REFIBRA™ - the better viscose

Sustainability is an important aspect when buying textiles these days. The REFIBRA™ fibre is a great choice when it comes to environmentally conscious fashion. 

In this blog post, we would like to introduce you to this special fibre and show you why it is different from other viscose fabrics.

But first, a little digression into the topic of viscose:

Viscose is a popular fibre in the textile industry and is often used to make garments, bed linen and towels.

Unfortunately, the production of viscose is not particularly environmentally friendly. The reason for this lies in the chemical processes used to produce the fibre. To make viscose, pulp from wood or other plants is used. The pulp is then treated with chemicals such as caustic soda and carbon disulphide to bring it into a soluble form. The solution is then passed through fine nozzles into a bath of sulphuric acid to precipitate the fibres. This process is called wet spinning.

The use of chemicals and the release of waste water and chemical waste during the wet spinning process can lead to significant environmental impacts. The chemicals used can be toxic and harmful to the environment and can pollute the air, soil and water if not disposed of properly. The wastewater generated during the production of viscose can contain high concentrations of chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide, sodium sulphide and sulphuric acid and therefore requires extensive treatment before it can be released into the environment. Moreover, with conventional viscose, it is not clear where the wood comes from. Wild clearing of trees and environmental destruction cannot be ruled out. And that on all continents.

REFIBRA™, on the other hand, is a viscose fibre made from recycled cotton scraps and wood pulp. By using recycled cotton scraps, the consumption of virgin raw materials is reduced, resulting in a significantly lower environmental impact. The manufacturing process requires less energy and water than conventional viscose and fewer chemicals are also used.

REFIBRA™ is therefore a sustainable alternative to conventional viscose. The fibre is also biodegradable and can therefore be composted after its life cycle. 

The manufacturing process of REFIBRA™ consists of several steps:

1. collection of the cotton scraps: the cotton scraps are collected and sorted to ensure that only high-quality scraps are used.
2. shredding of the cotton residues: the cotton residues are shredded and processed into fibres.
3. production of wood pulp: The wood pulp is obtained from certified sustainable sources. The wood is shredded, processed into a mass and treated with chemicals to separate the cellulose from other components.
4. making the REFIBRA™ fibre: the cotton fibres and wood pulp are mixed and made into a fibre strand. The fibre strand is then cut into small fibre bundles and spun into yarns.

The cotton scraps come from various sources, such as the clothing industry or households. To ensure that only high-quality scraps are used, the cotton scraps are collected and sorted.

The wood for the production of wood pulp comes from certified sustainable sources. This means that the wood comes from forests that are sustainably managed and where attention is paid to environmentally friendly management. Wood used for the production of wood pulp therefore often comes from special plantations that have been established specifically for this purpose and are managed sustainably. 

Sustainable wood sourcing is supported by the non-profit organisation Canopy, which works to protect and preserve forests and supports the pulp and paper industry in promoting sustainable raw material sourcing. Canopy does not certify products or companies directly, but works closely with companies to promote sustainable sourcing of raw materials and support forest conservation.
Canopy has a system in place to monitor companies' sourcing of raw materials called the "CanopyStyle Audit". This audit is conducted by independent third parties to ensure that companies are sourcing their raw materials in a sustainable manner and that their sourcing policies take into account environmental protection and forest conservation. Companies that successfully pass the CanopyStyle audit receive the "CanopyStyle Approved" seal, which confirms their efforts to source raw materials sustainably.

In addition, Canopy works closely with governments, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to promote the spread of sustainable sourcing policies and support the protection of forests worldwide.

In Canopy's so-called "Hot Button Ranking", Lenzing ranked first worldwide in 2022 and received the "dark green shirt" for the first time. The badge for highest sustainability in the procurement of wood and pulp. 
But back to REFIBRA™.

By using recycled cotton scraps and sustainable wood, it reduces the consumption of virgin raw materials and contributes to a significantly lower environmental impact. REFIBRA™ is therefore an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fibres.

Another great advantage of the REFIBRA™ fibre is that it is very soft and comfortable to wear on the skin. The fibre has a silky sheen and a light feel that makes it perfect for making garments such as blouses, skirts or dresses. REFIBRA™ is also very breathable, making it an ideal fabric for summer outfits.

To ensure the longevity of garments made from REFIBRA™, they should be washed with special care. We recommend washing the fabric on the wool cycle or by hand with lukewarm water. Use a mild wool detergent and turn the garment inside out to preserve the fabric.

At Lebenskleidung you will find wonderful fabrics made from REFIBRA™ fibre. Have a look here in our corresponding category.