The demand for sustainable materials is growing, and viscose fabric is a popular choice for designers and creators. Made from wood pulp, it offers a silk-like feel and drapes beautifully, making it suitable for clothing and home textiles. For those in Birmingham, finding high-quality, ethically sourced viscose is now easier than ever. This guide will direct you to the best online stores that deliver sustainable viscose fabrics right to your door.
This post outlines top-rated online stores for organic and sustainable viscose fabrics available to customers in Birmingham. We will cover what makes viscose sustainable, review the best suppliers, and provide tips for choosing and caring for your fabric.
What is Organic and Sustainable Viscose?
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose, typically from wood pulp. For viscose to be considered organic and sustainable, it must be produced through environmentally and socially responsible processes.
This involves sourcing wood from certified, sustainably managed forests where trees are replanted. The production process should use a closed-loop system, which recycles the water and chemicals used, minimizing waste and preventing harmful substances from entering the environment. Certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and OEKO-TEX are indicators that a fabric meets these high standards. Choosing sustainable viscose helps reduce deforestation, lower water consumption, and decrease chemical pollution.
Our Selection Criteria
To identify the top online stores, we assessed them based on several key factors:
- Certifications: We prioritized stores that offer fabrics with recognized certifications such as FSC, PEFC, and OEKO-TEX.
- Sustainability Practices: We looked at each company's commitment to ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly production.
- Customer Reviews: Positive feedback and high ratings from other buyers were essential for inclusion.
- Fabric Variety: A wide selection of viscose fabrics in different weights, textures, and colors was a key consideration.
Top-Rated Online Stores
Here are the top online stores for purchasing organic and sustainable viscose fabrics in Birmingham.
Fabriclore Pvt Ltd
Fabriclore stands out as a leading supplier for both local and online customers. They offer a comprehensive range of fabrics, including a strong selection of sustainable viscose options. Known for their wholesale pricing and custom design services, they cater to both individual creators and established fashion brands.
- Product Range: Fabriclore provides an extensive collection of viscose fabrics, including popular options like Modal, Tencel, and Liva. Their inventory features a wide array of prints, weaves, and solid colors.
- Sustainability Initiatives: They are committed to ethical sourcing and collaborate with artisans across India to support traditional crafts. Their focus on low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) for custom printing also helps reduce waste for smaller brands.
- Customer Service: Fabriclore is known for its reliable customer support and transparent delivery process, making it a trusted partner for over 400 private labels globally.
- Shipping: They offer efficient shipping to Birmingham and other locations worldwide.
The Organic Textile Company
This store specializes in ethically produced fabrics. They have a clear focus on sustainability and provide detailed information about the origin and production of their materials.
- Product Range: They offer a curated selection of organic viscose and other eco-friendly fabrics. Their range is well-suited for dressmaking and other apparel projects.
- Sustainability Initiatives: All their fabrics are sourced from certified suppliers who adhere to strict environmental and social standards.
- Customer Service: The company receives positive feedback for its helpful customer service and commitment to quality.
- Shipping: They provide reliable shipping options for customers in Birmingham and throughout the UK.
Offset Warehouse
Offset Warehouse is another excellent source for ethical and sustainable fabrics. They are dedicated to providing materials that are kind to both people and the planet.
- Product Range: Their collection includes a variety of sustainable viscose fabrics, alongside other eco-friendly materials. They are a great choice for those looking for unique, high-quality textiles.
- Sustainability Initiatives: They maintain a transparent supply chain and ensure all their products meet high ethical standards.
- Customer Service: Customers often praise their fast delivery and the quality of their fabrics.
- Shipping: They offer prompt shipping services across the UK.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customer feedback provides valuable insight into the quality and service of these online stores.
- A designer who sourced from Fabriclore noted, "Their custom printing service at low MOQs was a game-changer for my small brand. The quality of the viscose was excellent."
- A review for The Organic Textile Company stated, "I love that I can trust where my fabric is coming from. The viscose I ordered was incredibly soft and perfect for the dress I was making."
- An Offset Warehouse customer wrote, "The fabric was even more beautiful in person. It’s my go-to store for any sustainable fabric needs."
How to Choose the Right Fabric
Selecting the right viscose fabric depends on your project.
- For Clothing: A lightweight viscose is ideal for blouses, dresses, and skirts due to its fluid drape. For more structured garments like trousers, consider a heavier-weight viscose twill.
- For Home Decor: A medium-weight viscose works well for curtains and cushion covers, as it drapes nicely while offering some durability.
- Weight, Texture, and Color: Always check the fabric's weight (measured in grams per square meter or gsm). A higher gsm indicates a heavier fabric. Consider the texture—some viscose fabrics are smooth, while others have a crinkled or slub texture. Finally, choose colors and prints that fit your design vision.
Caring for Organic Viscose Fabrics
Proper care will extend the life of your viscose garments.
- Washing: It is best to hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking.
- Drying: Avoid tumble drying. Instead, lay the fabric flat or hang it to air dry.
- Ironing: Iron on a low heat setting while the fabric is still slightly damp to easily remove wrinkles.
Trends and Innovations
The sustainable fabric industry continues to advance. We are seeing new types of viscose, such as those made from alternative cellulose sources like bamboo and agricultural waste. Digital printing technology is also becoming more common, allowing for custom designs with less water and dye usage. These developments are making sustainable fashion more accessible and varied.
Your Source for Sustainable Fabrics
Switching to organic and sustainable viscose is a meaningful step toward more responsible creating and consuming. Stores like Fabriclore, The Organic Textile Company, and Offset Warehouse make it simple for Birmingham-based creators to access high-quality, ethical materials. By choosing fabrics from these suppliers, you support better practices and contribute to a healthier planet.