Page 74 - TEXtalks. September-October 2022

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The next big thing in Sustainable Fashion

Viscose fabric is one of the world's most well-known • Maintains Shape: The fabric is not elastic, but it
textiles because it is both durable and soft to the can be blended with other textiles to add stretch,
touch. The fact that viscose is a renewable and fully such as spandex.
biodegradable alternative to acrylic, nylon, polyester, • Easy to dye: Viscose can hold dye without fading,
and other petroleum-based synthetic fabrics, which even after long-term use and washes.
can sit in landfills for decades, explains its popularity.
Why viscose?
Viscose-rayon is also becoming a more popular Hypo-allergenic
choice for designers, and demand for it as a The natural fibres of viscose are hypo-allergenic,
sustainable fashion fabric is growing. Sustainable making it the perfect choice for even the most
fashion refers to clothing that is produced in a sensitive skin.
responsible manner that respects the environment
and the communities in which it is produced. Sustainable
Sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is
How is Viscose Made? produced in a responsible manner that respects the
Viscose rayon, which is made entirely of wood environment and the communities in which it is
cellulose, has the look and feel of silk and the produced. APR viscose uses carefully sourced pulp
comfort, breathability, and absorbency of cotton. The from trees that come from FSC-certified forests, with
viscose manufacturing process begins with minimal impact on the environment as the trees are
dissolving the wood in a pulp solution, followed by grown organically without pesticides. Growing trees
filtering, washing, cutting, and drying. This solution is helps to improve soil quality, prevent soil erosion and
then treated once more to produce fibre. It is then retain water.
spun into yarn and woven or knitted into viscose
rayon fabric. Our viscose fabrics are produced using the ‘Closed
Loop’ system and adhere to strict environmental
What Are the Characteristics of Viscose? policies. This reduces the amount of waste in
Viscose is a great option if you’re looking for a producing the fibres and the fabric manufacturing
lightweight material with a nice drape, a lustrous units have water treatment plants that treat the
finish, and a soft feel. It also blends well with other processing water before releasing it back into the
fibres like cotton, polyester, and spandex. environment.

• Absorbent: Viscose rayon does not trap heat, but it Biodegradable
also absorbs water and sweat nicely, making it great Viscose garment will last a seriously long time, and
for t-shirts and active wear. will naturally decompose in soil. This fact is in line
• Lightweight: Viscose is light and airy, making it with APR2030. The vision is based on four pillars of
ideal for blouses and summer dresses. commitments, focused around positive impacts on
• Breathable: It’s a very light fabric, so it’s optimal for climate and nature, clean manufacturing, circularity,
warm-weather clothing. and inclusive communities. These commitments are
• Soft: While the material looks like silk, it supported by 19 specific targets to be
feels like cotton. achieved by 2030.

September/October 2022