New forms of viscose-type materials are emerging, and can be made through various types of processes, including lyocell. Lyocell material properties are similar to traditional viscose and fibre production is also similar to that of generic viscose in that hardwood material is dissolved through an intensive chemical process into a pulp, which is then extruded to form fibres. However, for lyocell, the solvent used to transform the pulp into fibre is amine oxide (NMMO=N-Methyl-Morpholine-N-Oxide), which is considered non-toxic. The lyocell fibre manufacturing process also operates as a closed loop system, in which 99% of the solvent is recovered,
filtered and reused. Any remaining emissions are broken down harmlessly in biological wastewater treatment plants.[9]
===OEKO-TEX certified viscose=== [10]OEKO-TEX is an independent, third party certifier that offers two certifications for textiles: OEKO-TEX 100 (for products) and OEKO-TEX 1000 (for production sites/factories). OEKO-TEX 100 label aims to ensure that products pose no risk to health. OEKO-TEX certified products do not contain allergenic dye-stuffs and dye-stuffs that form carcinogenic aryl-amines. The certification process includes thorough testing for a long list of chemicals. Specifically banned are: AZO dyes, carcinogenic and allergy-inducing dyes, pesticides, chlorinated phenols, extractable heavy metals, emissions of volatile components, and more.[10]
==Availability==
There are a few suppliers in China that are currently offering viscose from PEFC and FSC certified forests. Expressing interest in PEFC and FSC certification can influence the supplier’s raw material sourcing strategy and lead to greater availability of responsibly sourced feedstock for viscose fabric.