Viscose is a type of rayon known as semi-synthetic fiber. It is manufactured from naturally occurring polymers. Viscose is manufactured from the solution of cellulose, primarily from wood pulp. Rayon is a fiber used in the manufacture of fabric. It offers properties similar to that of nylon. Viscose differs from other types of rayon due to its distinct manufacturing process and properties. Modal and lyocell are other types of rayon available in the market. Viscose rayon is produced from cellulosic materials such as wood pulp, bamboo and cotton linters.
Viscose rayon is a versatile material that has multiple applications in textiles, apparel, nonwovens and industrial sectors. Its demand is expected to see a rise in India as well as globally in the coming years.
India is the fastest growing economy in the world, and lower commodity prices have proved beneficial for the manmade fibre industry in India. Petroleum-based manmade fibre prices have also declined, which is giving tough competition to viscose.
Demand for viscose fiber is anticipated to increase significantly in the near future due to the rise in global population, increase in standard of living, and growth in disposable income. Viscose is an eco-friendly product; thus, increase in awareness about eco-friendly products and decrease in production of cotton are estimated to augment the demand for viscose fiber. Prices of cotton are rising. This is adversely affecting the demand for cotton, as people are shifting toward substitutes. However, rise in competition from synthetic fibers and retaliatory tariff on viscose in the U.S. are projected to hamper market growth, especially in North America.