforms beech tree pulp into soft, flexible fibres, which are then spun into yarn and woven into fabric.

1. Harvesting the beech trees: Beech trees are harvested, and the wood is chipped into small pieces in preparation for processing.

2. Extracting the pulp: The wood chips are chemically treated to extract the cellulose pulp, separating it from other components of the wood.

3. Dissolving the pulp: The cellulose pulp is soaked in sodium hydroxide to create a soft, spreadable material known as white crumb, which is then treated with carbon disulphide to form a viscose solution.

4. Filtering and aging: The viscose solution is filtered to remove impurities and left to age, allowing it to reach the right consistency for spinning.

5. Wet spinning: The viscose solution is pushed through fine nozzles called spinnerets into a bath of sulphuric acid, which solidifies the solution into long, thin fibres.

6. Washing and drying: The fibres are thoroughly washed to remove any remaining chemicals, then dried in preparation for the next stage.

7. Spinning into yarn: The dried fibres are spun together into yarn.

8. Weaving or knitting into fabric: The yarn is woven or knitted into fabric, which is then finished, dyed, and prepared for use in clothing and textiles.

What sets modal apart

Modal stands out for its combination of softness, breathability, and eco-friendly production. 

Unlike fully synthetic fabrics, it is plant-based and biodegradable, and unlike cotton, it requires less water to produce and is more absorbent.

Modal fabric vs cotton

Modal and cotton are both soft and plant-based, but modal is more absorbent, requires less water to produce, and is more resistant to shrinking than cotton.

Modal fabric vs polyester

Modal is a plant-based, biodegradable fabric, while polyester is a synthetic material made from petroleum that is less breathable and takes much longer to break down.

Why modal is often called "vegan silk"

Modal is often called vegan silk because of its smooth, soft texture and natural drape, which are similar to those of silk. 

Unlike silk, however, modal is not derived from animals, making it a suitable alternative for those who avoid animal products. 

It offers a similar luxurious feel at a lower cost and with a lower environmental impact.

Modal fabric vs silk

Modal and silk have a similar soft feel and drape, but silk is an animal-derived fibre that is more expensive and harder to care for, while modal is plant-based and more affordable.

Fun Fact: Before it was known as modal or rayon, this fabric was legally sold as "Artificial Silk." It wasn't until 1924 that the industry officially adopted the name "Rayon" to end legal disputes over its similarity to real silk (USGS).

Modal is part of the rayon family

Modal is a type of rayon, which is a broader category of semi-synthetic fibres made from plant-based cellulose. 

Like other rayon fabrics, modal is made by processing natural plant pulp into fibres, but it is produced using a more refined method that results in a stronger and softer material. 

Other members of the rayon family include viscose and lyocell.

Modal fabric vs viscose

Viscose and modal are both part of the rayon family, but viscose is the original form of rayon while modal is a later, more refined version that is stronger, softer, and more sustainable.

Modal fabric vs lyocell

Modal and lyocell are both more eco-friendly alternatives to viscose, but lyocell is the most sustainable of the three rayon family members due to its closed-loop production process.

Modal isn't perfect

While modal has a lot going for it, it isn't without its drawbacks. The production process involves chemicals that can be harmful if not managed responsibly, and its environmental impact can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer.

The downside of modal fabric

Modal has some notable considerations, particularly around its production process and variable sustainability standards:

• Chemical use: The production process involves chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if they are not properly managed or recycled.

• Variable sustainability: Not all modal is produced to the same environmental standard, so it isn't always as eco-friendly as it may seem.

• Microfibre shedding: Modal can shed microfibres when washed, which can end up in waterways and have a negative environmental impact, though these are not technically plastics as modal is plant-based.

• Carbon footprint of processing: The manufacturing process requires energy, which can contribute to carbon emissions depending on the energy sources used.

• Deforestation risk: If beech trees are not sourced from responsibly managed forests, modal production can contribute to deforestation and habitat loss.

• Not fully biodegradable in all conditions: While modal is biodegradable, it can break down much more slowly in certain conditions, such as in landfill.

Pros vs. cons of modal fabric

Modal has a lot to offer, but like any fabric, it comes with some trade-offs worth considering.

Pros

• Soft, smooth, and lightweight.

• Highly absorbent and breathable.

• More water-efficient to produce than cotton.

• Biodegradable and plant-based.

• Resistant to shrinking and pilling.

• Holds colour well after repeated washing.

Cons

• Production involves chemicals that can be harmful if not managed responsibly.

• Environmental impact varies depending on the manufacturer.

• More expensive than common fabrics like cotton or polyester.

• Not fully natural, as it undergoes significant chemical processing.

• Requires more careful washing than some other fabrics.

What to look for when buying modal fabric

When buying modal, look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX or TENCEL™ Modal by Lenzing, as these indicate that the fabric has been produced to a higher environmental and safety standard. 

Since the sustainability of modal can vary between manufacturers, choosing a certified product is the best way to ensure you are making a more responsible choice.

Related article: How to Purchase Fabric For Sewing

Expert Tip: Always check the fibre composition label! A label saying “modal” may still mean a blend (e.g. 20% modal, 80% polyester), so look for higher modal percentages (ideally 90–100%) for a more sustainable option.

FAQ

What is modal?

Modal meaning: a semi-synthetic textile made from regenerated cellulose, sitting between natural and synthetic materials.

Is modal fabric toxic?

No, modal is generally considered safe to wear, though the production process involves chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed.

Is modal fabric sustainable?

Yes, mostly; modal is considered relatively sustainable due to its plant-based origins and low water use, but its sustainability can vary depending on how and where it is produced.

Does modal fabric biodegrade?

Yes, modal is biodegradable, though it may break down more slowly in certain conditions such as in landfill where oxygen levels are low.

Does modal fabric give off microplastics?

No, modal does not give off microplastics as it is a plant-based fabric rather than a synthetic one.

However, it does shed microfibres when washed, which can still end up in waterways and have a negative environmental impact.

Is modal vegan?

Yes, modal is vegan as it is made entirely from plant-based materials and involves no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts.

Is modal better than cotton?

Environmentally, yes! Modal is softer, more absorbent, and requires less water to produce than cotton, though the best choice depends on your priorities.

Is modal as bad as polyester?

No, modal is generally considered much more eco-friendly than polyester, as it is plant-based and biodegradable, whereas polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum.

Can people with sensitive skin wear modal?

Yes, modal is generally a good choice for sensitive skin as it is soft, smooth, and less likely to cause irritation than rougher fabrics.

Does modal leach chemicals into skin?

No, modal fabric that carries certifications such as OEKO-TEX has been tested and confirmed safe for skin contact, meaning it is unlikely to leach harmful chemicals.

Is modal fabric breathable for hot sleepers?

Yes, modal is lightweight and breathable, making it a comfortable choice for hot sleepers.

Can you put modal in the dryer?

Yes, modal can generally be tumble dried on a low heat setting, though checking the care label is always recommended to avoid damaging the fabric.

Expert Tip: To reduce pilling and extend the life of modal fabric, wash it in cold water and tumble dry on low heat or air dry when possible.