Modal

What is Modal?

Modal is a cellulose fiber. It is therefore an artificial fiber made from the cellulose of beech wood. Cellulose is the organic substance found in plant husks, making up 33% of all plant matter. Developed in the 60s, modal is a type of viscose. It is recognized for several reasons: it is an elastic material, its fiber is 2 times finer than that of cotton, this enables it to perform better at absorbing moisture and remaining dry to the touch. It also has great hygroscopic qualities ( which absorb moisture and air) making modal an ideal material for warm temperatures.
Modal fiber can be used on its own or combined with other fibers such as cotton. Very soft and light, it is very comfortable, resistant and does not shrink in the wash. It is generally used for underwear, pyjamas, bathrobes and household linen.

Where does modal come from?

Modal originally came from Japan, where it was first developed. Manufacturers still exist there. Today, however, while the largest producer of modal is an Austrian company, most of its production is carried out in China. This makes it the world's leading producer of modal.

Material transformation processes

As explained above, modal is a cellulosic fiber, derived from wood. To make it, we use beech bark and wood, which are divided into fine pieces to extract the cellulose. The cellulose is then treated with an amine oxide solution to dissolve it, and fed into a spinneret. This produces long fibers which are then dried and woven. The great advantage of this solvent is that it is non-polluting, non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-hazardous to health. It is also 99.5% recycled.

Is modal compatible with ethical and responsible fashion?

Modal can be considered a material compatible with ethical and responsible fashion under certain conditions.
As you can see, modal is derived from the beech tree, so it's a natural material from a renewable natural resource. This tree is exceptional because it is the tree that enriches soil the most. In addition, it is extremely resistant to pests, and adapts perfectly to poor soil. To top it all off, beech groves require no artificial irrigation to flourish. However, to be ecologically responsible, beech forests must be managed sustainably.

To be sure of this, the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label certifies that forests and cellulose-based products are governed by a system of sustainable plant management and respect for biodiversity (fauna, flora and human life).
In addition to its origin, the manufacturing process is also respectful of the environment. It is produced in a closed circuit. As a result, the water and products used in its manufacture are reused until almost exhausted, and the remaining water is treated before being discharged.

This means that modal requires 10 to 20 times less water consumption than conventional cotton. Then there's the material itself.
As for the material itself, modal is first and foremost a durable product, as it is highly resistant over time (does not shrink) and is entirely biodegradable. Clothes made from modal can be composted at the end of their life cycle (of course, clothes containing only this material and nothing else).

How to care for modal?

Modal is not a constraining material. In fact, it doesn't shrink, so garments retain their shape and hold after washing. It doesn't require any special care, but here are a few tips on how to keep it looking its best for as long as possible.
Modal can be washed in the washing machine on a delicate cycle at 30°C. It's best to use a mild detergent to clean it. To dry, hang up the garment. And last but not least, modal doesn't need ironing, thanks to its low-friction fiber!


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