Viscose (Rayon)

Viscose is the oldest and most widely produced regenerated cellulose fiber, made by dissolving virgin wood pulp and reforming it into a soft, breathable, highly absorbent textile. It has the feel and drape of natural fiber but is produced through an industrial chemical process, placing it in the semi-synthetic category. It is also the fiber with the highest supply chain risk in the regenerated cellulose family.

Conventional viscose production relies on carbon disulfide, a highly toxic neurotoxin that poses serious risks to workers and surrounding communities when not properly managed. It is also frequently linked to deforestation when wood pulp sourcing lacks independent forest certification. Neither of these risks is inherent to the fiber itself, but they are widespread in unverified supply chains.

The responsible sourcing benchmark is ECOVERO by Lenzing, which achieves over 99% chemical recovery and sources exclusively from FSC or PEFC certified forests. Require these credentials as a minimum. Generic, unverified viscose from suppliers unable to demonstrate chemical recovery and certified forestry should be treated as a red flag, not a default.