Viscose: The secret behind sustainable fashion

Viscose in fashion

The importance of viscose in fashion

Viscose plays a significant role in the fashion industry because it is a versatile and adaptable fiber. Its properties, such as softness, sheen, and breathability, make it a popular choice for various types of clothing.

Characteristic	Description
Softness	Comfortable to wear on the skin
shine	Elegant appearance that reflects light
Breathability	High air permeability for comfort

Viscose's ability to be dyed in a wide variety of colors and patterns also contributes to its appeal. This allows designers to develop creative and stylish collections.

Why viscose is a popular sustainable option

Viscose is considered a sustainable option in fashion because it is made from natural raw materials such as wood and pulp. Many brands and consumers appreciate viscose for its low environmental impact compared to synthetic fibers.

Sustainable aspects	Description
Bio-based raw materials	Made from sustainably sourced forestry materials
Biodegradability	Natural fiber that is biodegradable
Small ecological footprint	Less water and energy consumption compared to cotton

Furthermore, efforts are underway to improve transparency in the supply chain and promote certifications that guarantee the sustainable production of viscose. This allows consumers to make informed choices and support environmentally friendly fashion.

Production of viscose

The manufacturing process of viscose

The process for producing viscose typically begins with cellulose, which is derived from wood or other plant materials. The manufacturing process can be divided into several steps:

Harvesting and processing of raw materials : Wood is harvested and chopped into small pieces.
Chemical treatment : The shredded wood pieces are chemically treated to extract the cellulose. This is often done by boiling in sodium hydroxide solution.
Filtration and purification : The resulting material is filtered to remove impurities.
Viscose production : The purified cellulose is converted into a viscous solution by treating it with chemicals such as sodium sulfide and carbon disulfide.
Spinning and drying : The solution is spun into threads, which are then dried and processed into viscose fabrics.

Step	Description
harvest	Wood is harvested and shredded.
Chemical treatment	Cellulose is extracted
Filtration	Impurities are removed
Viscose production	Cellulose is converted into a viscous solution.
Spinning and drying	Threads are spun and dried.

Environmentally friendly aspects of viscose production

Viscose production has several environmentally friendly aspects that make it an attractive sustainable fabric option. Here are some relevant points:

Renewable raw materials : Viscose is made from wood, which is a renewable resource. Sustainable forest management reduces the environmental impact.
Biodegradability : Viscose is biodegradable, which means that when it is no longer needed, it can break down in the environment without leaving any harmful residues.
Efficient resource use : Modern techniques in viscose production ensure that water and chemicals are used efficiently to reduce the ecological footprint of production.

Environmental aspect	Description
Renewable raw materials	Viscose is made from sustainably managed wood.
Biodegradability	The substance decomposes in the environment without leaving harmful residues.
Efficient resource utilization	Minimizing water and chemical consumption

The combination of these environmentally friendly properties makes viscose an interesting material for people who are interested in climate-friendly clothing.

Properties of viscose

Viscose is a popular material in fashion, distinguished by its various properties. The most important characteristics that make viscose an attractive choice are its comfort, ease of care, durability, and versatility.

Comfort and breathability

Viscose is characterized by its exceptional comfort. The fabric has a soft and smooth surface that feels pleasant against the skin. Furthermore, viscose is highly breathable, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture effectively. This ensures a comfortable feel, especially in warm or humid conditions.

Characteristic	viscose
Breathability	High
Skin sensation	Very soft
moisture absorption	Good

Ease of care and durability

Another advantage of viscose is its ease of care. Viscose can generally be machine-washed, and most garments require minimal maintenance. At the same time, viscose is relatively durable when treated properly. It retains its shape and color well, even after repeated washings.

Care aspect	viscose
Washability	Machine washable
Colorfastness	Good
Dimensional stability	High

Versatility in use

Viscose is an extremely versatile material used in a wide variety of garments. It is suitable for both lightweight summer clothing and heavier winter fashion. Furthermore, viscose can be blended with other fabrics to create different textures and properties.

use	Examples
Summer fashion	Blouses, dresses
Winter fashion	Sweaters, scarves
Mixtures	Knitted fabrics, facings

The properties of viscose make it an outstanding choice for climate-friendly clothing that is both stylish and comfortable.

Viscose vs. Other Materials

Choosing the right material is crucial for the fashion industry, especially when it comes to sustainable options. This section compares viscose with two other popular fabrics: cotton and polyester.

Comparison of viscose with cotton and polyester

The following table provides an overview of the basic properties of viscose compared to cotton and polyester:

Characteristic	viscose	Cotton	polyester
Origin	Plant base	Plant base	Synthetic
Breathability	Good	Very good	Good
moisture absorption	High	High	Low
Environmental friendliness	Resources (sustainable production possible)	Highly biodegradable	Low (not biodegradable)
Easy care	Medium	High	High

Advantages and disadvantages of viscose compared to other fabrics

Advantages of viscose

Softness and comfort: Viscose offers a comfortable feel and a smooth texture that is pleasant on the skin.
Breathability: Viscose is a breathable material that ensures a pleasant skin climate.
Sustainable options: Viscose can be produced from sustainable resources, especially if it comes from FSC-certified forests.

Disadvantages of viscose

Sensitivity to water: Viscose can easily shrink or become deformed when washed or in high humidity.
Care-intensive: Caring for viscose can be more complicated, as it is often not machine washable and requires special care.
Environmental impact of production: The production of viscose can involve environmentally harmful chemicals if it is not carried out in an environmentally friendly manner.

Cotton and polyester each have their own advantages and disadvantages. While cotton is biodegradable and breathable, polyester has better durability but is more environmentally damaging as it is not biodegradable.

The choice between viscose, cotton or polyester depends on the individual needs and values of consumers, especially with regard to sustainability and care.

Sustainability in viscose production

Viscose production has gained importance in recent years, particularly in relation to sustainable fashion. Certifications and standards play a crucial role in the viscose industry in minimizing environmental impact.

Certifications and standards in the viscose industry

Viscose can be certified by various organizations that ensure production processes are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Common certifications include:

Certification	Description
OEKO-TEX Standard 100	Guarantee that the textiles are free of harmful substances.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)	Ensuring that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests.
Ecoro	Certificate for viscose that comes from sustainable sources and is produced in an environmentally friendly way.

These certifications help consumers recognize the quality and sustainability of viscose and make conscious purchasing decisions.

Efforts to promote transparent supply chains in viscose production

Transparency in the supply chain is a crucial aspect of sustainable fashion. Manufacturers are actively working to disclose the origin of their viscose fibers. Various initiatives have been launched to this end:

initiative	Description
Transparency Pledge	Companies commit to sharing detailed information about the origin of their raw materials.
Sustainable Apparel Coalition	Industry association that advocates for environmentally friendly practices in the clothing industry.
Responsible Viscose Roundtable	A forum that brings together companies, NGOs and experts to promote best practices in viscose production.