Natural/regenerated Cellulose blend. Cotton and lyocell are blended together in a range of ratios and this takes advantage of the characteristics of both fibres. The presence of lyocell is often seen as a means of improving the "eco friendly" nature of the fabric and extending the capacity of cotton to meet market requirements.

Range of blend ratios and fabric weights available knitted and woven. Cotton & lyocell blends are available as a range of blend ratios. This will influenced by the application. In addition to the range of compositions, a wide range of fabric weights can be obtained. Woven fabrics are the most common however knitted cotton/lyocell blends are used.

Treat as cotton. Since both fibres are cellulose based, dyeing the blended fabrics does not produce any problems. Pre-treatment bleaching carried out using a peroxide bleach is normally recommended and provides a basis for dyeing with a wide range of colours that includes very pale shades.

Very low shrinkage. The presence of lyocell in the blends provides enhanced dimensional stability to cotton.

Satisfactory resistance to pilling. Cotton and lyocell can both fibrillate and this can result in the presence of some pilling. The use of low fibrillating grade of lyocell or the application of suitable treatments reduces this effect and provides a resistant fabric.

Blend ratio dependent between 10-25%. This will be influenced by the blend ratio. With lyocell having double the moisture regain capacity of cotton, higher amounts of lyocell will increase the level of moisture regain. Levels between 10 and 25% can be expected.

Prefers warm washing but can withstand high temperature wash. Both lyocell and cotton can withstand high temperature laundering however warm washes are usually less severe and less likely to cause creasing. Both fibres can be tumble dried. Creasing will require ironing and the intensity will relate to the level of cotton in the blend.

All applications where cotton is used. The use of cotton/lyocell blends in the corporate clothing sector is still developing. The fabrics are suitable for lightweight end uses such as shirts and leisure wear. Heavier weight fabrics can find uses wherever cotton fabrics have been used.

Can be disposed of using all end of life opportunities. Both cotton and lyocell are biodegradable but they have the potential to be reused in other ways. Re-use in most ways will be dependant upon the removal of corporate identities such as logos. Some applications will also require the removal of fastenings such as buttons and zips. As complete garments, the reuse in similar roles, for example in third world countries, offers one possibility. In fabric form it can be recycled into wipes for use in a variety of industrial sectors and shredded to be used as mattress infill or into insulation for buildings. Since both fibres are cellulose the blends can be used as a source of raw material for the manufacture of regenerated cellulose fibres.