Introduction Developed by smartfiber AG, a corporation based in Germany, SeaCell™ is made by combining wood cellulose from sustainably managed eucalyptus forests with organic seaweed to create a yarn. Therefore, this fiber can be placed in the same family as lyocell. How is SeaCell™ made? The SeaCell™ fiber is ground from a natural seaweed called Ascophyllum nodossum, also known as knotted wrack. It can be found in the Icelandic fjords and is certified organic. Wrack is a wider family of seaweed that encompasses many different strains that can be found all over the world. The powder is added to wood cellulose NMMO solution (NMMO is a non-toxic organic compound alternative to toxic caustic soda), and by way of the lyocell manufacturing process, turned into a fiber. The Lyocell process is an innovative and eco-conscious production method. Production takes place in a closed loop with no chemicals released as waste. These production methods led the European Union to award the procedure with the 2000 European Environmental Award in the category “Technology for Sustainable Development”. It is a progressive and sustainable process for the present and future. The high-tech fibers are produced exclusively by Smartfiber AG who harvests the seaweed ensuring no damage to the plant, and distributed by Nanonic, Inc. Modern fiber production plants at Lenzing AG in Austria are supervised by a highly specialized team of engineers and scientists. SeaCell seaweed is essentially added as the active ingredient to lyocell, which is the functioning substrate. Lyocell serves to stabilize the seaweed and a synergetic relationship is formed between the two. Advantages of SeaCell™ SeaCell™ is a fiber with many benefits. It offers maximum comfort and is suitable for a broad range of applications, from infant and sports clothing to underwear and loungewear. It blends well with other types of fibers and adds a smooth, silky feel to any fabric. It is soft and supple against the skin, therefore will be very comfortable for infant clothing or loungewear. It is breathable and lights and absorbs sweat faster than cotton, so again, a great fabric to use for sports, yoga, or other activewear. It is also 100% biodegradable and vegan for those who are conscious of the use of animals in fabrics. It may transfer health-giving minerals and vitamins to the skin, as well as anti-oxidants, however, there have not been enough scientific studies conducted to come to a definitive conclusion on these claims. Not only is it biodegradable, but the manufacturing method also follows sustainable practices as it conforms to Oeko-Tex Class 1. No chemicals are released as waste in its manufacture. Seaweed is a naturally occurring resource in our aquatic systems. Smartfiber AG (who harvest the seaweed) cut it only above the regenerative part of the plant and harvest it only once every four years. This ensures no permanent damage to the seaweed. Additionally, cutting the upper parts of the plant actively encourages the plant to sprout more. The seaweed is harvested using special machines with blades that do not cause damage. They are dried naturally, coarsely chopped, and not subjected to any chemical treatment. This maximizes the chances that the natural components of the plant are retained. Since the resources are renewable and the production method is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, this fiber is a sustainable option and we At CommonShare are delighted to be able to stock it from an EU source. Disadvantages of SeaCell™ There has been a lot of discussion regarding the actual real percentage of seaweed that SeaCell™ contains. It is well known that seaweed is rich in trace elements and has also been proved to protect the skin and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, claims that these wonderful properties are inherent in this fabric have not yet been substantiated by scientific studies. On its own, it is quite a light fabric, so would not be a good choice for warm winter clothing. Where is SeaCell™ made and sourced? Lenzing AG in Austria processes seaweed with wood pulp to create SeaCell™fabric. Our source of SeaCell™is I.T.J.V Comercio Texteis, LDA, in Portugal. This company works with any type of cotton, Viscose, Wool, Bamboo, Polyester, Polyester/Cotton, Silk, Linen, Lyocell, and Tencel. From Our Showroom Cotton/Seacell™ Blend Jersey
Knit: Jersey 78% Cotton 22% Seacell Certifications: Oeko-Tex Class 1 Fabric Type: Knit Weave: Jersey Washing: Machine wash gentle cycle Washing Temperature: Cold Drying: Line Dry Ironing: Medium Temperature Bleaching: Do Not Chlorine Width: 164 cm Weight: 155 g/s'm Country: Portugal
Cotton/Seacell™ Blend Favo Honeycomb
Knit: Favo 78% Cotton 22% Seacell Certifications: Oeko-Tex Class 1 Fabric Type: Knit Weave: Waffle Washing: Machine wash gentle cycle Washing Temperature: Cold Drying: Line Dry Ironing: Medium Temperature Bleaching: Do Not Chlorine Width: 180 cm Weight: 200 g/s'm Country: Portugal