Is viscose sustainable? The honest story behind Ecovero, modal, and lyocell

Many people think that viscose is a synthetic fabric, just like polyester. That is incorrect. Viscose is made from wood pulp and is therefore a fiber of natural origin. However, that does not automatically mean that all viscose is sustainable. In fact, there is a big difference between regular viscose and more modern variants such as Ecovero, modal, and lyocell. In this blog, we provide an honest explanation of how it works.

What actually is viscose?

Viscose is a fiber made from wood pulp, usually sourced from trees such as beech, eucalyptus, or spruce. The cellulose from the wood is dissolved and then spun into fibers again. For this reason, viscose is also called a semi-synthetic fiber : the raw material is natural, but the production process is industrial.

The result is a fabric that is soft, supple, and breathable. Viscose often feels a bit like silk and drapes beautifully around the body. This is why it is widely used for dresses, blouses, and summer clothing.

Why does viscose sometimes have a bad reputation?

Regular viscose can have a significant impact on the environment. This is mainly due to the production process. In traditional viscose factories, chemicals are used to dissolve the cellulose from the wood. If these substances are not properly captured or reused, they can end up in the environment.

Additionally, deforestation can be a problem when wood does not come from sustainably managed forests. That is why an increasing number of brands and manufacturers are looking at better and cleaner ways to produce viscose.

What is the difference between viscose, modal, lyocell, and Ecovero?

In recent years, new variants have been developed that are produced much more sustainably.

Modal

Modal is also made from wood pulp, usually from beech trees. The fiber is stronger than regular viscose and holds its shape better. Modal feels very soft and is often used for underwear, T-shirts, and light clothing.

Lyocell

Lyocell (often known by the brand name TENCEL™) is produced in a virtually closed-loop system. This means that almost all solvents used are recovered and reused. As a result, the environmental impact is much lower than that of traditional viscose.

Ecovero

Ecovero is a viscose variant developed by the company Lenzing. The wood pulp comes from controlled and certified forests, and the production process uses significantly less water and energy than traditional viscose. Consequently, Ecovero is often considered a more sustainable choice.

Why do these fabrics feel so pleasant?

Many people are surprised by how soft viscose-based fabrics feel. This is because the fibers are very smooth and absorb moisture well. As a result, the fabric feels cool against the skin and is pleasant to wear in warm weather.

This is why you often see viscose, modal, and Ecovero in summer clothing, dresses, and blouses that drape beautifully.

So, is viscose sustainable?

The honest answer is: that depends. Regular viscose can be burdensome to the environment if production is not handled carefully. However, modern variants such as lyocell, modal, and Ecovero are often produced much more sustainably.

This is why an increasing number of sustainable clothing brands are consciously choosing these improved fibers. They combine the comfort of viscose with a lower impact on the environment.

Conclusion

Viscose is therefore not automatically good or bad. It mainly depends on how the fiber is produced and where the raw materials come from. New variants like Ecovero, modal, and lyocell show that increasingly better ways are being developed to create this soft and comfortable fabric.

For those who love light, fluid clothing, these materials are often a great choice, especially when they come from producers who are transparent about their production process.

Frequently asked questions about viscose

Is viscose the same as polyester?

No. Polyester is made from petroleum. Viscose is made from wood pulp and therefore has a natural origin.

Is viscose breathable?

Yes. Viscose and variants such as modal and lyocell absorb moisture well, making them feel cool and comfortable.

Which is more sustainable: viscose or cotton?

That depends heavily on the production. Organic cotton and lyocell are usually among the more sustainable choices.

Is Ecovero better than regular viscose?

Generally, yes. Ecovero is produced with less water and energy and uses wood from controlled forests.