what is viscose

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural sources of regenerated cellulose, such as wood pulp and related agricultural products. The production of viscose involves the intermediacy of a highly viscous solution, which is why it was named "viscose". The raw material for viscose is primarily wood pulp, which is chemically converted into a soluble compound. It is then dissolved and forced through a spinneret to produce filaments, which are chemically solidified, resulting in a fabric that is soft, lightweight, and drapes well. Viscose is often used as a cheaper and more durable alternative to silk, and is popular in the fashion industry for creating drapey summer dresses, skirts, soft blouses, and synthetic velvet. It is also used in the manufacturing of upholstery, bedding, carpets, cellophane, and even sausage casing. While viscose is derived from natural sources, its production process uses high concentrations of chemicals, making it less environmentally sound than other types of rayon, such as modal.