Ecovero

Ecovero: Its Benefits and Uses

Ecovero™ is an eco-responsible viscose fiber made from wood pulp sourced from FSC- or PEFC-certified forests. Produced by Lenzing AG, it uses up to 50% less water and emits up to 50% less CO₂ than conventional viscose production.

Benefits:

• Traceable and Transparent: Fully traceable from forest to final product.

• Lower Environmental Impact: Requires less water and energy compared to traditional viscose.

• Soft and Comfortable: Drapes beautifully, with a silky texture.

• Certified Sustainable: Sourced from responsibly managed forests with EU Ecolabel certification.

• Biodegradable: Returns safely to the environment after use.

Uses:

• Dresses, blouses, and flowy garments.

• Fashion tops and skirts.

• Eco-friendly labels and linings.

• Blended fabrics for a soft, luxurious feel.

Let's take a Closer Look at Ecovero

Ecovero as a Sustainable Fabric

1. What is Ecovero Fabric?

• Ecovero™ is a branded form of viscose (rayon) produced by the Austrian company Lenzing AG, known for its sustainable wood-based cellulosic fibers.

• It is made from certified renewable wood sources (primarily beech and eucalyptus) using an eco-responsible production process with high transparency and low environmental impact.

• Ecovero is considered a next-generation viscose, developed to overcome the environmental challenges of traditional viscose production, including deforestation, chemical pollution, and lack of traceability.

• Fibers carry the EU Ecolabel, verifying that they meet high environmental standards throughout their life cycle—from raw material sourcing to production and disposal.

2. Environmental Benefits

• Sustainable Raw Materials:

  • Made from FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC® (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified wood, ensuring sustainable forest management.

• Low Emissions Production:

  • Ecovero production creates up to 50% fewer emissions compared to conventional viscose.

  • Reduced water use and fewer chemicals are released into the environment, thanks to closed-loop processing that recovers and reuses solvents and water.

• Transparency and Traceability:

  • Lenzing provides supply chain transparency, enabling brands and consumers to trace the origin of the raw materials.

• Biodegradable and Compostable:

  • Like other Lenzing fibers, Ecovero is fully biodegradable and compostable, safely breaking down in soil or marine environments.

3. Durability and Longevity

• Comparable to Traditional Viscose:

  • Ecovero offers the same soft drape, sheen, and smooth hand feel as conventional viscose but with enhanced sustainability credentials.

• Moderately Durable:

  • While more delicate than cotton or polyester, Ecovero maintains its integrity with proper care and is suitable for garments not subject to heavy wear.

• Color Fastness:

  • Fibers absorb dyes deeply and hold color well, allowing for vibrant, long-lasting hues with less dye and water usage.

4. Low-Waste Production

• Cleaner Manufacturing Process:

  • Production uses a closed-loop system that recovers most of the chemicals and water used in the process.

  • 50% lower water impact compared to standard viscose.

• Controlled Chemical Use:

  • Employs non-toxic or less harmful solvents, reducing hazardous waste and pollution.

• Reduced Energy Requirements:

  • More efficient than conventional viscose in terms of energy use, especially when produced at Lenzing’s state-of-the-art facilities.

5. Versatility and Comfort

• Luxurious Feel:

  • Soft, silky, and breathable, making it ideal for blouses, dresses, scarves, underwear, loungewear, and sustainable fashion collections.

• Great Drapability:

  • Ecovero fabric flows beautifully, offering a high-end look suitable for elegant or everyday wear.

• Temperature Regulating:

  • Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, helping to keep the wearer cool and comfortable.

• Blends Easily:

  • Often blended with organic cotton, TENCEL™, elastane, or recycled fibers for added strength or stretch.

6. Economic and Social Impact

• Supports Ethical Supply Chains:

  • Lenzing partners with certified forests and transparent suppliers, promoting fair labor practices and responsible sourcing.

• Consumer Confidence:

  • The EU Ecolabel and Lenzing branding give retailers and consumers assurance of authenticity and sustainability.

• Growing Popularity in Sustainable Fashion:

  • Increasingly used by ethical and slow fashion brands as a viscose alternative in both high fashion and casual wear.

• Accessible Luxury:

  • While more expensive than conventional viscose, it remains affordable for brands and consumers looking for sustainable alternatives.

7. Circular Fashion and Ecovero

• Designed for Circularity:

  • Ecovero's biodegradability and compostability support circular economy principles.

  • Brands can integrate it into take-back, reuse, and upcycling programs with confidence that it won’t harm the environment at end-of-life.

• Compatible with Green Manufacturing Models:

  • Works well in closed-loop fashion production, especially in lines prioritizing minimal waste and low-impact design.

• Extended Product Life:

  • While less rugged than cotton or linen, Ecovero garments can be long-lasting with proper care, supporting the "buy less, buy better" ethos.

8. Things to Consider

• Delicate Nature:

  • May not be suitable for heavy-duty clothing (like outerwear or activewear) without blending for added strength.

  • Requires gentle washing (cold water, mild detergent, air-drying) to avoid fiber breakdown.

• Slightly Higher Cost:

  • More expensive than traditional viscose but less costly than premium fabrics like TENCEL™ or silk.

• Beware of Greenwashing:

  • Not all "eco-viscose" is Ecovero. True Ecovero fabric comes with Lenzing certification and labeling—always check for verified sourcing.