Viscose is another name for Rayon
Hi friends!
As the subject of this email suggests, I left out a very important part of last week’s lesson – viscose is another name for rayon…so if you’re finding rayon on the tags of your garments, you might be wondering if that’s any better for the environment than viscose. The answer: nope!
And, for those looking for key takeaways this week: modal is another name for viscose (or a [slightly] more sustainable version of viscose…).
It really is a confusing world, folks! And all these words that essentially mean the same thing leave consumers more confused than ever.
So today we try to create some clarity by looking more closely at modal to understand if it is any more sustainable than viscose/rayon.
Where do we find modal in our clothes?
Modal is most commonly used to manufacture underwear, sleepwear and activewear, as well as sheets, etc. due to its extremely soft and stretchy texture.
Why is it called modal if it is really just viscose or rayon?
Modal goes through an extra step during processing to make the resulting thread stronger than traditional rayon.
What are the sustainability and ethical concerns with modal?
Forest destruction – modal is also made of wood pulp and origin of the wood is the main issue (e.g. from trees grown on land that is not suitable for other agriculture or from bamboo are better options than from rainforests, etc).
Harmful chemicals – as with rayon/viscose, the processing of the wood pulp requires the use of harmful chemicals. Modal production generally requires fewer chemicals and there are new technologies that trap the chemicals before they are released into the air or water.
What’s a person to do?
There is a company in Austria (Lenzing AG) that produces rayon (as mentioned last week) as well as modal in closed forest, chemically safe systems. Look for TENCEL™ Modal certification before purchasing a garment. Also, note that Lenzing AG produces the *thread* that is then made into fabric, so the practices of fabric manufacturers need to be safe and sustainable to ensure the final product (your garment) is too.
How do I choose wisely?
We all love our silky soft activewear (and underwear) so if you’re choosing from something made of rayon/viscose or modal, choose modal – especially if it is TENCEL™ Modal. And if it is TENCEL™ Modal, make sure the brand has transparent production processes to ensure you’re making the most sustainable and ethical choice.
Thanks to goodonya.eco for the deep dive on this confusing topic!
Until next week,
xo Kevin