When it comes to sustainability and environmental impact, the choices we make in our daily lives, including the fabrics we wear, can have a significant effect on the planet. Two widely used fabrics, viscose and polyester, are often compared in terms of their environmental impact. Understanding the differences between these two fabrics is important for making more sustainable choices.
Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural sources such as wood pulp, bamboo, or sugar cane. On the other hand, polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based chemicals. Both fabrics are used in a wide range of applications including clothing, home textiles, and non-woven products.
When it comes to environmental impact, both viscose and polyester have their own set of pros and cons. Viscose, although made from natural sources, requires a significant amount of water and chemical inputs in its production process. The wood pulp used in viscose production is often sourced from ancient and endangered forests, leading to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. The chemical processing of viscose also contributes to water pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases.
Polyester, on the other hand, has a high environmental impact due to its production process and the use of non-renewable resources. The production of polyester requires large amounts of energy and water, and it is a significant contributor to the microplastic pollution problem in water bodies due to shedding of plastic fibers during washing.
In terms of biodegradability, viscose is considered to be more eco-friendly compared to polyester. Viscose fibers can break down in the environment over time, while polyester fibers are non-biodegradable and may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
In recent years, there have been efforts to improve the sustainability of both viscose and polyester. For viscose, more sustainable production methods such as closed-loop systems and sourcing wood from certified sustainable forests are being implemented. In the case of polyester, initiatives to use recycled plastic bottles to produce fibers and reduce the reliance on virgin petroleum-based materials are gaining momentum.
Consumers can also make a difference by choosing garments made from sustainable viscose or recycled polyester, as well as by prolonging the life of their clothing through care and repair.
In conclusion, while both viscose and polyester have environmental impacts, understanding the differences between the two fabrics and the efforts being made to improve their sustainability can help consumers make more informed choices. Ultimately, choosing more sustainable materials and extending the lifespan of our clothing can help reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry as a whole.