If you’re looking to know more about one of the most sustainable fabrics in the world, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll explain all you need to know about Lenzing’s EcoVero viscose fabric.

What is EcoVero fabric?

EcoVero is a type of viscose made using sustainable wood from controlled sources: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes). It’s manufactured in Austria by the company Lenzing, awarded as one of the best performing viscose producers worldwide for its sustainable wood and pulp sourcing practices.

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Is EcoVero fabric sustainable?

EcoVero is essentially more sustainable than traditional viscose. Several reasons make the fabric one of the most sustainable forms of viscose currently available:

• The trees used for the fabric production are located in forests near Lenzing’s manufacturing facilities; therefore, around 50% lower CO2 emissions are associated with transportation. It also has less impact on the water than traditional viscose manufacturing.
  
• Supply chain transparency is made possible thanks to a sophisticated tracing system that allows customers to know the history of the fiber, from raw material to production, distribution, and disposal.
  
• Because of all of the above reasons, the innovative fiber has been certified with the EU ecolabel for meeting high environmental standards.

EcoVero fabric properties

• Gentleness to the skin. The fabric can be so soft and flowy that it’s used to resemble silk; therefore, it’s very smooth and gentle to the touch.
• Efficient moisture regulation. The cellulosic fibers of the fabric are structured to regulate the absorption and release of moisture, making it breathable and supporting the body’s thermal regulation. The material can absorb four times its weight in water.
• Lightweight. Viscose is exceptionally airy and breathable, which makes it suitable for blouses and summer dresses.
• Biodegradable. Since it’s made from wood pulp, it can fully incorporate back to nature in few months in a landfill.

EcoVero compared to other fabrics

EcoVero compared to regular viscose

The main differences between regular viscose and EcoVero viscose are related to sustainability and transparency:

• Both of them are produced from wood cellulose under similar conditions; however, the novel manufacturing method of EcoVero has 50% less impact on emissions and water than its regular counterpart. 
• At the same time, the Lenzing fabric certification provides supply chain transparency, meaning that the origin, production, and disposal of the textile are traceable.

EcoVero compared to TENCEL Lyocell

EcoVero and TENCEL Lyocell are very similar materials produced by the same company. Both of them are a form of viscose, which raw material is wood pulp. There are, however, some differences between the two:

• Lyocell is made from certified eucalyptus. However, EcoVero is not necessarily made from them.
• TENCEL Lyocell is manufactured in a closed-loop system that recycles 99% of the chemicals used. Unfortunately, this is not the case for EcoVero.
• EcoVero has 50% less impact on emissions and water than traditional viscose; the effect on emissions is not stated to be less in the case of TENCEL Lyocell.
• Traceability and transparency are not as advanced for TENCEL Lyocell as for EcoVero.

Both of these fabrics offer the same benefits and are immensely better choices than standard viscose. In addition, they both optimize different areas of sustainability thanks to their state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.

How to care for EcoVero

Caring for EcoVero is similar to caring for regular viscose. There are a few tips to take into account to avoid shrinking and fast deterioration of your garments. The most important thing to remember is that viscose does not handle high temperatures well.

• Washing. Hand-wash using cold or lukewarm water. Do not twist or squeeze the clothes when they’re wet.
• Drying. Air-dry in the shade; sunlight can cause fading of the dyes faster. To avoid shrinking, do not machine-dry it.
• Ironing. Iron the garment inside out while the fabric is damp at a low temperature. If possible, use a steamer instead of ironing.

EcoVero fabric FAQs

Is EcoVero organic?

Yes, EcoVero comes from an organic source, wood pulp, and even though some chemicals are used to process the pulp into yarn, the final product is biodegradable.

Is EcoVero breathable?

Yes, the cellulosic fibers of the fabric are structured to regulate the absorption and release of moisture, making it breathable and supporting the body’s thermal regulation. Therefore, EcoVero is an excellent choice for summer.

Is EcoVero stretchy?

EcoVero, and viscose in general, are not inherently stretchy fabrics. However, they can be mixed with other elastic materials to achieve some level of flexibility.

Does EcoVero crease or wrinkle?

Yes, EcoVero viscose tends to wrinkle just like any other type of viscose.

Does EcoVero shrink?

Yes, EcoVero may slightly shrink, but steaming the garment will regain its original size if washed correctly.

Final thoughts

Every time I see EcoVero in a label, I know I’m opting for a more sustainable option that reflects my values. There’s still a lot to improve in the sustainable textiles field. As you read above, there’s no perfect fabric that checks all the boxes, but there are several innovations and improvements, and I am thrilled to see more and more brands including these textiles in their clothing lines.

I own a few EcoVero pieces by now, and I love it because of its high-quality feeling and breathability. It indeed requires more care than other mainstream textiles, but it’s nothing complicated.

If you’re interested in reading more about innovative textiles, make sure to check our article about seaweed fabric.