Viscose/Rayon

Used to replace more expensive fabrics with softly draping qualities as well as upholstery, bedding, carpets, cellophane, sausage casing!

Invented in late 1800s by Hilaire de Chardonnet but thought too flammable initially; patented around 1900 by British scientists and into commercial production by 1905

Made from fast growing regenerative trees like Eucalyptus, Beech, Pine, Bamboo, Soy, and Sugar Cane; this leads to depletion of native forests, which are replaced with trees to use for rayon.

The cellulose fibers are dissolved chemically then spun into yarn. The chemicals used in process are sodium hydroxide and carbon disulphide –process of dissolving wastes 70% of tree.Process pollutes air and water and thus rayon manufacture has been banned in U. S. since the 1970s.

Fast Fashion encourages non-sustainable manufacturing processed that impact workers, local communities, and environment

Tencel   Developed in 1972 by American Enka in NC became Tencel in 1980s through British company, commercialized in 1990s. Tencel is a brand name for lyocell/modal produced by German company Lenzing.

Made by dissolving wood pulp (Oak and Birch) and drying process called spinning, extruded through small holes, and chemically treated;  solvents are petrochemicals (amine oxide) but recovery rate is 99% (closed loop system).  Can be sourced sustainably and uses less energy, water and dye than cotton to produce. Tencel is 50% more absorbent than cotton.