You may have seen the term “semi-synthetic” used to describe some plant wools, such as Tencel™, Modal™, and even some treated bamboo fibres.
A more accurate way to describe these materials would be “treated plant wools”.
Denoting that they’re free from harmful elements, many of these materials carry the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification. They may also carry labels to let you know they’re natural, biodegradable, and may even carry certifications confirming that they are made from plant wool.
So, why do they get hit with the word “synthetic” when “treated” is more accurate? Are these materials natural or not?
Read more: Why Choose Plant Wool?
Treated Plant Wools Aren’t Plastic
There’s a bit of false narrative around the materials capable of knocking animal wool off its pedestal. Messaging implies that the only alternatives to animal fleece are plastic or made from fossil fuels – but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Cellulose fabrics, such as Tencel™ and Modal™, are made from wood pulp sourced from sustainable forestry practices that utilise fast-growing trees.
Their production, however, uses chemicals, which is why the somewhat misleading “synthetic” label arose. It’s essential to note, however, that the chemicals are non-toxic and utilised in a closed-loop system that recycles 99% of the water and solvents. There’s even some overlap in the chemicals used to produce treated plant and animal wools; however, there is one significant difference: while a closed-loop system prevents the chemicals used in treated plant wools from harming the planet, chemicals used in scouring animal wool are discharged, potentially harming waterways.
Treated Plant Wools: Natural and Biodegradable
Treated plant wools are still grown, not bred, and therefore, still natural, renewable, and better for the planet than animal fleece or synthetics.
Some are also 100% biodegradable as long as they’re not blended with synthetics (this is also true of “wool blends,” where sheep’s fleece is spun with plastics).
Not All Blends are Created Equal
If you want to omit any chemicals from your life, natural and untreated plant fibres should be your wardrobe staples.
If you’re looking to avoid synthetics and fossil fuels, the great news is that you can still buy treated plant wools like Tencel™!
Remember, animal wool is not only treated with chemicals but also carries residues of the chemicals used to treat health issues, such as lice, in sheep. Animal wool garments are often also made of wool blended with synthetic plastic fibre, creating a double whammy for the planet when the greenhouse gas emissions from animal farming are combined with plastics made from fossil fuels.
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