Lyocell has long been positioned as a next-generation, plant-based fiber, but its relevance has sharply accelerated as global brands and retailers face mounting regulatory pressure and rising consumer expectations around traceability, biodegradability and responsible manufacturing.
Hailed by manmade cellulosic fiber producer Sateri as a “green fiber of the 21st century,” Sateri’s Lyocell is made from sustainably managed plantations and processed through an environmentally minded system that addresses two major challenges of the modern textile economy: lowering carbon emissions and reducing plastic pollution.
Unlike many regenerated fibers that rely on petrochemical inputs or open-loop systems, lyocell is produced using N-Methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), a safe, non-toxic organic solvent used in a closed-loop system that recovers and reuses 99.7 percent of the solution. The fiber begins with nature and returns to it; it is certified to biodegrade across marine, soil, freshwater and composting environments and meets TÜV OK standards, globally recognized certification schemes for compostability and biodegradability.
As global regulations tighten—from extended producer responsibility schemes to incoming EU rules for textile waste, chemical management and product passports—lyocell is shifting from a “green choice” to what many mills and brands now see as an inevitable choice. By 2025, global lyocell capacity surpassed 1.3 million tons, signaling a new phase of rapid expansion.
A new chapter: The Lyocell Company by Sateri
Reflecting strong confidence in the market, Sateri launched The Lyocell Company corporate branding in 2025, focused on advancing the fiber’s technical performance, sustainability credentials and commercial scale. With production facilities in Rizhao, Changzhou, Nantong and Jining, the company is on track to become one of the world’s largest lyocell suppliers, targeting an annual capacity of 400,000 tons. Its global sales and marketing network allow it to support brands and mills with localized expertise and reliable service.
As part of Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), Sateri benefits from the manufacturing group’s responsibly managed plantations in Brazil and Indonesia, ensuring a secure, traceable supply of high-quality pulp. The proprietary alkaline pulping method used to produce its lyocell is cleaner and more efficient than traditional chemical approaches, lowering the environmental footprint from the start while improving production efficiency. Its fibers meet—and often exceed—international environmental and safety certifications, Eric Ding, commercial vice president at Sateri, said.
“Sateri’s production management systems are internationally recognized for quality and consistency,” he added. “Our commercial and technical teams help customers integrate lyocell across spinning, weaving, dyeing and printing, offering tailored solutions that reduce risk and speed adoption.”
Lyocell combines the natural breathability and softness of plant-based fibers with the durability and predictability of synthetics. It is compatible with multiple spinning processes and blends easily with cotton, polyester, wool and other fibers, opening the door to diverse applications.
For apparel, lyocell fabrics deliver a refined wearing experience with moisture absorption, breathability, shape retention and a smooth, silk-like hand. In nonwovens, lyocell provides strength and absorbency for hygiene and personal-care products where performance and skin comfort are critical.
“The Lyocell Company plans to continue strengthening the fiber’s technical advantages, expanding application development and highlighting lyocell’s role in a more circular, lower-impact textile economy,” Ding said. “Working closely with value-chain partners, Sateri aims to bring sustainability, performance and style together—securing lyocell’s place as a key material in the future of global apparel and nonwovens.”
Source: https://sourcingjournal.com/