The Benefits of Tencel - Cooler, Softer, Greener
What Makes TENCEL™ Lyocell Stand Out to Other Materials?
You have probably heard that TENCEL™ Lyocell is an amazing alternative when it comes to sustainable bedding. Although, you might not know exactly how it´s sustainable and how it differs from other synthetic materials. Here is your complete guide to why TENCEL™ Lyocell is the ultimate alternative when it comes to synthetic fabrics.
Quick answer: Percale is a crisp, cool weave — one thread over, one thread under — used in the best hotel bedding. TENCEL™ Lyocell percale combines this breathable weave with sustainably sourced eucalyptus fibers for sheets that feel cool to the touch and get softer with every wash. Ideal for hot sleepers and warm climates.
What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?
TENCEL™ Lyocell is a branded version of Lyocell from Lenzing Group – an Austrian company specializing in sustainably produced cellulose fibres from wood. It´s made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood in a closed-loop system that recycles 99% of water and solvents. It is known for being exceptionally soft, breathable, and gentle on the planet.
At Juniper, we use eco-friendly TENCEL™ Lyocell for its gentle feel and naturally temperature-regulating properties. It's the kind of fabric that makes slipping into bed feel like stepping into a boutique hotel.
TENCEL™ Lyocell vs Viscose and Bamboo - What´s the Difference?
While they are all plant-based fibres, you´ll find the difference in the production process.
TENCEL™ Lyocell
Produced in a closed-loop system that recycles 99.5% of water and solvents, making it stand out with its sustainability
Viscose
Also made from wood pulp, but involves stronger chemicals and has a more wasteful process than TENCEL™ Lyocell
Bamboo
Fabric that often goes through a chemically intensive process, which can impact both the environment and the final fabric quality – unless clearly marked as “closed-loop” or OEKO-TEX certified
In short, TENCEL™ Lyocell is a smarter, greener evolution of viscose!
Benefits of TENCEL™ Lyocell
Being caught up in the origins and production of TENCEL™ Lyocell we bet you would like to know more about its key benefits.
âś” Super soft to touch - Silky smooth, even softer than cotton or bamboo
âś” Naturally cooling - Wicks away moisture and allow your skin to breath
âś” Sustainable production - Low water consumption and eco-friendly processes
âś” Hypoallergenic - Perfect for you with sensitive skin
âś” Biodegradable - Fully compostable under the right condition
You Should Choose TENCEL™ Lyocell if you...
âś” Tend to sleep warm and appreciate a cooler sleep surface
âś” Appreciate luxurious and soft bed linens without sacrificing sustainability
âś” Values ethically and responsibly produced products
âś” Prefer low-maintenance fabrics that resist wrinkles naturally
What makes Junipers TENCEL™ Lyocell Beddings Unique?
Ofcourse, TENCEL™ Lyocell can be used and crafted differently – and Juniper’s is something special.
1. Percale weave
Our bedding is made from TENCEL™ Lyocell made in a percale weave, which in combination with the material creates a unique feeling. Unlike most percale, it´s not crispy, but instead unbelievably soft to the touch and matt to the finish. Percale is a one-over-one-under weave that allows air to flow freely through the fabric, keeping you cool all night.
2. Timeless design
Instead of traditional pillowcase folds, we use a hotel wing closure for a clean, tailored look that’s both elegant and practical. It’s these subtle touches that elevate your entire bedroom experience.
What Is Lyocell and How Is It Made?
Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fabric made from dissolved wood pulp — most commonly eucalyptus, but also beech and birch. The production process uses a closed-loop solvent spinning method that recovers and reuses over 99% of the solvent, making it one of the most environmentally responsible textile manufacturing processes available. TENCEL™ is the best-known brand of lyocell, produced by the Austrian company Lenzing. The resulting fiber is naturally smooth, breathable, and moisture-wicking — ideal for bedding that stays cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Is Lyocell Better Than Cotton for Bedding?
