The Ultimate Viscose Fabric Guide: From Tree to Textile & Sustainable Alternatives?

Viscose seems like the perfect blend of natural and synthetic—but is it really as eco-friendly as it sounds?

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber¹ made from wood pulp. It looks and feels like cotton or silk but comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, especially for sustainability-minded buyers².

I often get asked if viscose is good or bad. The truth is, it’s both. It depends on how it’s made, who makes it, and what we’re comparing it to. Let's walk through it all—step by step—starting from where it comes from.

What Is Viscose?

Most people confuse viscose with rayon or modal. Are they all the same thing?

Viscose is a type of rayon made from regenerated cellulose³, usually from trees like beech, pine, or eucalyptus. It's one of the oldest man-made fibers still in use.

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Understanding Viscose, Rayon, and Modal

Viscose, rayon, and modal all come from natural cellulose. The terms vary by region and process. Rayon is the umbrella term. Viscose rayon is the most common type. Modal is stronger and more stretch-resistant. Here’s a quick comparison:

Fiber	Source Material	Texture	Durability	Cost
Viscose4	Wood pulp	Soft, drapey	Moderate	Medium
Rayon5	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Modal6	Beechwood pulp	Very soft, smooth	High	Higher

I use viscose blends in some of my cleaning wipes when softness is key. It’s great for performance, but I also watch the sustainability side closely.

Where Did Viscose Come From?

Did you know viscose has been around since the 1800s?

Viscose was first invented as artificial silk in 1883. It became widely used during the 20th century for clothing, upholstery, and industrial fabrics.

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The History of Viscose

In 1883, viscose was discovered by French chemist Hilaire de Chardonnet as a cheaper alternative to silk. By 1905, the British firm Courtaulds was mass-producing it. Since then, it's evolved from luxury imitation to everyday staple. During WWII, it was used in parachutes. Today, it’s in everything from dresses to mop heads.

How Is Viscose Made?

It looks natural, but the process is industrial. So, how exactly is viscose made?

Viscose is made by converting wood pulp⁷ into a soluble compound, which is then regenerated into fibers. This involves multiple chemical steps⁸.

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Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process

The production of viscose involves wood pulp being chemically treated and spun into fiber. Here’s a flowchart summary:

1. Harvesting Trees – Often beech, eucalyptus, or pine.
2. Pulping – Wood is turned into cellulose sheets.
3. Steeping – Sheets soaked in sodium hydroxide.
4. Pressing – Excess liquid is removed.
5. Shredding – Sheets are crumbled into “white crumb.”
6. Aging – Crumbs age for up to 48 hours.
7. Xanthation – Carbon disulfide is added to form “orange crumb.”
8. Dissolving – Mixed with sodium hydroxide to create viscose solution.
9. Ripening – Solution rests before extrusion.
10. Spinning – Extruded through spinnerets into acid bath.
11. Washing & Finishing – Fibers are cleaned, dried, and cut.

While this process yields soft, affordable fabric, it can also produce toxic waste⁹ if not managed well.

What Makes Viscose Unique?

Why do designers and manufacturers still use viscose today?

Viscose has a silky texture¹⁰, excellent dye retention, and good breathability, making it ideal for both fashion and home use.

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Properties of Viscose

Viscose feels luxurious without the cost of silk. It's breathable¹¹, making it perfect for summer clothes and bed linens. Here's a quick pros and cons table:

Pros	Cons
Soft and breathable	Wrinkles easily
Good color retention	Can shrink when washed
Affordable silk alternative	Not very durable when wet

I like viscose because it performs well in soft cloth wipes¹². But it’s not the best for heavy-duty cleaning without being blended with other fibers.

Where Is Viscose Used?

From runways to cleaning cloths—how versatile is viscose?

Viscose is used in fashion, upholstery, packaging, and industrial applications due to its softness, printability, and affordability.

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Applications of Viscose

• Fashion: Dresses, shirts, skirts, linings
• Home: Curtains, bedspreads, cushion covers
• Industrial: Tire cords, medical gauze, wipes

I’ve personally supplied viscose-based wipes¹³ for both the automotive and beauty industries. The fabric’s absorbency and softness are huge selling points.

How Does Viscose Compare?

Viscose looks like cotton, feels like silk, and competes with polyester. But which is better?

Viscose is more breathable than polyester¹⁴ and softer than cotton, but less durable than both. It also ranks differently in environmental impact¹⁵.

