Two things get mixed up: the generic name of a fibre and a brand name for a particular version of it. Generic names are set by law for labels. Brand names are trademarks owned by the fibre producer, and using them usually needs permission. Lyocell and modal are generic names of types of regenerated cellulose fibre. TENCEL™ is a brand of Lenzing AG used for particular lyocell and modal fibres.

The generic name comes first

In the US, the FTC rules at 16 CFR Part 303 define generic names for manufactured fibres, including that rayon covers regenerated cellulose fibres and lyocell may be used as a generic name for the solvent-spun type. The rule incorporates the ISO 2076 list of generic names. In the UK and EU, the textile labelling regulation requires fibre composition to be listed using approved generic terms such as lyocell, modal or viscose. Ask your label supplier which names apply in each market you sell to.

Using the brand on a label

The FTC rule allows a non-deceptive fibre trademark on a label together with the generic name. The generic name must appear in immediate conjunction with the trademark, in type of equal size and conspicuousness. UKFT’s guidance on the Lenzing marks gives examples such as “Modal TENCEL™” and says the brand can be added as extra licensed information but not as a replacement for the generic term.

Licence and certificate

According to UKFT, using these Lenzing trademarks on a product needs a product licence obtained through Lenzing’s branding platform, and requires a Lenzing certification number from your fabric manufacturer. Using the brand on a website or in marketing not tied to a specific product needs a marketing licence. Ask your fabric supplier for the certification number early, before you print labels.

Hang tags and advertising

The FTC rule says a hang tag that names a fibre or trademark need not repeat full fibre content, but if the product contains other fibres, the tag must say it does not give the full content. In advertising, a fibre trademark or generic name triggers a full fibre disclosure at least once. Do not use the brand as a generic word for any lyocell or modal fibre, and do not imply the fibre is in the product when it is not.

Practical steps

Get the licence, then write the exact label wording into the tech pack and the product page copy. Keep the supplier’s certificate on file for each lot.