Viscose is a widely used fabric that is used in the manufacturing of various clothing items, from dresses and tops to trousers and skirts. It is a man-made fiber that is made from natural materials such as wood pulp, bamboo, and cotton. However, there has been a growing concern regarding whether viscose is environmentally friendly or not. While the production of viscose has a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic fibers such as polyester, the production process is not entirely sustainable.
The process of creating viscose involves the use of chemicals such as carbon disulfide, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide, which are hazardous to the environment. In addition, the production of viscose requires large amounts of water and energy, which can also lead to environmental degradation. As a result, there have been debates about the sustainability of viscose and the potential impact of its production on the environment. This article will explore the environmental impact of viscose and assess whether it is indeed environmentally friendly or not.
Understanding Viscose Production and Its Environmental Impact
Viscose, also called rayon, is a semi-artificial fiber produced from natural cellulose found in wood pulp, cotton, and bamboo. The production of viscose involves converting the cellulose into a soluble compound using toxic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. These chemicals are hazardous to human health and can cause environmental pollution if not handled properly.
The production of viscose also involves deforestation to source wood pulp for making the fiber. Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and climate change. These negative impacts make it hard to classify viscose as environmentally friendly. However, some companies are adopting eco-friendly production processes that use closed-loop systems to recycle chemicals and replace wood pulp with more sustainable sources like bamboo and recycled cotton.
Evaluating the Life Cycle Assessment of Viscose to Determine Its Environmental Footprint
Viscose production involves a series of chemical processes that have an impact on the environment. A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool used to evaluate the environmental footprint of a product throughout its entire life cycle. An LCA of viscose production takes into account factors like the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing process, product use, and disposal. The assessment reveals that viscose has a high environmental impact, especially with regards to water and air pollution.
Viscose production requires large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. The LCA revealed that production causes significant water pollution as the discharge of untreated wastewater containing harmful chemicals such as sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon disulphide into rivers and streams. Additionally, air pollution occurs as a result of emissions of large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases during the production process. These findings indicate that there are significant environmental concerns when it comes to producing viscose, and efforts must be made to mitigate its impact.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Viscose as an Eco-Friendly Fabric
Viscose, also known as rayon, is a popular material used in the textile industry as a more sustainable alternative to cotton and polyester. There are several advantages to using viscose as an eco-friendly fabric. For one, it is made from sustainable materials, such as wood pulp and bamboo, as opposed to fossil fuels used in the production of polyester and other synthetic fibers. Viscose is also biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally over time without harming the environment. Additionally, it has a lower carbon footprint compared to polyester and cotton due to the use of renewable resources in its production process.
On the other hand, viscose does have some drawbacks as an eco-friendly fabric. The biggest disadvantage is the use of harsh chemicals, including carbon disulfide, sodium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid in its production. These substances can be hazardous to the environment and the health of factory workers if not properly handled. Moreover, viscose has limited durability and can easily stretch and lose shape over time. It is also prone to wrinkling and shrinkage, which may offset any benefits gained from its lower carbon footprint. Overall, while viscose is a viable option for eco-friendly fabric, it may not be the most sustainable choice in all cases.
How Viscose is Treated to Reduce Its Environmental Impact
Viscose is a type of rayon made from wood pulp which can have a negative impact on the environment if not treated properly. The manufacturing process of viscose involves the use of hazardous chemicals like caustic soda, sulfuric acid, and carbon disulfide which can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. However, various measures can be taken to minimize the environmental impact of the production of viscose.
One of the most effective ways of reducing the environmental impact of viscose production is by adopting closed-loop production systems. This involves recycling and reusing the chemicals used in the manufacturing process instead of discharging them into the environment. Furthermore, the use of renewable energy sources like solar power, wind power, and hydroelectricity can reduce the carbon footprint of viscose production. Additionally, the development of sustainable forest management practices can ensure that the wood pulp used in viscose production is obtained from sustainably managed forests thus minimizing the impact on the environment.
The Rise in Sustainable Manufacturing Practices in Viscose Production
Over the years, manufacturers and consumers have become more aware of the impact of textile production on the environment. This has led to an increase in sustainable manufacturing practices in the production of viscose. One of the most significant changes in the manufacturing process is the use of sustainable wood sources. Instead of cutting down old-growth forests to produce viscose, manufacturers now use wood from certified forests or agricultural sources.
Sustainable manufacturing practices in viscose production also include the use of closed-loop systems. In a closed-loop system, the chemicals used in the production process are recycled and reused, reducing the amount of waste produced. Additionally, water recycling systems have been introduced, which reduces water usage and pollution. As these sustainable practices continue to gain momentum, viscose production is becoming more environmentally friendly.
How Consumer Demand for Sustainable Fashion Is Driving Viscose Production to Become More Environmentally Friendly
As consumer awareness about environmental issues grows, there is an increasing demand for sustainable fashion. This trend is driving the production of viscose, a popular fabric, to become more environmentally friendly. Viscose is derived from cellulose, typically extracted from wood pulp, and while it is a natural material, concerns have arisen over the environmental impact of its production.
To meet the demands of consumers for sustainable fashion, viscose manufacturers are now utilizing more environmentally-friendly processes and materials. They are turning to sustainable sourcing of wood pulp, reducing their water usage, and recycling waste materials. Many are also looking into closed-loop production processes, which capture and re-use chemical inputs to minimize pollution and waste. By adopting environmentally friendly practices, viscose production is becoming a more sustainable alternative for fashion brands looking to minimize their environmental impact.
The Future of Viscose and Its Role in the Fashion Industry’s Move Towards Sustainability.
As fashion brands and retailers seek to adopt more sustainable practices, the future of viscose production holds promise. Several initiatives are already in place to ensure that the textile industry is more responsible in its use of the fiber. One such initiative, known as the CanopyStyle campaign, has seen leading brands like H&M, Zara, and Patagonia committing to sourcing only sustainable forms of viscose by 2023. The campaign encourages brands to work with suppliers who use sustainable raw materials, adopt closed-loop production methods, and avoid contributing to deforestation.
Looking ahead, the future of viscose may rely on technological advances that make production more environmentally friendly. Australian company Nanollose has developed a method of producing viscose-like fibers from microbial cellulose using a waste stream from coconut production. Emitting fewer toxins, using less water and requiring fewer inputs, this technology represents a significant step forward in sustainable fashion. As brands continue to search for more eco-friendly alternatives to conventionally produced viscose, the future of the material is indeed bright.
Final Thoughts
Viscose is a versatile fabric that has been around for a long time. It is even considered as a sustainable fabric because it is made from natural raw materials. However, its production process involves the use of harmful chemicals, making the entire process of producing viscose environmentally unfriendly.
As consumers, we should be mindful of the clothes we wear and the impact they have on the environment. While it’s difficult to avoid buying clothes made from viscose, we can support brands that use environmentally friendly methods in producing it. We can also practice sustainable fashion by prolonging the lifespan of our clothes and disposing of them properly. In the end, it’s important to be aware of the environmental impact of the items we purchase and make every effort to support sustainable alternatives, in order to help minimize our carbon footprint and leave a better world for future generations.