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Viscose vs. Polyester

Feature	Viscose	Polyester
Feel	Soft, natural	Slick, synthetic
Breathability16	High	Low
Eco Impact	Medium-High	High

Viscose vs. Cotton

Feature	Viscose	Cotton
Moisture wicking	Low	Medium
Softness	Higher	Variable
Sustainability17	Lower	Depends on source

Viscose vs. Modal

Feature	Viscose	Modal
Strength	Medium	High
Shrinkage	High	Low
Cost	Lower	Higher

How Do You Take Care of Viscose¹⁸?

It feels great—but is it easy to wash?

Viscose is delicate when wet. Hand wash in cold water, air dry flat, and use low iron settings to maintain its shape.

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Care Tips for Viscose

• Wash: Cold hand wash preferred. Machine wash on gentle cycle.
• Dry: Do not wring. Lay flat to dry.
• Iron: Use a low setting. Always iron inside out.

Avoid bleach and tumble drying. When viscose gets wet, its fibers weaken, which is something to keep in mind when designing cleaning cloths with it.

What’s the Environmental Cost of Viscose?

It’s plant-based, but is viscose truly green?

Viscose production can involve deforestation, chemical pollution, and high water use if not responsibly managed.

Environmental Impact

Viscose uses 70–100% more water than cotton during production. Some manufacturers source from endangered forests. The chemicals (like CS2 and NaOH) used in production can be hazardous if not contained.

Sustainable certifications like OEKO-TEX, FSC, and BCI are becoming more important as buyers like Michael from Germany seek both quality and responsibility.

What Are the Better Alternatives?

If viscose isn’t clean enough, what are the eco-friendly options¹⁹?

Alternatives like Lenzing™ Modal, TENCEL™, and Bamboo Lyocell offer similar softness with cleaner production processes.

Comparing Sustainable Fibers

Fiber	Source	Closed-loop?	Certified?
Lenzing Modal	Beechwood	Yes	OEKO-TEX, FSC
TENCEL Lyocell	Eucalyptus	Yes	OEKO-TEX, PEFC
Bamboo Lyocell	Bamboo	Yes	Varies

I use bamboo and lyocell blends for customers who prioritize sustainability. These options cost more but often win long-term loyalty.

Is Viscose Biodegradable?

If you throw it away, does it break down?

Yes, viscose is biodegradable under the right conditions. It decomposes faster than polyester but slower than untreated cotton.

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Biodegradation of Viscose

Viscose usually breaks down within 6–8 weeks in composting conditions. It biodegrades faster than synthetic fibers²⁰ like polyester, which can last for decades. However, additives or finishes can delay degradation.

For my clients sourcing wipes, I recommend checking with manufacturers about coatings or chemical treatments, as they change everything.

How Should Buyers Choose Viscose?

You want quality and sustainability—what should you look for?

Buyers should choose OEKO-TEX²¹ or FSC-certified viscose²², and ask suppliers about water treatment and deforestation practices.

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Sourcing Checklist

• OEKO-TEX® and FSC® certification²³
• Closed-loop or clean production process
• Transparent sourcing of wood pulp
• Tested biodegradability
• Full traceability and honest MSDS documentation

Many of my European clients ask for full documentation and batch-level tracking. That’s the future of ethical sourcing.

What’s Next for Viscose?

Will viscose production become cleaner in the future?

Future trends include cleaner chemical use, closed-loop systems²⁴, and digital traceability²⁵ to prevent greenwashing.

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What’s Changing in Viscose

• Lenzing’s REFIBRA™²⁶ uses recycled cotton waste in viscose.
• Enka and Sateri are investing in zero-emission plants²⁷.
• More buyers now verify claims with third-party audits²⁸.

But greenwashing is also on the rise. I've seen suppliers exaggerate certifications just to close deals. It’s vital to verify every claim.

FAQ About Viscose

Is viscose good for summer?
Yes, it’s breathable and light, perfect for warm weather.

Does viscose shrink?
Yes, especially when washed in hot water or dried in a machine.

Can viscose be ironed?
Yes, on a low setting, and preferably inside out.

Expert Opinions on Viscose?

What do the pros say?

Textile engineers say viscose is versatile but should evolve. Designers like its flow, but sustainability is a rising priority.

Some European buyers I work with now request Lenzing or TENCEL only. They're willing to pay more for a cleaner label and better story to tell customers.

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Viscose?

Viscose is affordable, soft, and widely used—but only worth choosing if it's sourced responsibly.

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Elbert Zhao
Founder, Elbert Wipes Solutions
📧[email protected] | 🌐 www.elbertwipes.com

8 production lines | 22 processing lines | OEKO-TEX certified | Walmart-approved supplier