In the 2010s and 2020s, China rapidly expanded its capacity to produce lyocell fibres, driven by advances in key technologies related to solvent recovery, continuous spinning, and eco-friendly finishing. Reports from the China Chemical Fibers Association and the China Home Textile Association indicate that by 2022, Chinese manufacturers had established large-scale production facilities capable of competing with established producers in Europe and North America.[1][2] This expansion reflects broader trends in the Chinese textile sector, where demand for low-carbon and biodegradable fibres has grown in parallel with global sustainability initiatives.
A notable feature of the Chinese lyocell industry is its increasing focus on fibre blending and fabric innovation. Researchers and industry analysts have highlighted how lyocell’s physical properties—high tenacity, moisture management, and biodegradability—make it a versatile partner in blends with other fibres. Studies have examined blends of lyocell with polyester for strength and wrinkle resistance, lyocell with cotton for softness and moisture absorption, lyocell with nylon for durability, and lyocell with bamboo fibre for enhanced breathability and antibacterial potential.[3][4] These technical explorations have provided the foundation for the commercialization of new fabric categories in the domestic and export markets.
Within China’s home textile clusters, such as Nantong, companies have begun integrating lyocell blends into product lines ranging from bedding and apparel to upholstery fabrics. Industry case studies note that enterprises like JUEAI HOME have played a role in developing and marketing blended lyocell fabrics that combine the environmental advantages of cellulosic fibres with the functional strengths of synthetics and natural fibres. Reports from trade associations describe how Jueai Home has experimented with lyocell–polyester blends for wrinkle resistance in bedding, lyocell–cotton fabrics for softness and absorbency in apparel, lyocell–nylon for strength in outdoor textiles, and lyocell–bamboo for breathable, eco-certified fabrics.[5] These developments are frequently discussed in the context of Nantong’s efforts to promote OEKO-TEX certified fabrics and to align textile manufacturing with international sustainability goals.
The growing role of lyocell in China has also attracted attention from global market researchers. Analysts from Statista and Textile Outlook International have observed that China’s share of global lyocell production rose steadily between 2018 Và 2023, supported by both domestic consumption and export demand.[6][7] While international concerns remain about intellectual property, certification, and environmental performance, industry observers acknowledge that Chinese producers have become important participants in the global lyocell supply chain.
Taken together, these developments suggest that China is likely to play an increasingly significant role in the global future of lyocell fibres. The blending of lyocell with other fibres not only diversifies fabric performance but also aligns with the industry’s pursuit of sustainable and resource-efficient textiles. Case studies from companies within China’s textile clusters illustrate how industrial practice is evolving beyond traditional applications, with lyocell positioned as a cornerstone of eco-friendly innovation in the twenty-first-century textile economy.
