what is viscose made from

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber that is made from wood pulp or cellulose from fast-growing, regenerative trees such as eucalyptus, beech, and pine, as well as plants such as bamboo, soy, and sugar cane. The wood pulp is dissolved in a chemical solution to produce a pulpy viscous substance, which is then spun into fibers that can then be made into threads. While viscose is made from natural wood sources, creating yarns uses chemicals such as carbon disulphide and sodium hydroxide, making it a semi-synthetic material. Viscose is often touted as a more sustainable alternative to cotton or polyester and is popular in the fashion industry as a cheaper and more durable alternative to silk. It is often used to create drapey summer dresses, skirts, soft blouses, and synthetic velvet, as well as in the manufacturing of upholstery, bedding, carpets, cellophane, and even sausage casing. However, much of the viscose on the market today is manufactured cheaply using energy, water, and chemically-intensive processes that have devastating impacts on workers, local communities, and the environment.