Rayon
Also known as: Viscose (in US), Artificial silk
Historical US umbrella term for regenerated cellulose fibres, in Europe largely synonymous with viscose.
Description
Rayon is the historical, French-derived trade name for regenerated cellulose fibres and was officially introduced in the US in 1924. Depending on definition it covers viscose, modal, lyocell and cupro. In the EU the more specific fibre type designation is used instead (CV = viscose, CMD = modal, CLY = lyocell, CUP = cupro).
Rayon fibres are chemically dissolved from natural cellulose — mainly wood, but also cotton linters or bamboo — and reformed. They combine the softness, absorbency and dyeability of cotton with the silky sheen and drape of natural silk.
- Umbrella term for regenerated cellulose fibres
- Raw material: wood, cotton linters, bamboo
- Look between cotton and silk
- US-typical terminology
On imports to and exports from the US, rayon appears on labels more frequently than in Europe. Ecological and functional properties depend on the specific fibre type (viscose, modal, lyocell).
Properties
| Fibre type | Regenerated cellulose |
|---|---|
| Region | US-typical designation |
| Scope | Viscose, modal, lyocell, cupro |
| Typical use | Fashion, linings, home textiles |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: Rayon Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayon
- US FTC Textile Rules ftc.gov https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/threading-your-way-through-labeling-requirements-under-textile-wool-acts
- OEKO-TEX OEKO-TEX Association https://www.oeko-tex.com/
