Did you know about VISCOSE?

🧵 What is Viscose?

Viscose is a type of semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp (e.g., beech, pine, or eucalyptus trees). It's one of the oldest manufactured fibers and is often referred to as rayon in the U.S.

🧪 How is Viscose Made?

  1. Cellulose extraction from wood pulp.

  2. Pulp is treated with sodium hydroxide to form alkali cellulose.

  3. Reacted with carbon disulfide to form viscose solution.

  4. Extruded through spinnerets into an acid bath to regenerate cellulose fibers.

  5. Dried and spun into threads or fabric.

🧣 Key Properties

  • Soft & smooth (feels like cotton or silk)

  • Highly absorbent

  • Breathable

  • Drapes well

  • Dyes easily

  • Can be prone to shrinking or weak when wet

🧼 Care Instructions

  • Often hand-wash or dry clean only

  • May wrinkle easily

  • Avoid excessive heat

🌱 Environmental Considerations

  • Made from renewable resources (wood pulp)

  • Production uses toxic chemicals (e.g., carbon disulfide), raising health and pollution concerns

  • Eco-friendlier alternatives include modal, lyocell (TENCEL™), and bamboo viscose with closed-loop processing