Emission and consumption data of PET processing techniques

Viscose fibres are made from regenerated cellulose. The process of dissolving pulp (the very viscose solution of pulp gave the name to the fibre product) was an achievement of the industrial revolution of the 19 century. And this iimovation triggered the discovery of frill synthetic fibres during the 20 century. 

Many other cellulose dissolving and regeneration processes like cuprammonium rayon, which was the first process made available for manmade fibres and was already developed in the 1850s, or cellulose derivatives (like acetate) were in competition with the viscose process, but viscose proved to be superior based on process and product performance. Its booming period ended after World War 2 with the introduction of the synthetic competitive products, fir the last decade, the production has stabilised at approximately 2.7 million tormes worldwide (Europe 600000 tormes). 

It is preferably supplied to market end-uses (textile products and nonwovens) where the hydrophilic (moisture absorbing) properties of the material, for instance in direct contact with the skin or with mucous membranes, are relevant. Currently (2005), about 85 % of the total viscose fibre production is produced as staple fibres and about 15 % as filaments. 

It has to be mentioned that a substantial amount of regenerated cellulose in the form of films (cellophane) based on the viscose process are still applied in sausage encasings and other packaging foils. 

In recent history in Europe, textile viscose filament end-uses are receiving increased competition (resulting in phasing out of capacity) by cheaper competitive yams based on polyester and polyamide, whereas viscose staple fibre and viscose tyre cord keep a strong position. 

---

Table 10.6 Emission and consumption data of PET processing techniques...

---