Modal: The soft fabric made from beech wood
Modal is a viscose fiber made from 100% natural cellulose from beech wood. The fabric belongs to the family of regenerated fibers – synthetically produced, but based on natural raw materials. We exclusively use TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing in Austria.
Modal is made from beech wood cellulose and is known for its silky-soft feel. Not all manufacturing processes are equally sustainable - that's why we rely on TENCEL™ Modal with Eco Clean technology. This process uses oxygen-based chemistry instead of conventional bleaches and is significantly more environmentally friendly.
How is modal made?
For TENCEL™ Modal, beech wood from sustainably certified forestry (FSC & PEFC) is used. The wood is debarked, chipped, and converted into a spinnable fiber through chemical processes. This fiber is then spun into yarn and subsequently knitted or woven into fabric. Lenzing relies on short distances: raw material extraction, pulp production, and fiber manufacturing all take place at one location in Austria.
Modal fibers are finer than human hair – 10 km of fiber weigh only 1.3 g. That's why modal feels like a breath of nothing on the skin.
The most important properties:
- Naturally soft with a silky smooth feel
- Breathable and cooling – ideal for sweating
- Skin-friendly – even for allergies and sensitive skin
- Micromodal variant for even finer wearing comfort
This makes modal the perfect material for underwear and loungewear.
How sustainable is Modal?
TENCEL™ Modal is one of the most sustainable fibers on the market. Over 99% of the beech wood comes from certified sustainably managed forests in Austria and Europe (FSC & PEFC).
Compared to polyester, Modal is based on a renewable raw material instead of petroleum. And compared to cotton, its production requires significantly less water. Lenzing focuses on high recovery rates of process chemicals and minimizes wastewater and emission pollution. By-products such as sodium sulfate flow into the detergent and food industries – a true circular economy model.
Modal at erlich textil
We use Lenzing® Modal with Eco Clean technology – from raw material extraction to fiber production, everything is energy and resource-efficient and takes place at one location in Austria. The modal fiber is spun into yarn, dyed, and knitted into fine jersey in Turkey. The cutting takes place in the Swabian Jura, and the sewing is done in Romania.
How to properly care for modal fabric
Washing:
Wash modal at a maximum of 40 °C on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent. Select a low spin speed (600 rpm) and use a laundry net – this protects against friction and pilling. Always refer to the care label before washing.
Drying:
Modal can usually be tumble-dried, but air-drying is gentler. Larger items like jumpsuits are best dried flat – the material is heavy after washing and can otherwise stretch out.
Ironing:
Modal wrinkles less than many other fabrics and is easy to iron. A low to medium setting is perfectly sufficient.
