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How are regenerated fibres different from synthetic fibres?

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Diagram titled Spinning jenny showing an operator using a hand wheel to rotate a cord-driven roller, drawing and twisting fibers from multiple clamped rovings onto tilted spindles; numbered callouts trace the process from roving to thread. — textile An annotated diagram showing how an operator uses a hand wheel, rollers, and spindles on a spinning jenny to draw and twist unspun fiber into thread.

Regenerated fibres and synthetic fibres are both categories of man-made fibres, but they differ fundamentally in their origin and chemical composition.12

Regenerated Fibres

These fibres are derived from naturally occurring polymers, such as the cellulose found in wood pulp or cotton. While the raw material exists in nature, it is acquired in a significantly altered state and processed to be "regenerated" into a practical, fibrous form. Common examples include rayon and acetate.12

Synthetic Fibres

In contrast, synthetic fibres are composed of polymers that do not occur in nature. These are produced entirely through chemical synthesis in laboratories or industrial plants, typically utilizing by-products of petroleum or natural gas. Because they are engineered from the molecular level, they can be mass-produced to meet specific performance requirements. Familiar examples include nylon and polyester.12