Viscose is one of the most used materials in the fashion industry because of its softness and capacity of blending with other fibres. Its lightness, soft touch and versatility have made it a highly attractive and commercial fabric, though it has dubious implications for the environment. 

Although it has sometimes been presented as an ecological option, mainly because it is a vegetable and biodegradable fibre, its production involves the use of many toxic chemicals (such as carbon disulphide, sodium hydroxide and sulphuric acid) and usually leads to the deforestation and degradation of forests around the world. In addition, most production sites are located in emerging or developing countries with very low labour and environmental standards.  

When we set out to design our first blouses, we knew we had to search for a viscose made by sustainable processes. We succeeded, as we soon found ECOVERO, a viscose produced in Lenzing, Austria, which has become the most eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for common viscose in the world. 

■ The pulp for EcoVero consists of FSC- and PEFC-certified wood, which comes to more than 60% from Austrian and Bavarian forests 

■ The pulp bleaching is 100% chlorine-free.

■ The fibres used do not come from monocultures but from a large array of sustainable forestry.

■ The transport cost is low, because the timber used is from Europe and it is processed into fiber right on site in Austria, which reduces CO2 Emissions.

■ The production location in Austria is important, because laboral and environment  standards are stricter than in other contries.