Material Guide: What is Viscose and Is It Sustainable?

What Is Viscose, and Is It Sustainable?

Viscose is a regenerated cellulosic fiber derived from wood pulp, often beech, pine, or eucalyptus. It is sometimes made of bamboo as well.

Many chemicals are used in the manufacturing of viscose, including Caustic soda and carbon disulfide. Both are poisonous and endanger employees and the environment.

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What is Viscose?

Viscose Yarn is a popular semi-synthetic fabric that is frequently used to construct summer dresses, skirts, and soft blouses. It is an excellent alternative to silk and can be readily colored, allowing you to create gorgeous designs.

It is made of cellulose, a natural polymer found in plants such as wood and cotton. Cellulosic fibers include viscose and rayon.

Because they need the use of chemicals and wood pulp, the production of these fabrics can be a serious environmental concern. However, viscose fabric makers are taking steps to produce cleaner and greener materials.

Unlike other fabrics, such as cotton, viscose is made from regenerated cellulose. It is also considered a greener alternative to polyester because it does not contain hazardous chemicals and is biodegradable.

Some fabrics, such as TENCEL(tm), lyocell, and modal, are preferable to viscose since they are made from organic cellulose and do not employ chemicals in the manufacturing process. These materials may be more expensive, but they provide several benefits to customers and the environment.

Because the majority of the wood used in the production of viscose comes from enormous natural forests, deforestation is a major issue. The wood used in the construction of MMCFs is typically treated with chemicals, which pollute the air and water around manufacturing facilities and slowly spread over the world. Carbon disulphide is one of the compounds used in the manufacturing of MMCFs, which have been related to coronary heart disease and other health issues.

These compounds are hazardous to humans and animals, and they contribute to deforestation in the areas where they are manufactured. This is why many brands are now collaborating with groups such as Canopy to lessen the environmental impact of their production.

Other companies are developing novel new materials that do not require the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process. These include bamboo-based Monocel(r) and REFIBRA (tm).

While viscose remains a popular and inexpensive fabric, many of the firms that produce it are working to make their manufacturing processes more sustainable. This involves introducing FSC-certified forests into their supply chain as well as utilizing more eco-friendly processes in the fabric's production.

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How is Viscose Made?

Viscose is a synthetic fabric that has gained popularity as an alternative to cotton and silk. This sort of fiber can take on many various features depending on how it is created, making it an incredibly versatile material.

It can be produced into a variety of fabrics, from lightweight and airy to very heavyweight, with a variety of qualities in between. It is commonly used in clothing, but it may also be found in home textiles such as beds and tablecloths.

Viscose, like other fabrics, may be colored to create one-of-a-kind patterns and motifs. It is also a highly absorbent material, so it takes dyes well, producing rich and bright colors without losing its original luster.

The process of producing viscose can be highly complex, with several phases ranging from dissolving wood pulp to spinning it into threads. Unfortunately, these procedures are extremely polluting and have been related to a variety of health problems, including cancer and skin disorders in industrial employees.

Other textiles, such as polyester and lyocell, are far more environmentally friendly. Both begin as a liquid containing the basic molecule of the fibre, which is subsequently spun into long, silky filaments. These can then be weaved into cloth.

Unlike polyester, which is often derived from petrochemicals, cellulose is derived from trees and other plant sources. It's also biodegradable, making it an excellent choice for those worried about the environmental impact of rapid fashion.

Chardonnet, a French scientist and industrialist, invented the first commercial viscose fiber in Europe. In 1892, he created the first viscose rayon production process. However, the original production method was so unsafe that it was swiftly removed off the market, and a safer one was invented in Germany by Bemberg.

Today, there are several methods for producing viscose, including applying a chemical treatment to dissolve the pulp. This procedure is much more harmful than dissolving it naturally, and it wastes approximately 70% of the wood pulp.

Another method of producing viscose is to treat the fibers with chemicals before spinning them into threads. This technique is less hazardous than dissolving the pulp, but it still releases a lot of toxic chemicals into the air and water around manufacturing sites.

Is Viscose Sustainable?

Viscose is a cellulose-based man-made material. This is the same cellular substance found in trees, including cotton and silk.

However, it is created by processing wood pulp with chemicals such as caustic soda and carbon disulfide, which pollute the air near the factory and contaminate water. These poisonous substances can also harm the health of workers and communities in the surrounding area.

There are certain strategies to reduce the hazardous emissions and waste connected with viscose manufacture, one of which is to choose a brand that obtains its viscose sustainably. Brands that engage in the CanopyStyle certification and program, for example, will ensure that ancient forests are not destroyed in order to obtain their viscose.

Another approach is to look for fabrics made of sustainable elements rather than wood. Some companies are acquiring raw materials from tropical and subtropical forests that are closer to where consumers live, and these fabrics have a lower carbon impact than those sourced from temperate woods.

Many firms that use viscose are looking for more sustainable alternatives to the fabric. Modal and tencel, for example, have a substantially lower environmental impact than typical viscose fabrics.

Furthermore, some of these alternative materials are manufactured in a closed-loop manner, which means that the bulk of the chemicals and water used in the manufacturing process are caught and recycled. This is a positive start toward developing an eco-friendly, circular economy for the future of textiles.

A third option to make viscose more sustainable is to reduce its transportation impact. Many viscose fabrics are carried from the forests where they are grown to manufacturers, sorting centers, shops, and consumer homes before being disposed of or recycled.

These excursions can be quite energy-intensive, especially for things carried over vast distances by plane. Large container ships are often the most carbon-efficient mode of transportation, generating half as much CO2 per unit of weight and distance than railroads or trucks (respectively).

It is not possible to totally eradicate the pollution associated with viscose manufacture, but we can make a difference by utilizing more ecologically conscious methods and ensuring that the fabrics we buy are made from sustainably sourced wood and other raw materials.

What Are the Benefits of Viscose?

Viscose Fiber is a soft, lightweight fabric with several advantages. It's comfortable to wear, drapes well, and keeps dye well, making it a desirable alternative for a number of clothing items.

It may also be easily combined with other textiles for increased flexibility and shape retention, making it a flexible and easy-to-work-with option. It's also a wonderful choice for items that will be worn regularly, such as dresses and t-shirts.

Unlike cotton, viscose does not shrink or reject water and is also more breathable. It is very simple to clean and rebounds from stretching or creasing after washing.

The fabric is also suitable for dresses and blouses since it drapes well and comes in a variety of hues and tones. Its shiny, velvety appearance makes it a popular choice for curtains.

Another benefit of viscose is that material is quite absorbent, so you won't have to worry about sweat stains! The fabric is extremely light and breezy, making it an excellent choice for summer wear.

It is also long-lasting and can be used with other materials to enhance structure and strength. It's a terrific choice for dresses and pants, and it will last for years.

Viscose is likewise a less expensive alternative to silk and comes in a number of colors. The fabric drapes softly and may be embroidered, which is a great way to add style to your clothing.

However, there are some disadvantages to utilizing viscose that you should be aware of before deciding whether or not this material is ideal for you. One of the most serious difficulties with viscose is that it is derived from trees, which causes deforestation and has a bad influence on the environment.

It also consumes a lot of water throughout the manufacturing process. This can result in water waste, therefore it is not the most environmentally friendly method of producing fabrics.

Thankfully, emerging synthetic fabrics such as modal and lyocell are becoming more eco-friendly. These textiles are made with less chemicals, making them a better alternative for individuals wishing to buy eco-friendly clothing.