What are Viscose Fibers?

Viscose is an artificially produced fiber based on the natural raw material cellulose, which is extracted from wood pulp, among other things. In the past, the name rayon was also used for this “artificial silk”. The technique was invented by the chemist Count Hilaire de Chardonnet, after the French silk industry was hit by a disease that affected the silkworm around 1860. The large artificial silk factories that arose at that time are now almost all closed again and production has been moved to low-wage countries. For example, our viscose is made in China.

Artificial silk for beautiful shine effects

Viscose is actually an obsolete synthetic fibre, which has in many cases been replaced in the textile industry by more modern synthetic fibers made from plastics. But for achieving beautiful glossy effects by felting viscose or spinning it with wool, this material is extremely suitable. It absorbs water well and felts easily. Viscose then provides a beautiful shine and interesting structures.

Silk or viscose?

Viscose is a lot cheaper than real silk. It is also animal-friendly, but not always more environmentally friendly. This is because harmful substances are often used in production. On the other hand, viscose does not contribute to the plastic soup. You distinguish viscose from real silk by means of a burn test. Silk burns very poorly and lit fibers extinguish quickly, while viscose burns out quickly.