What Is Viscose Nonwovens Fabric?

Viscose Nonwovens fabric is a type of textile made from a semi-synthetic fiber, also known as rayon. It was invented in the 1880s as a cheaper silk alternative, and it is now one of the most popular fabrics for women's clothing and other items.

It's a plant-based fiber, so it's not toxic or polluting in nature, and it doesn't use any animal products as byproducts. This is a good thing, as animal products can be a source of pollution and cruelty.

This kind of fabric is a great choice for dresses, skirts, and blouses as it has a lovely drape and smooth feel to it. However, it can be a little more shifty to work with than other natural fibers like cotton and linen, so do take care when cutting it out of patterns and pinning it to the fabric.

The manufacturing process of viscose begins with wood pulp. This plant pulp is treated with carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide, which dissolves it into a solution that's then spun to create filament fibers. This fiber can then be woven or knitted into yarn that's used to make viscose rayon fabric.

It's not as sustainable as cotton or modal, but it's still an attractive option for people who prefer lightweight, luxury fabrics. It can be dyed and woven into a wide variety of colors, so it can work with most apparel styles.

Some companies are aiming to produce cleaner viscose and help make the supply chain more respectful of people and the environment. The Changing Markets Foundation has put together a roadmap to help companies implement the steps needed to design safer viscose.

In the early 1800s, French chemist Hilaire de Chardonnet invented a method for making synthetic silk that was much cheaper and easier to produce than the actual material at the time. The idea of using tree pulp to make fibers had been tried before, but Chardonnet was the first to use it successfully.

He was able to spin the fibers into yarn in a machine that was called a "Topham box" after the inventor's name. Within a few months, this machine was cranking out 12,000 pounds of viscose fiber per day.

When it comes to environmental impact, the production of viscose isn't as sustainable as other forms of rayon, but it can be improved. Manufacturers are working to find ways to cut back on the chemicals that are used to make the fiber, and they're also trying to reduce waste by recovering the pulp when possible instead of wasting it.

This is an important step, as the more fibers a tree can produce, the better it is for the environment. This is especially true for trees that are used to make viscose, which is often harvested from areas where it's difficult to grow.

Ultimately, it's up to individuals and companies to decide how environmentally friendly they want their clothes to be. If you're concerned about environmental impact, it's best to shop for organic and vegan-friendly brands that are committed to sustainability and don't rely on synthetic or animal byproducts.