The production and export of viscose cellulose present a myriad of challenges that require careful consideration and strategic solutions. Despite its widespread use and demand in various industries, several factors pose obstacles to the smooth operation and expansion of the viscose cellulose market.

Assessing the Environmental Sustainability of Viscose

A recent life cycle assessment of viscose fibre has highlighted the sustainability of its source trees, particularly those like eucalyptus and bamboo, which require minimal pesticides and water for growth. However, these cellulose sources are limited to just three countries: Canada, Indonesia, and Brazil. Unfortunately, China, a major consumer, imports two-thirds of its pulp requirements from these countries, leading to a significant ecological imbalance. Such overdependence poses long-term risks and underscores the need to diversify pulp sourcing to ensure sustainability across the supply chain.

Moreover, the production of viscose is heavily linked to water and air pollution due to the excessive use of chemicals in the manufacturing process. According to the Water Footprint Network, a staggering 3,000 cubic meters of water are utilised for every tonne of viscose yarn produced. Additionally, when viscose fabric decomposes, typically within six weeks, there is a risk of soil contamination as the chemicals used in production are released into the soil, thereby polluting it. This highlights a pressing environmental concern, particularly given that 97 per cent of textile inputs are new products, perpetuating a linear industry model even amidst efforts to implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Addressing the environmental impact of viscose production requires diversifying pulp sources, reducing chemical usage, and adopting more sustainable practices throughout the manufacturing process. This holistic approach is crucial for mitigating environmental harm and ensuring a more sustainable future for the textile industry.

Urging Sustainable Practices: Enhancing Support for Cellulosic Fibre Production

Despite encouragement from the fashion industry and legislation worldwide to adopt more sustainable and innovative methods to minimise waste in the production chain, the extraction of pulp required for cellulosic fibres has raised concerns about deforestation and environmental damage. Despite numerous certifications and tree plantation requirements, the adoption of sustainable methods proves to be costly for the industry. There are suggestions for better enforcement of regulations and increased policy support to facilitate the transition from conventional to sustainable practices, eventually leading to the implementation of stricter penalties to phase out conventional textile production methods.

Innovation in the viscose and other cellulosic fibre segments primarily focuses on dyeing processes and developing new fibres from alternative plant sources. However, on the policy front, there is a need to encourage more investments in innovation to facilitate an easier transition.

Economic Implications of Viscose Production: Balancing Sustainability and Industry Growth

With sustainable innovations and the production of commodities becoming the focal point of policies, directly or indirectly, the question arises: how will it affect a country's economy? While the entire textile industry is embracing sustainability and related innovations, it brings to light a theoretical concept - creative destruction.

Adopting sustainability measures and promoting sustainable production can yield multiple benefits for the economy. It triggers a transformation in the economy, fostering more innovation and increasing demand for factors of production. In a globalised world, it also fosters knowledge sharing.

The companies mentioned above, along with collaborations with various entities, exemplify creative destruction. Some companies adopt new technologies, while others utilise innovative methods or stick to traditional approaches. This highlights a gradual yet promising innovation that could revolutionise the textile industry permanently. Notably, the textile industry ranks as not only the second-largest polluting industry globally but also as one of the largest employers in many developing and underdeveloped countries.

From a producer's perspective, transitioning to sustainable and renewable resources ensures resource availability for a longer duration, leading to long-term cost savings. Involving agriculture and water in the conventional textile chain, methods like organic or regenerative farming, and introducing processes with minimal water usage ensure environmental benefits and cost savings. This shift also drives increased revenue, higher investments, and more economic development, as businesses adopt more labour-friendly policies to adhere to moral and ethical standards of sustainability, initiating economic growth.

From the consumers' standpoint, adopting sustainable measures increases awareness of ethical product standards. As consumers become more cognisant of the environmental costs associated with conventional methods, current traceability and transparency measures inform them of the product's sustainability credentials, making them willing to pay higher prices.

Regarding man-made fibres like viscose and others, revolutionary innovations in dyeing, traceability, recycling, and the introduction of closed-loop systems, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), indicate creative destruction in the industry. While concerns about increasing costs for implementing such systems may arise initially, in the long term, products will offer more environmental benefits. Moreover, with the focus on COP conferences and the Paris Agreement, the industry can advocate for government support and investment to facilitate a smoother transition.

Conclusion

One of the primary challenges is the environmental impact associated with traditional viscose production methods. The viscose process involves the use of carbon disulfide, a hazardous chemical with adverse effects on human health and the environment. Efforts to mitigate these impacts through the adoption of more sustainable production practices, such as closed-loop systems and the use of eco-friendly solvents, are essential to address environmental concerns and meet regulatory requirements.

Additionally, fluctuating raw material prices and supply chain disruptions can significantly impact the production and export of viscose cellulose. Dependence on natural cellulose sources, such as wood pulp and cotton lint, exposes manufacturers to risks related to price volatility and supply chain disruptions caused by factors such as weather conditions, market demand, and geopolitical tensions.

Furthermore, market competition, both domestically and internationally, poses challenges for producers of viscose cellulose. Traditional manufacturing hubs like China and India dominate the market, leveraging economies of scale and established infrastructure to maintain a competitive edge. Emerging regions seeking to penetrate the market face barriers such as limited access to technology, capital, and skilled labour, hindering their ability to compete effectively on a global scale.

To address these challenges and unlock the full potential of the viscose cellulose market, stakeholders must collaborate to implement innovative solutions and best practices. This includes investment in research and development to advance sustainable production technologies, diversification of cellulose sources to reduce reliance on traditional inputs and fostering partnerships across the value chain to enhance efficiency and resilience.

Overall, while the production and export of viscose cellulose face various challenges, opportunities abound for stakeholders willing to embrace innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. By overcoming these challenges and capitalising on emerging trends and market dynamics, the viscose cellulose industry can continue to thrive and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for a variety of applications.