Omar Khalid
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose, a natural raw material found in wood. It is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to fabrics like polyester and traditional cotton due to its natural origins and closed-loop production process, which reduces harmful emissions and waste. However, the viscose manufacturing process involves treating plant matter with chemicals, leading to concerns about its environmental and health impact. While viscose is biodegradable and does not contain plastic, the presence of chemicals and the potential for unsustainable sourcing practices may raise questions about its sustainability and impact on the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is viscose plastic? | No, viscose is not plastic. However, it is a semi-synthetic fabric derived from natural sources. |
| Is viscose biodegradable? | Yes, viscose is biodegradable. It can take around six weeks to decompose, while cotton takes 11 weeks. |
| Is viscose sustainable? | Viscose is more sustainable than synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic, which are derived from oil. However, the sustainability of viscose depends on its source and processing. Some viscose manufacturing sites have been criticised for their environmental impact, particularly the use of harmful chemicals and the demand for wood fibre. |
| Is viscose vegan? | Yes, viscose is technically vegan as it does not contain any animal products or by-products. |
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What You'll Learn
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose
Viscose is commonly used as a substitute for silk and was developed in the late 19th century after a silkworm blight made natural silk unaffordable. It became popular due to its draping qualities and is known for its comfort and sheen. While viscose is made from natural materials, its production involves significant chemical transformations, which makes it neither purely natural nor synthetic.
The viscose manufacturing process has raised environmental concerns. While it can be produced in a sustainable "closed-loop" fashion, some viscose manufacturing sites use harmful chemicals like carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide, which can pollute air and water if not properly handled. Additionally, the demand for wood fibre has led to the growth of less sustainable crops for viscose production. However, viscose is biodegradable, fully decomposing within about six weeks, and it is considered a more sustainable alternative to fully synthetic fabrics.
Viscose, also known as rayon, has a long history in the textile industry. It was first patented in Britain in 1892 and has been used for various applications, including clothing, linings, and tyres. Today, it remains a popular fabric for its softness, breathability, and water absorption, making it a suitable choice for summer wear.
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It is not plastic but is chemically produced
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose, a natural substance found in wood. While it is not plastic, it is chemically produced, undergoing extensive chemical transformations during its manufacturing process.
The process of making viscose involves treating plant matter with chemicals to form a viscous liquid, which is then reshaped into fibres. This is why it is considered semi-synthetic—neither a pure natural fibre nor a synthetic fibre. The plant, typically beech, spruce, eucalyptus, or bamboo, is first chipped into wood pulp and dissolved with chemicals such as caustic soda, ammonia, acetone, and sulphuric acid. The resulting brown wood pulp solution is then washed, cleaned, and bleached. To create the fibres, the pulp is treated with carbon disulfide and dissolved in sodium hydroxide to create the viscose solution, which is then spun into fibres.
Due to the chemicals involved in its production, viscose is not entirely natural. However, it is also not synthetic, as it is derived from natural sources. In some cases, the final product contains no chemicals, making it biodegradable. Sustainably farmed bamboo viscose, for example, is considered beneficial for the planet. Viscose is often touted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to fabrics like polyester and traditional cotton due to its natural materials and closed-loop production process, which can reduce harmful emissions and waste.
However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of some viscose manufacturing sites, particularly regarding the use of harmful chemicals and the demand for wood fibre driving the growth of less sustainable crops. The chemicals used in the production of viscose can also be dangerous to workers and harmful to the environment if not properly managed, leading to increased interest in more sustainable methods of production.
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Viscose is biodegradable and does not add to ocean plastic load
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose, a natural raw material found in wood. It is extracted from beech, spruce, eucalyptus, or bamboo and then pressed into fibre form under high pressure. This process involves treating wood pulp with chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment if not properly handled. However, viscose is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to fabrics like polyester and traditional cotton due to its natural materials and closed-loop production process, which reduces harmful emissions and waste.
While viscose is not inherently toxic or polluting as a plant-based fibre, the fast fashion industry often manufactures it cheaply, using energy-intensive, water-intensive, and chemically intensive processes that negatively impact workers, communities, and the environment. The source of wood pulp and its transformation into fabric are particularly concerning, as toxic chemicals are released during production. Additionally, the demand for wood fibre can drive the growth of less sustainable crops and contribute to deforestation.
Despite these concerns, viscose is biodegradable and does not contribute to ocean plastic pollution. It fully biodegrades within six weeks to one year, depending on factors like weight, density, and environment. However, it's important to note that viscose garments are often combined with other materials, such as synthetic fibres, which may prevent them from being fully biodegradable. Tags, buttons, zippers, or other non-biodegradable adornments can also hinder biodegradability. Therefore, while viscose itself is biodegradable, the presence of other materials in garments may impact their ability to break down naturally.
