Things You Need to Know about Viscose

Viscose is made from cellulose - a natural raw material found in wood. It usually comes from beech, spruce, eucalyptus or bamboo wood and is processed into fibers in a chemical process. The cellulose is pressed into fiber form under high pressure. This is why it is referred to as a semi-synthetic material: viscose is neither a purely natural fiber like cotton or silk, nor a completely synthetic one like polyester.

The market for viscose staple fibers is growing rapidly: from 27.37 billion US dollars in 2025 to an expected 40.26 billion by 2032 - an annual growth rate of 8.4%. Sustainability is no longer an option, but an obligation. Those who opt for sustainable viscose today - such as recycled fibers - are gaining a head start. In 2022, 0.5% of man-made cellulose fibers were already made from recycled materials. This not only helps to achieve environmental goals, but also reduces costs and strengthens brand loyalty among an environmentally conscious target group.

In the viscose process, cellulose fibers can be specifically adjusted in length, strength and stability. This flexibility makes viscose not only particularly versatile and ideal for blended fabrics, but also much easier to care for than pure natural fibers: it is easy to wash, hardly needs ironing and wears out more slowly. Viscose is also skin-friendly and has a climate-regulating effect.

For fashion brands, viscose 2025 offers a smart solution to master key sustainability challenges. It is easy to process, can be easily combined with other materials and enables durable, easy-care clothing. This reduces returns, increases customer satisfaction - and boosts brand value. Viscose is also economically attractive: it helps to achieve quality and price targets at the same time.

As viscose is based on the natural raw material cellulose, it has similar climate-regulating properties to natural fibers such as cotton or wool. It is highly absorbent and can absorb up to 400 percent of its own weight in moisture. At the same time, the fabric does not feel wet, but has a pleasant cooling effect. This is a clear advantage over pure natural fibers: Viscose dries extremely quickly and is therefore popular for travel towels, vegan sneakers or outdoor textiles.

For brands in the outdoor, travel or athleisure sector, viscose is ideal for products that come into contact with sweat: Its ability to absorb large amounts of moisture without feeling damp makes it very comfortable to wear. For example, a shoe label can use viscose lining to ensure that sneakers stay fresh even after long periods of wear. And because the fabric dries quickly, it also shortens production times - which saves energy and makes processes more efficient. Anyone developing products where comfort and function are important will find viscose a breathable solution that appeals to modern customers.

No crude oil is used in the production of viscose, and cellulose is usually grown without the use of pesticides. This has a positive effect on the skin compatibility of the fibers: Pure viscose contains hardly any harmful substances and is particularly suitable for allergy sufferers.

This is precisely why more and more consumers are opting for cellulose-based materials such as viscose. For brands, this means that if they want to survive in the long term, they have to adapt to this change. Clothing that is soft and suitable for sensitive skin offers a clear competitive advantage. And: the use of pesticide-free fibers strengthens credibility in the area of sustainability. Those who rely on responsible materials today show customers that health and the environment are not opposites - they belong together. This commitment creates trust and ensures genuine brand loyalty.

The renewable raw material cellulose is used for the production of viscose. It is found in various types of wood and remains biodegradable even after the viscose process. This means that viscose performs better ecologically than completely synthetic materials.

Viscose offers many advantages for fashion and textile brands: not only because of its low carbon footprint, but also because of its versatility and ease of processing. Whether basics, activewear or everyday fashion - viscose impresses with its soft feel and high-quality drape. The fabric can be easily integrated into existing production processes. This means that new collections can be scaled efficiently without having to constantly procure new materials.

The viscose process is extremely energy-intensive. In addition, complex chemical conversion processes are required to obtain the cellulose. In liquid form or as toxic vapors, these chemicals cause considerable environmental pollution in the production regions. The consequences are not only ecologically problematic - they also demonstrably endanger the health of people in and around the factories.

Brands should therefore invest in more environmentally friendly viscose alternatives or work with sustainable suppliers. In this way, the expectations of greener products can be met - and a responsible, sustainable business model can be established at the same time

Several factors play a role when purchasing viscose: the raw material, the production and the further processing. In the "Modal" type of viscose, the cellulose mainly comes from sustainable forestry. The designations "Lyocell" or "Tencel" stand for more environmentally friendly production from eucalyptus - in which no waste water containing harmful substances is released into the environment. Lenpur" viscose is also produced without chemical additives. The special feature: Not a single tree is felled for this material, as the cellulose is obtained exclusively from pruning trees.

For companies that rely on sustainable materials, alternatives such as Modal, Lyocell or Lenpur are a strong signal. These fibers meet ecological standards and strengthen the brand profile. Companies that take responsibility and rely on environmentally friendly fabrics show customers that nature and quality go hand in hand - and create trust that builds long-term loyalty.