How sustainable is
Viscose
?
Viscose is made from cellulose from different trees. The trees are cut down, chopped up to small wooden chips and then processed to become a dissolving pulp. This process uses high amounts of water and many chemicals that can not be reused. Viscose is known to have a very negative environmental impact, from deforestation to unregulated chemical usage. There are many different viscose-producers, we recommend to look at Canopy’s “Hot Button” report that lists producers based on the wood traceability. Enka Viscose is made in Germany and they only use FSC certified wood. Eastman Naia™ and ECOVERO™ are also more sustainable options.
bergstrand material GUIDE ranking*
Conventional viscose is discouraged, better made viscose is approved.
Discouraged
Discouraged materials may be made from synthetic or non-renewable resources, and may be produced using methods that have a high environmental impact. While these materials may be less expensive or easier to work with than other options, they may not be the most sustainable or ethical choices for clothing production.
* The Bergstrand Material Guide Ranking is only a guide. Our consultants can help with accurate assessments of your brand’s use of materials.
Photography credit:
Rumana S
