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Material Deep Dive

Triacetate

Triacetate earns a mid-high overall sustainability score because it starts from renewable wood pulp, has moderate carbon and water impacts, and is ultimately biodegradable, placing it above many fully petrochemical synthetics.

Regenerated

Virgin

End of Life

5+ years

70/100
Chemical Use

Moderate

60/100
Pollution

Moderate

60/100
Water Usage

1,400 L/kg

92/100
Carbon Footprint

3.3 kg CO₂/kg

76/100
Considerations

Chemical-intensive production using solvents and acids

Can shed microfibres that persist until they biodegrade

Production concentrated with few suppliers

Textile recycling options are limited

Strengths

Made from renewable wood pulp

Ultimately biodegradable due to cellulose content

Leading producers hold environmental certifications

Lower carbon than many synthetics

Carbon Footprint Analysis

76/100

Triacetate produces approximately 3.3 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.

The Data

Carbon Footprint

3.3 kg CO₂/kg

FSI Carbon Score

76/100

Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report

Sustainability Breakdown

Microplastic risk

High

Care level

Moderate

Available certifications

FSC, PEFC, bluesign APPROVED, ISO 14001, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Biomass Mark

Key properties

silky drape, smooth and soft handfeel, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, dimensionally stable, lightweight, good color brilliance, moderate moisture absorption, good pleat retention

Common uses

dresses, blouses, skirts, tailored trousers, suiting, formalwear, linings, scarves, ties, lingerie, fashion tops

Also known as

cellulose triacetate, TA, triacetate fiber, Soalon, Arnel

Triacetate quick guide

Last updated: February 2026

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