Materials guide
Is Modal Plastic-Free?
Mostly. In our glossary, modal is a Tier 3 material (mindful alternative): mostly plastic-free, but its production can involve some non-ideal chemicals, so look at how it's made.
About modal
A type of rayon, modal is a semi-synthetic fabric known for its softness and high strength when wet. It's derived from the cellulose of beech trees and is particularly appreciated for its silky, smooth texture and lustrous finish.
Uses: Modal is widely used in clothing, such as underwear, pajamas, and sportswear, due to its breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and resistance to shrinkage and fading. It's also found in home textiles like bed linens and towels.
Good to know: While modal shares many characteristics with standard rayon, including its base in natural cellulose, it is generally considered more environmentally friendly due to more sustainable and efficient processing methods. However, like rayon, the production of modal still involves chemical processing, notably using chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and carbon disulfide (CS2), which can have environmental and health impacts.
Tiers come from the Unwrap materials glossary, a guide to what's natural, nature-inspired, or best avoided.
