Viscose material: The key to an eco-friendly wardrobe

The versatility of viscose

Viscose is a popular material valued for its versatility and comfort. This section examines the origins and properties of viscose, as well as the reasons why it is a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

The origin and properties of viscose

Viscose, also known as rayon, is made from natural cellulose fibers, most often derived from wood. The manufacturing process involves several chemical steps to transform the cellulose into a malleable fiber. Viscose has a soft and smooth texture that feels pleasant against the skin.

Here are some basic properties of viscose:

Characteristic	Description
Breathability	Viscose is breathable and ensures a comfortable feel.
moisture absorption	Viscose absorbs moisture well, making it ideal for warm climates.
Wrinkle resistance	Viscose fibers tend to wrinkle less than cotton, so they stay looking good for longer.
Colorfastness	Viscose absorbs colors well and retains its vibrancy even after several washes.

Why viscose is a sustainable choice

The sustainability of viscose depends heavily on the quality of its production and the origin of the raw materials. Viscose is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic materials like polyester. The reasons why viscose is a sustainable textile choice are:

Reason	Description
Bio-based raw materials	Viscose is made from renewable raw materials, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Biodegradability	Viscose is biodegradable and leaves no harmful residue in the environment.
Reduced resource consumption	The water and energy required for the production of viscose is in many cases lower than for conventional materials.

Choosing viscose clothing can have a positive impact on the environment, especially if it comes from certified and sustainable sources.

Sustainable production of viscose

The sustainable production of viscose is a crucial aspect that supports its environmental friendliness. This section highlights environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and relevant certifications for viscose.

Environmentally friendly manufacturing processes

The production of viscose requires specific processes that take both the environment and resource use into account. The following methods are prioritized for environmentally friendly production:

Wood source: The raw materials for viscose are sourced from sustainably managed forests. This minimizes deforestation and promotes reforestation.
Preparation: To obtain viscose from wood, the wood is converted into pulp, a process which, when practiced in an environmentally friendly manner, uses water and chemicals efficiently.
Recycling: The use of recycling techniques in the manufacturing process reduces waste and the consumption of new raw materials.

Manufacturing process	Description
Raw material source	Use of sustainably managed wood
recycling	Use of recycling methods to reduce waste
Chemicals management	Efficient use of water and chemicals

Certifications and standards for environmentally friendly viscose

Certifications play an important role in ensuring that viscose is produced sustainably. The following standards are particularly relevant:

FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council): This certification guarantees that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: This standard ensures that the viscose is free of harmful substances and therefore safe for human use.
Lyocell certification: Lyocell is a type of viscose that features a particularly sustainable manufacturing process. This certification confirms the environmentally friendly processes and the closed-loop economy.

Certification	Purpose
FSC certification	Proof of sustainably managed forests
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100	Guaranteed pollutant-free textiles
Lyocell certification	Confirms sustainable production methods

The implementation of these environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and certifications promotes the acceptance of viscose as a sustainable material in the fashion industry.

Viscose vs. Other Materials

Choosing the right material plays a significant role in fashion, especially with regard to sustainability. When considering viscose, it's important to compare it with other common materials like cotton and polyester.

Comparison of viscose with cotton and polyester

Below is a table that outlines the key properties and differences between viscose, cotton, and polyester.

Characteristic	viscose	Cotton	polyester
Origin	wood fibers	Plant fibers	Synthetic fibers
Biodegradable	Yes	Yes	No
Water consumption	Moderate	High	Low
Breathability	High	High	Small amount
comfort	Soft and flowing	Firm and comfortable	Solid and synthetic
Environmental impacts	Low	Moderate	High

Environmental benefits of viscose

Viscose offers several ecological advantages compared to other materials.

Biodegradability : Viscose is biodegradable, meaning it causes less environmental pollution when it is no longer needed. In contrast, petroleum-based polyester is not biodegradable and remains in the environment for years.
Lower water consumption : Although water consumption in the production of viscose is moderate, it can be considered advantageous compared to cotton, which has a very high water requirement. This makes viscose a more sustainable choice for water-scarce regions.
Environmentally friendly raw materials : Viscose is made from cellulose-containing raw materials, such as wood. If these wood sources are managed sustainably, viscose has the potential to be a more environmentally friendly option.
Comfort and longevity : The pleasant feel and breathability of viscose contribute to a lower need for new clothing. This promotes the sustainable use of fashion items and reduces fashion waste.

Considering the environmental benefits of viscose compared to other materials underlines its potential to be a sustainable choice for the wardrobe of environmentally conscious consumers.

Care of viscose clothing

Tips for caring for viscose textiles

Proper care of viscose clothing is crucial to maintaining its longevity and quality. Here are some important tips:

Care instructions	Description
Wash	Viscose should be washed at low temperatures in cold or lukewarm water to avoid shrinkage and deformation.
Dry	Avoid tumble drying. Instead, viscose should be dried flat on a towel or in the air.
Iron	Iron at the lowest temperature, ideally on the reverse side of the fabric. Use a cloth between the iron and the viscose to prevent shine.
Dry cleaning	It is recommended not to dry clean viscose textiles. Hand washing is the best option.

Sustainable disposal of viscose products

The sustainable disposal of viscose clothing is important for the environment. Here are some ways to dispose of viscose textiles responsibly:

Disposal method	Description
Recycle	Viscose can often be recycled. Find out about local recycling programs that accept textiles.
Donate	Well-preserved viscose clothing can be donated to charities or second-hand shops.
Upcycling	Old viscose textiles can be creatively redesigned and used for new projects, e.g. as fabrics for handmade accessories.
Biodegradable	Viscose is biodegradable, therefore if none of the above options are possible, it should be disposed of in the compost.

Creating a sustainable wardrobe involves not only purchasing environmentally friendly materials, but also properly caring for and disposing of these garments.

Fashion and viscose

Trends in sustainable fashion with viscose

Viscose has become a popular material in sustainable fashion. Designers and brands are increasingly turning to this versatile fabric to create clothing that is both eco-friendly and stylish. Some current trends in sustainable fashion with viscose include:

trend	Description
Minimalist designs	Simple, elegant cuts emphasize the naturalness and softness of viscose.
Loungewear	Comfortable, casual clothing that is suitable for both home and travel is often made from viscose.
Natural tones	Earth tones and soft colors reflect the sustainable approach of the fashion and emphasize the flowing material.
Hybrid materials	Combinations of viscose with other sustainable fabrics for optimal performance and wearability.

Combination options and styling tips with viscose clothing

Styling viscose clothing offers numerous possibilities. Thanks to the material's flexibility, viscose can be worn both every day and for special occasions. Here are some tips for combining and styling:

garment	Combinations	Styling tips
Viscose blouse	With jeans or chinos	Wear it over your trousers for a casual look.
Viscose dress	With sneakers or heels	Accentuate with a belt to emphasize the waist.
Viscose skirt	With a simple T-shirt or blouse	Combine with sandals for a boho look.
Viscose cardigan	Over a casual outfit or as the finishing touch to an evening look	Layers for warmth and style.