Natural Viscose Fibers with Kelheim Fibres and CELLIANT

Jan 24 2023

Viscose is a fiber that is widely misunderstood among the general public as to whether it’s a natural or synthetic fiber and whether it’s good or bad for the environment. This is because viscose has a rather complex sourcing and manufacturing history and is typically regarded as both natural and synthetic within the industry, sometimes designated as semi-synthetic. Initially created with an extremely toxic process, viscose has evolved to include sustainable options. This article will look at our partner, the world leaders in specialty sustainable viscose, Kelheim Fibres, their sourcing and manufacturing along with the functionalization of viscose with CELLIANT to create our materials innovation, CELLIANT Viscose. But first, a quick look at viscose more generally.

What is Viscose?

Viscose is a versatile, widely used, semi-synthetic fiber option. Traditionally, it has elements of both a natural fiber and a synthetic fiber. Viscose is a natural fiber in the sense that it comes from plant-based cellulose sources, extracted from the bark, wood, or leaves of plants. However since often the methods used to ‘solubilize’ the cellulose, allowing it to be turned into the needed form, are chemical processes that partially change the form of the cellulose, this is where the synthetic label comes in. Depending on who you source your viscose fibers from, it may have more or less environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

What is Viscose Used for?

Viscose is an extremely common and versatile fabric that is used to create a wide range of textile products. Designers and consumers gravitate towards it because, like cotton, it is breathable and lightweight, but like silk it can feel more lustrous and luxurious. Most relevant to this discussion, viscose is used to create:

  • Apparel
  • Top of bed products
  • Mattresses
  • Upholstery
  • Interior textiles
  • Hospitality textiles
Mey's Zzzleepwear Collections featuring CELLIANT Viscose sleepwear, shown on a male model and female model side by side
Mey’s Zzzleepwear Collections featuring CELLIANT Viscose sleepwear

What are Natural Viscose Fibers?

There is such a vast difference in the processes that create usable cellulose fibers, that a very useful term, natural viscose fibers (or sustainable viscose fibers), has come to mean viscose fibers that are created in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. Importantly, this term to be used correctly, must apply to all aspects of the viscose fiber production— from sourcing the cellulose through to the methods used to process the cellulose and extrude it into fibers. It is equally important when sourcing an eco-friendly viscose to do your due diligence on your manufacturing partner to ensure that their claims for natural and sustainable practice can be verified; for example, Kelheim Fibres.

Kelheim Fibres Natural Viscose

The world-leading example of a viscose manufacturer producing functionalized natural viscose fibers are our partners at Kelheim Fibres.

Kelheim Fibres creates natural viscose fibers that are certified by FSC® or PEFC™, which guarantees the origin of the raw materials is in sustainably managed sources. They have also been awarded a dark green/green shirt in Canopy’s 2021 Hot Button Report, which not only stands for responsible raw material sourcing but also is an overall sustainability indicator for viscose fibre producers.

Kelheim Fibres were also the first viscose fibre manufacturer in the world to be validated to EMAS (Eco Management and Audit Scheme) which helps evaluate, report, and improve their environmental performance. Their natural viscose is biodegradable; able to decompose naturally.

Kelheim Viscose Fibres and CELLIANT Bioceramics

Kelheim Fibres not only produce sustainable viscose but are experts at specialty viscose. Partnering with Kelheim Fibres has resulting in the innovative CELLIANT Viscose fiber which has all the sustainability and ethical manufacturing of Kelheim viscose, functionalized with CELLIANT infrared technology permanently embedded. Plus, Kelheim’s expertise allows for targeted interventions in the viscose process. This means that CELLIANT can be added to the fibers without the need for any additional processing step, creating a new standard in sustainable infrared viscose fibers.

Furthermore CELLIANT itself is a proprietary bioceramic technology manufactured in the USA and is created from natural minerals. It is safe for the wearer and produces no negative side effects or inherent risk to the user.

CELLIANT Viscose was recognized at ISPO Textrends as it was a finalist in the Fibers and Insulations category for ISPO Textrends Munich 2021 Awards.

Minerals and textile ingredients

What are the Properties of CELLIANT Viscose?

CELLIANT Viscose provides all the benefits of being a viscose fiber plus the functional and physiological benefits of infrared technology. The functional properties of CELLIANT Viscose include:

  • Lightweight
  • Soft
  • Highly breathable
  • Excellent moisture management
  • Inhibits odor
  • Quick drying

The physiological properties of CELLIANT Viscose include:

  • Increased local circulation
  • Improved cellular oxygenation
  • Improved body temperature regulation
  • Increased energy
  • Increased strength
  • Faster recovery
  • Promotes a more restful sleep

What Products can be Created with CELLIANT Viscose?

CELLIANT Viscose helps brand partners differentiate their product line by offering them a natural fiber solution that contains wellness benefits. CELLIANT Viscose is an ideal fiber for a wide variety of products and brands, including:

Mattress Firm Sleepys CELLIANT Sheet Set, made with CELLIANT Viscose
Mattress Firm Sleepys CELLIANT Sheet Set, made with CELLIANT Viscose

Can CELLIANT Viscose be Blended with Other Fibers?

Yes, CELLIANT Viscose is a versatile fiber that blends beautifully with many other fibers, including:

  • Cotton
  • Micromodal
  • Lyocell
  • Wool varieties (including cashmere)

Add Natural Viscose from Kelheim + CELLIANT to Your Products

As we know, consumers are increasingly interested in supporting brands and products that are working toward sustainable options. CELLIANT Viscose provides an excellent materials innovation that can help differentiate your products with quality fibers, sustainability and wellness benefits.

If you’re interested in learning more about CELLIANT Viscose, or our partnership with Kelheim Fibres, please fill out the form below.  

Get in Touch


CELLIANT