Moderate
Material Deep Dive
Viscose
Viscose scores moderately overall because it is biodegradable and can be relatively efficient on water in staple-fibre scenarios, but conventional production is chemically intensive.
Regenerated
Virgin
End of Life
2 months
100/100
Chemical Use
High
30/100
Pollution
High
35/100
Water Usage
678 L/kg
98/100
Carbon Footprint
3.8 kg CO₂/kg
71/100
Carbon Footprint Analysis
71/100
Viscose produces approximately 3.8 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.
The Data
Carbon Footprint
3.8 kg CO₂/kg
FSI Carbon Score
71/100
Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report
Sustainability Breakdown
Microplastic risk
None
Care level
Delicate
Available certifications
OEKO-TEX Standard 100, FSC, PEFC, ZDHC
Key properties
breathable, soft, drapes well, moisture-wicking, biodegradable, silky luster, easy to dye, moderate durability
Common uses
dresses, blouses, linings, lightweight apparel, sportswear, home textiles, bedding, intimate apparel
Also known as
rayon, regenerated cellulose, man-made cellulose fiber, viscose rayon, modal