For many sleepers, yes. Lyocell absorbs moisture 50% more efficiently than cotton, which means it pulls sweat away from your body and releases it into the air faster. It is also smoother at the fiber level, reducing friction against skin and hair. Unlike cotton, lyocell is naturally resistant to bacterial growth, so it stays fresher between washes. The main trade-off is price — lyocell bedding typically costs more than standard cotton — but it competes directly with long-staple cotton and Egyptian cotton on softness and durability while being significantly more sustainable.
"We wanted to create bedding that feels like a fresh hotel sheet – but made better. TENCEL™ Lyocell gave us the softness, and the weave gave us the structure."
- Mathilda, Founder of Juniper
What Is a Percale Weave and Why Does It Matter?
Percale refers to the tight, even weave used in high-end bed linen. Some properties that Percale is known for is that it´s:
âś” Cooler and lighter
âś” Has a matt finish
âś” More breathable during warm nights
The weave combined with TENCEL™ Lyocell, it’s the perfect recipe for that cool-to-body feeling.
Prefer a warmer, silkier feel? Sateen is a weave that floats the threads over several layers, creating a fabric that:
âś” Is smooth and lustrous
âś” Keeps you warm
âś” Creates a more luxurious, cozy feel
Curious about the Sateen weave and how it affects the feeling of the fabric? Learn everything you need to know here.
What is the difference between percale and sateen bedding?
Percale and sateen are two different weave types, not materials. Percale uses a one-over-one-under pattern that creates a crisp, matte finish — think classic hotel sheets. Sateen uses a four-over-one-under pattern for a smooth, lustrous surface. Percale is cooler and more breathable, making it ideal for summer or hot sleepers. Sateen is warmer and silkier, better for colder months. At Juniper, both our percale and sateen collections are available in TENCEL™ Lyocell and Supima cotton.
What thread count is best for percale sheets?
For percale, the ideal thread count is 200-400. Unlike sateen, where higher thread counts add softness, percale relies on fiber quality more than thread count. A 300TC percale in premium TENCEL™ or Supima cotton will outperform a 600TC percale in regular cotton. Higher thread counts in percale can actually reduce breathability — the very quality that makes percale special. Juniper uses a 300TC percale weave that balances crispness, durability, and airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions About TENCEL™ Lyocell
Here are the most common questions we receive about our TENCEL™ Lyocell collection – and why it’s something you need at home:
Does it wrinkle easily?
Less than cotton! Plus, it tends to relax after a night’s sleep, smoothing itself out naturally (perfect for those who like maximal luxury with minimal effort).
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Definitely. It’s hypoallergenic and ultra-gentle, thanks to its smooth fiber surface.
Is it sustainable?
Yes! It’s made from sustainably harvested trees and produced with minimal environmental impact – a perfect choice for a good sleep and a peace of mind.
How do I wash TENCEL™ Lyocell bedding?
Wash in 40-60°C, and tumble dry low or line dry for best results.
Is percale bedding good for hot sleepers?
Yes — percale is one of the best weave types for hot sleepers. The open one-over-one-under weave structure allows more air to circulate through the fabric compared to sateen. When combined with TENCEL™ Lyocell, which naturally wicks moisture 50% more efficiently than cotton, you get bedding that actively regulates temperature throughout the night. Many luxury hotels in warm climates use percale sheets for exactly this reason.
Why We Chose TENCEL™ Lyocell at Juniper
Good sleep should equal a peace of mind.
At Juniper, we believe that true rest comes from knowing your bedding is made responsibly and made to last – for a long time. We craft our bedding with every detail well thought through. Made from 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell with a thread count of 300, our sheets offer the perfect combination of elegance, durability, and breathability. The result is a sleep experience that is both memorable and restorative.
âś” A luxurious fabric that feels incredible night after night
âś” Responsibly sourced with a low environmental footprint
âś” Evens out wrinkles by itself
âś” Matt and flowy finish
Discover our exclusive TENCEL™ Lyocell bedding here!
Explore our TENCEL™ Collection
Customer Support
If you still have questions about Tencel™ or any other concerns about your Juniper bedding, feel free to reach out to us — we’re happy to help!