Viscose made from wood is categorized as a “manufactured” or “man-made” fibre created from cellulose found in trees. It is typically derived from spruce or pine (although any plants or trees can be used to make viscose) and is then chemically processed and regenerated to form a new polymer using the viscose process. Although viscose is generally not considered a sustainable fibre due to its highly chemical process, new forms of viscose-type materials are emerging—such as lyocell—that have the same material characteristic, but are produced by non-toxic processes and operate in a closed loop system where outputs are recovered, filtered and reused.[1]
Benefits
Viscose is the oldest manufactured fibre. The viscose process was developed in the late 1800s as an inexpensive alternative to silk. Viscose has a silk-like aesthetic, drapes well, is easy to dye, and is highly absorbent. It is a good conductor of heat, so it is a cool, comfortable fibre good for use in warm weather. Viscose is also relatively inexpensive compared to other fibres, and blends well with many fibres—sometimes used to reduce cost, or contribute lustre, softness, absorbency or comfort.[1]
Potential impacts
Cultivation
Processing
Dyeing
Consumer care/washing
End of use
Optimize sustainability benefits
| OPPORTUNITY | BENEFITS | CONSIDERATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Know the difference between natural bamboo linen fabric, and bamboo made from a viscose process. | Bamboo viscose is chemically processed and has greater pollution impacts to water and air. | |
| Promote the use of linen from bamboo products. | Once the fibre is extracted from the stem, processing bamboo into yarn for linen is largely mechanical, with minimal environmental impact. | |
| Promote the use of ozone bleaching processes to strip out the natural beige colour of linen (from flax). Promote the particular aesthetic of ozone bleach effects. |
Ozone can used be with no water at all. | Ozone has limited availability, and is relatively expensive since it requires investment in ozone generating equipment. Ozone processes produce a different aesthetic than chlorine derivative or permanganate bleaching. |
Availability
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Marketing opportunities
Innovation opportunities
Sources
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