Is Viscose Sustainable? Everything You Need to Know

A Deep Dive into One of Fashion’s Most Misunderstood Materials
Featured Image Suggestion: Close-up shot of a flowing viscose fabric in natural light with leaves or wooden texture in the background.

Introduction

Is your “sustainable” dress really sustainable?

Viscose is everywhere—from soft summer tops to elegant evening wear—but most consumers don’t actually know what it is. Even more confusing? Some brands market viscose as eco-friendly, while others warn it’s an environmental hazard. So what’s the truth?

As we kick off our series on ethical and sustainable fashion materials and certifications, we start with one of the most debated: viscose. Let’s unpack what it is, how it’s made, and whether it deserves a spot in your conscious closet.

What Is Viscose?

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp (typically from trees like beech, pine, or eucalyptus). It was first developed as a more affordable, plant-based alternative to silk—and thanks to its smooth texture and breathability, it's now used widely in fashion.

But is it natural or synthetic?

The answer: a bit of both. While it’s made from natural cellulose, the transformation process involves intensive chemical treatments, placing viscose somewhere between natural and synthetic fabrics.

Why It Matters to Ecomarket

At Ecomarket, we care about more than just how a fabric feels—we care how it’s sourced, processed, and disposed of. That’s why not all viscose is created equal.

The Problem with Conventional Viscose

• Linked to deforestation, including endangered forests.
• Often produced in factories with toxic chemical runoff.
• Unregulated manufacturing can harm local communities and ecosystems.

The Sustainable Viscose We Support

We only feature brands using:

• FSC-certified viscose, meaning pulp is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• Closed-loop production methods that recycle water and chemicals.
• Products that carry trusted labels like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, ensuring no harmful residues on your skin.

Through these safeguards, we bring you low-impact, ethically sourced viscose that aligns with your values.

Practical Tips for Eco-Shoppers

Want to enjoy the comfort of viscose without compromising your ethics? Here’s how:

Look for These Certifications:

• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) – confirms sustainable forest sourcing
• OEKO-TEX® – ensures fabric is tested for harmful substances
• EU Ecolabel – recognizes products with a lower environmental footprint

Read the Label:

• Choose 100% viscose or modal for better biodegradability (avoid polyester blends).
• Prefer terms like “eco-viscose,” “LENZING™ ECOVERO™,” or “TENCEL™ Modal,” which denote lower-impact production.

Ask Questions:

• Support brands that are transparent about sourcing and production.
• Engage with customer service or social channels to ask: “Where does your viscose come from?”

Q&A: Is Viscose a Sustainable Material?

Q: Is viscose sustainable?
A: Not always. Traditional viscose production has serious environmental concerns—deforestation, chemical waste, and unethical labor practices. However, when sourced responsibly (like FSC-certified pulp) and produced with closed-loop systems (like LENZING™ ECOVERO™), viscose can be a more sustainable option than synthetic fabrics like polyester.

It’s all about how it’s made—and that’s where Ecomarket draws the line.

Conclusion

Viscose has the potential to be a low-impact, plant-based textile—but only when brands do the hard work to ensure sustainable and ethical production. As conscious consumers, understanding what’s behind our clothing labels helps us support fashion that’s better for people and planet.

Ready to shop smarter?
Browse our curated sustainable collection or sign up for our Eco Newsletter to get weekly insights into sustainable fashion materials.