Textile Glossary

Regenerated fibers

Definition

Regenerated fibers (from "regenerate" = to renew) are man-made fibers produced from naturally occurring polymers — primarily cellulose. The natural raw material is chemically broken down, dissolved, and then spun into new fibers. Well-known examples include viscose, modal, and lyocell.

Use in the textile industry

Regenerated fibers combine the wearing comfort of natural fibers — such as absorbency and a soft hand — with the controllability of industrial production. They are widely used in apparel, lining fabrics, and home textiles, and are considered, depending on the process, an interesting alternative to cotton.

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Frequently asked question

Regenerated fibers are classified as man-made fibers; however, they are produced from natural raw materials such as cellulose. They therefore occupy an intermediate position between natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

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