Modal

Modal is a second-generation rayon, developed to improve on viscose with a softer hand, greater strength, and better dimensional stability. Made primarily from beech wood pulp, it uses a modified viscose process with higher chemical recovery rates and certified forest sourcing. The result is a smooth, resilient fiber that holds up well to repeated washing and is commonly used in next-to-skin and activewear applications.

The environmental profile is meaningfully better than conventional viscose but still depends on verified production. Beech forests are generally well-managed in European sourcing regions, but without certification, the same deforestation and chemical risks apply. The closed-loop production systems that define responsible modal manufacturing are not universal across all producers.

TENCEL Modal by Lenzing is the most reliable sourcing benchmark, offering traceability, certified forestry, and process transparency. For brands making claims about softness, durability, and sustainability in the same breath, modal sourced from verified producers is one of the more defensible choices in the regenerated cellulose category.