Fabric
Viscose / Rayon
Wood pulp processed in India, China and Indonesia
Impact score
46/ 100
High Impact
A blended indicator of water, carbon, chemical load, durability and recyclability.
Measured impact per kg of fibre
Water footprint2,300 L / kg
Carbon footprint5.9 kg CO₂e / kg
Process energy79 MJ / kg
Microfibre sheddingNo shedding
BiodegradableYes
Durability2 years typical wear
Recyclability35 / 100
Data confidence
highHigh confidence — multiple peer-reviewed or industry datasets agree
Sources: Canopy Hot Button 2023 · Textile Exchange 2023
Figures are cradle-to-gate averages per kilogram of fibre or fabric, not measurements of your specific garment. A typical adult shirt weighs roughly 0.2 kg.
Qualitative ratings
Water useModerate
Carbon footprintModerate
Chemical loadHigh
DurabilityLow
RecyclabilityPoor once blended
What is it
Regenerated cellulose made by dissolving wood pulp in caustic soda and carbon disulphide.
Why it matters
Feels like silk and biodegrades, but pulp sourcing can drive deforestation and the solvents are toxic to workers.
Water Carbon Chemicals End of life
What you can do
Choose FSC or Canopy-rated pulp, or move to lyocell.