The importance of viscose fabric in sustainable fashion

Why viscose is a sustainable material

Viscose is distinguished by its origin from natural materials such as wood pulp, thus offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics. While the manufacturing process of viscose uses chemical processes, modern versions increasingly rely on more sustainable practices. Viscose can be sourced from sustainably managed forests, which reduces the environmental impact of its harvesting.

The ecological advantages of viscose compared to other materials can be presented in a table:

material	Origin	Water supply	CO2 emissions	Biodegradable
viscose	Wood	Moderate	Low	Yes
Cotton	plant	High	Medium	Yes
polyester	oil	Low	High	No

The growing popularity of viscose in the fashion industry

In recent years, viscose has become increasingly popular in the fashion industry, as consumers place greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical production methods. Many fashion brands use viscose to create both stylish and environmentally friendly garments.

The growing use of viscose is reflected in sales figures and changes in market share. The following chart highlights some key points:

Year	Viscose market share (%)	Total market share of sustainable fabrics (%)
2018	10	25
2019	12	30
2020	15	35
2021	18	40

These trends demonstrate that viscose is not only a fashionable choice, but also an environmentally conscious decision for consumers interested in climate-friendly clothing.

Properties of viscose fabric

Viscose fabric has numerous properties that make it a suitable choice for clothing in sustainable fashion. These properties contribute to viscose being a popular choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Breathability and wearing comfort

Viscose is known for its breathability, which makes it comfortable to wear. The fabric allows for good air circulation, which is particularly beneficial in warm climates. This ensures a comfortable feel and helps prevent overheating.

Characteristic	Description
Air permeability	High
Wearing comfort	Very pleasant

Absorbency and moisture regulation

Another advantage of viscose is its excellent absorbency. Viscose can effectively absorb moisture, allowing the fabric to keep the skin dry. This makes it ideal for the production of clothing worn in humid climates.

Characteristic	Description
absorbency	High
Moisture regulation	Effective

Ease of care and durability

Viscose is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for everyday wear. The fabric can usually be machine washed and doesn't necessarily require special dry cleaning. Furthermore, viscose is durable, meaning that garments made from it can last a long time.

Characteristic	Description
Easy care	Simple, machine washable
longevity	High, with proper care

Environmental friendliness of viscose

Viscose manufacturing process

The manufacturing process of viscose is crucial for its sustainability. Viscose is made from cellulose, which is primarily derived from wood sourced from sustainably managed forests. The process involves several steps, including soaking the wood, extracting the cellulose, and converting it into fibers. These steps can vary in their environmental impact, depending on the chemicals used and how wastewater is treated.

Step	Description	Environmental impacts
Timber harvesting	Harvesting wood from forests	Sustainable forestry is necessary
Cellulose production	Cellulose is isolated from wood	Chemicals can be harmful
Fiber production	Cellulose is processed into viscose threads.	Wastewater must be treated.

Viscose compared to other materials

Compared to synthetic materials like polyester, viscose offers some more environmentally friendly properties. While polyester is often derived from petroleum, viscose is a renewable material. However, its environmental impact depends on its production and disposal.

material	Origin	Biodegradable	Environmental impact during production
viscose	Cellulose from wood	Yes	Moderate
polyester	oil	No	High
Cotton	plant	Yes	Varies depending on the cultivation

Recycling and disposal of viscose

Viscose is biodegradable and can be broken down in industrial composting facilities at the end of its life cycle. While fabric recycling programs are not yet as widespread as those for plastics, the growing demand for more environmentally friendly options could lead to an increase in viscose recycling programs.

Disposal method	Description	Advantages
Composting	is located in industrial composting facilities	Biodegradation
recycling	Recycling the fibers into new products	Waste reduction
Waste disposal	Final disposal in landfills	Environmentally harmful

Care tips for viscose clothing

Viscose is a popular material in fashion, known for its pleasant properties. To ensure that viscose clothing lasts a long time and looks good, certain care instructions must be followed.

Washing and drying viscose

When washing viscose, pay attention to the temperature and the washing cycle. Hand washing or a gentle machine wash cycle is recommended.

Washing method	Temperature (°C)	Wash cycle
Hand wash	Max. 30	Soft
Machine wash	Max. 30	Gentle program

Viscose should not be tumble dried, as this can damage the material. Instead, the fabric should be laid flat to dry.

Ironing and storing viscose

When ironing viscose, a low temperature is important to avoid damage. A steam iron can help remove wrinkles without damaging the fabric.

Ironing temperature	Suitable for
Max. 110	viscose
With steam	For wrinkles

Viscose clothing should also be stored carefully. It should be kept in a cool, dry place, hanging or folded to prevent deformation.

Sustainable practices in handling viscose clothing

To extend the lifespan of viscose clothing, environmentally friendly practices should be used. These include:

• Regular care and gentle washing
• Avoiding chemical cleaning agents
• Repair instead of disposal in case of damage

By implementing these tips, the durability of viscose clothing can be increased and the environmental impact minimized.