Viscose's biodegradability sets it apart from synthetic fabrics like polyester, which are derived from petrochemicals and persist in the environment as plastic pollution. When choosing between viscose and natural fibres like cotton, it's worth considering that cotton is a stronger fibre that can be washed and dried more easily than viscose, which often requires dry cleaning. Additionally, cotton is a fully natural fibre, while viscose undergoes extensive chemical transformations, positioning it between synthetic and natural.
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The production of viscose uses harmful chemicals
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose, a natural raw material found in wood. While viscose is often considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to fabrics like polyester and traditional cotton, its production process involves several harmful chemicals.
The process of manufacturing viscose begins with the chipping of wood into a pulp, which is then dissolved using chemicals such as caustic soda, ammonia, acetone, and sulphuric acid. This step results in the formation of a brown wood pulp solution. The pulp is then washed, cleaned, and bleached. To transform the pulp into fibres, carbon disulfide is introduced, and the mixture is dissolved in sodium hydroxide to create the solution known as "viscose."
These chemicals used in the viscose manufacturing process have been associated with adverse environmental and health impacts. Sulphuric acid, for instance, has been shown to pollute waterways, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. Additionally, the liquid form or toxic vapors of these chemicals contribute to environmental pollution in the production regions, endangering the health of people living nearby.
The health risks associated with viscose production are particularly concerning for workers in the industry. Exposure to chemicals like sodium hydroxide during the extraction and processing of cellulose can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Another hazardous chemical, carbon disulfide, used to spin cellulose into viscose fibres, has been linked to coronary heart disease and psycho-physiological issues.
While viscose is indeed a popular raw material in the textile industry, the use of harmful chemicals in its production underscores the need for safer alternatives. Some more sustainable options are already available, such as ECOVERO viscose fibre, which uses wood from controlled and certified sources, reducing water usage and carbon emissions. Other alternatives like TENCEL Lyocell, Modal, and upcycled viscose are also considered more ethical and environmentally friendly choices.
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Viscose is considered more environmentally-friendly than polyester
Viscose is considered more environmentally friendly than polyester due to several factors. Firstly, viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose, a natural raw material found in wood, such as beech, spruce, eucalyptus, or bamboo. On the other hand, polyester is a fully synthetic fibre made from petrochemical derivatives, primarily polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This key difference in composition sets the foundation for viscose's perception as a more eco-friendly option.
Viscose, being plant-based, is not inherently toxic or polluting. It is also biodegradable, unlike polyester, which contributes to the plastic load in the ocean. Viscose is estimated to biodegrade fully within six weeks, a faster rate than cotton. This biodegradability of viscose reduces the long-term impact of textile waste.
However, it is important to acknowledge the concerns surrounding the production of viscose. The manufacturing process can be chemically intensive, using substances like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, which, if not properly managed, can pollute air and water. The demand for wood fibre has also led to the growth of less sustainable crops for viscose production. Additionally, the energy and water consumption associated with viscose production can be significant.
Despite these concerns, advancements in technology offer more environmentally friendly alternatives for viscose production. The Lyocell process, for example, involves fewer harmful chemicals, reduced water and energy consumption, and closed-loop recycling, which minimizes chemical waste. These advancements contribute to the potential for optimization and sustainability in viscose production, making it a preferred choice over polyester when sourced from sustainable methods.
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Frequently asked questions
No, viscose does not contain plastic. However, it is a semi-synthetic fabric derived from natural sources such as wood pulp, bamboo, beech, pine, and eucalyptus.
Viscose is made from cellulose, a natural raw material found in plants. However, it undergoes extensive chemical transformations during its production, making it neither purely natural nor synthetic.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester are derived from oil and can take centuries to biodegrade. They also contribute to carbon emissions during production. In contrast, viscose is made from natural sources, making it more sustainable and biodegradable.
Viscose is often touted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fabrics like cotton and wool due to its natural sources and lower water usage. However, the sustainability of viscose depends on its sourcing and processing. Some viscose manufacturing sites have been associated with environmental concerns due to the use of harmful chemicals.
Yes, viscose offers several advantages over other fabrics. It is breathable, light, and airy, making it suitable for summer clothing. It is also super absorbent and hypoallergenic, benefiting those with sensitive skin. Additionally, viscose is technically vegan, as it does not contain any animal products or byproducts.
