Viscose demystified: The ideal material for eco-conscious fashion

The world of viscose

What is viscose?

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural raw materials. It consists primarily of cellulose, which is derived from wood, cotton, or other plant sources. Viscose is characterized by its exceptional softness, sheen, and breathability, making it a popular material in the fashion industry.

Properties of viscose	Description
Origin	Cellulose from wood or plants
texture	Soft and supple
Breathability	High air permeability

Production of viscose fibers

The production of viscose fibers involves several steps. First, the cellulose is isolated and then treated with chemicals to create a solution. This solution is then forced through fine nozzles and regenerated in a solution bath, resulting in threads. These threads are then woven or knitted to produce various textiles.

Step	Description
1. Cellulose extraction	Cellulose is extracted from wood or plants
2. Solution creation	Cellulose is treated with sodium hydroxide and carbonate.
3. Spiders	The solution is forced through nozzles.
4. Regeneration	Threads are regenerated in a bath.

The resulting viscose fibers can be produced in various thicknesses and qualities, increasing the versatility of this material. Furthermore, processing and dyeing the fibers allows for the creation of numerous colors and patterns, making them particularly attractive to designers.

Advantages of viscose

Viscose has established itself in recent years as an attractive choice for environmentally conscious fashion. The advantages of this material are numerous and range from its eco-friendly aspects to its wearing properties.

Environmentally friendly aspects

Viscose is made from natural raw materials, usually wood or bamboo. The manufacturing process can be environmentally friendly if the raw materials are handled responsibly. This sustainable sourcing offers several ecological advantages compared to synthetic fibers.

Environmental factor	viscose	polyester
Origin	Natural hardness	Synthetic
Biodegradability	Biodegradable	Very low
Water consumption	Moderate	High

Comfort and wearing properties

Viscose boasts outstanding wearing properties. It is soft, breathable, and drapes beautifully. These qualities make viscose a popular choice for clothing that aims to combine comfort and elegance.

Comfort feature	Evaluation
Skin sensation	High
Breathability	High
elasticity	Moderate

Versatility in fashion

Viscose is extremely versatile in fashion. It can be used for everyday casual outfits as well as elegant evening wear. Its ability to create various textures and designs makes viscose a favorite material among designers.

use	Examples
Everyday clothing	Blouses, T-shirts
Evening wear	Dresses, skirts
accessories	Scarves, shawls

These advantages highlight viscose as an alternative material for climate-friendly fashion and show how it can meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

A critical look at viscose

Sustainability and environmental impact

Viscose is often considered an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics; however, there are also critical aspects that should be taken into account when evaluating the material. The production of viscose requires large quantities of water and chemicals, which can have potentially harmful effects on the environment.

aspect	Description
Water consumption	Up to 100,000 liters of water per ton of viscose
chemicals	Use of sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide
Wastewater treatment	High demands on wastewater treatment

The sustainability of viscose depends heavily on the source of the raw materials and the manufacturing processes used. Responsible manufacturing processes can significantly reduce the impact on the environment.

Care of viscose-containing clothing

Caring for viscose clothing requires special attention to prolong the life of the material and maintain its shape. Viscose is prone to shrinkage and deformation if it is not washed or dried properly.

Care step	Recommendation
Washing temperature	Maximum 30 °C
Wash	Use a gentle wash program
Dry	We recommend air drying in a shady place.
Iron	Iron at a low temperature

Proper care can preserve the quality and appearance of viscose clothing. Consumers should also follow the care labels to achieve the best results.

Viscose vs. Other Materials

Compared to other materials, especially cotton and polyester, viscose offers both advantages and some limitations. This section will examine these two fabrics in relation to viscose.

Comparison with cotton

Cotton is one of the most widely used natural fiber materials, and many consumers appreciate its advantages. Compared to viscose, there are some key differences.

Characteristics	viscose	Cotton
Origin	Wood (e.g. beech, eucalyptus)	cotton plant
Environmental friendliness	Biodegradable, sufficient sustainable resources	Depending on cultivation methods (e.g. pesticides)
Breathability	High	High
moisture absorption	Good	Very good
Care	Delicate, hand washing recommended	Machine washable
Softness	Very soft	Soft, but variable

Comparison with polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber widely used in the fashion industry. A comparison with viscose reveals some striking differences.

Characteristics	viscose	polyester
Origin	Wood (e.g. beech, eucalyptus)	oil
Environmental friendliness	Biodegradable, lower environmental impact	Not biodegradable
Breathability	High	Low
moisture absorption	Good	Small amount
Care	Delicate, hand washing recommended	Machine washable
Softness	Very soft	Firm and smooth

These comparisons clearly show that viscose is an environmentally friendly alternative to polyester, while scoring points for comfort thanks to its soft texture and surpassing cotton in some aspects. However, the choice of fabric depends heavily on individual needs and preferences.

Viscose in the fashion world

Designer test bench: How is viscose used?

Viscose has a wide range of applications in the fashion industry. Designers appreciate the material for its properties and the opportunity it offers to create innovative designs. Viscose is frequently used for a variety of garments, including:

garment	Viscose content (%)
Blouses	50 - 100
Dresses	60 - 100
Skirts	70 - 90
Long trousers	40 - 80
underwear	30 - 90

The material is not only comfortable to wear, but also drapes and combines well. Viscose is particularly popular in high summer fashion due to its breathable properties.

Trends and future outlook for viscose in fashion

Viscose is experiencing a resurgence in sustainable fashion and is increasingly being integrated into eco-conscious collections. Consumers place great value on organic materials, leading to a rise in demand for viscose. The following trends are expected in the coming years:

trend	Description
Sustainable production	More manufacturers are relying on environmentally friendly processes for viscose production.
Combination with natural fibers	Blends with cotton, linen or hemp for additional benefits.
Recycling of viscose	Pilot projects using recycled viscose to close the material cycle.
Innovative Designs	Use of viscose in avant-garde collections and contemporary fashion.

With these trends, viscose could play a significant role in environmentally friendly fashion in the future, as it offers both visual appeal and functionality.

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