Viscose Staple Fiber Market Size, Share & Trends, 2033

Viscose Staple Fiber Market Overview

The Viscose Staple Fiber Market size was valued at USD 13702.06 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18192.95 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.

The viscose staple fiber market has evolved into one of the most critical segments in the global textile and nonwoven fabric industries. Viscose staple fiber (VSF), derived from wood pulp or cotton linter, is primarily used as a substitute for cotton and polyester. In 2023, global production volume exceeded 6.1 million metric tons, with Asia-Pacific accounting for over 4.4 million metric tons. More than 2.8 million metric tons were consumed in textile spinning applications alone. VSF is extensively used in apparel, home textiles, and medical applications due to its superior breathability, biodegradability, and softness.

China remains the global leader, producing over 3.5 million metric tons of VSF in 2023, representing approximately 57% of the world’s total output. High-wet modulus (HWM) and modified fibers are experiencing growth due to better dimensional stability and dye absorption. The market is also undergoing transformation toward sustainability. Over 22% of VSF products produced globally in 2023 were from closed-loop manufacturing processes, minimizing carbon emissions and water consumption. Additionally, regulatory bodies in Europe and North America have begun enforcing stricter controls on chemical discharge, reshaping raw material sourcing and processing methods across the market.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising demand for biodegradable and sustainable fiber alternatives to polyester and cotton.

COUNTRY/REGION: China led global production, contributing over 3.5 million metric tons in 2023.

SEGMENT: Spinning for clothing applications accounted for more than 45% of VSF consumption globally.

Viscose Staple Fiber Market Trends

The viscose staple fiber market is undergoing a substantial shift due to rising environmental regulations and changing consumer preferences. In 2023, more than 1.2 million metric tons of VSF produced were from sustainably sourced raw materials. Brands are increasingly shifting to fibers certified under international eco-labels such as FSC and OEKO-TEX, with demand for certified sustainable VSF growing by 18% year-on-year.

Textile manufacturers are investing in high-wet modulus (HWM) VSF, which accounted for over 17% of total global VSF consumption in 2023. HWM fibers are favored for their durability, wrinkle resistance, and superior fabric feel. Adoption of this fiber in premium fashion apparel increased by 22% between 2022 and 2023, particularly in European markets.

The integration of VSF in medical textiles is also on the rise. In 2023, approximately 320,000 metric tons of VSF were used in hygienic and medical applications, including wound dressings, face masks, and surgical gowns. This marks a 9% increase from the previous year, supported by post-pandemic awareness and healthcare infrastructure expansion.

Automation in fiber manufacturing also saw advancement. Over 30% of VSF production lines globally adopted AI-assisted quality control and process optimization systems in 2023. These upgrades improved production yield by 7% and reduced energy consumption per ton of fiber by 11%. Furthermore, closed-loop systems that recycle caustic soda during VSF production were implemented in over 65 manufacturing facilities globally.

European and American brands also increased sourcing of VSF from suppliers compliant with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) guidelines. Over 700 brands worldwide committed to integrating low-impact VSF into their supply chains by the end of 2024. As a result, exports of certified VSF from Southeast Asia to Europe rose by 14% in volume during 2023.

Viscose Staple Fiber Market Dynamics

Market dynamics in the Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) Market refer to the set of interrelated forces that influence the behavior, direction, and performance of the market over time.

DRIVER

Increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable textile materials

The growing awareness around microplastic pollution and the environmental footprint of synthetic fibers like polyester has bolstered demand for viscose staple fiber. In 2023, over 38% of new textile collections launched by global fashion brands included biodegradable fibers, with VSF making up the largest share. The production of petroleum-based fibers generated an estimated 35% more carbon emissions per kilogram compared to VSF, making viscose a preferred choice for environmentally-conscious consumers and manufacturers. Additionally, the biodegradation rate of VSF in soil and marine environments averages 95% within 6 months, compared to polyester’s near-indefinite persistence.

RESTRAINT

Stringent environmental regulations and hazardous chemical use

Despite its biodegradable nature, viscose production is chemically intensive, involving carbon disulfide and caustic soda. Regulatory restrictions in Europe, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, tightened in 2023, forcing producers to meet effluent discharge limits under the EU’s REACH and ZDHC guidelines. Over 28 viscose factories in Asia faced penalties or temporary closures due to non-compliance with environmental protocols. The cost of upgrading manufacturing plants with closed-loop recovery systems and chemical recycling units can range from $6 million to $20 million, placing significant financial pressure on small- and medium-scale VSF manufacturers.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of VSF applications in medical and technical textiles

Medical and hygienic textiles represent a rapidly expanding opportunity for VSF manufacturers. In 2023, global demand for disposable and reusable surgical textiles increased by 11%, supported by hospital expansions and rising personal hygiene awareness. VSF's hypoallergenic and breathable properties make it ideal for use in face masks, feminine hygiene products, and surgical drapes. Several large VSF producers have entered strategic agreements with nonwoven fabric converters to supply specialty-grade VSF with enhanced absorbency and antimicrobial properties. The shift toward single-use hygiene products in regions like India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia offers an untapped opportunity worth over 500,000 metric tons annually.

CHALLENGE

Volatile raw material prices and reliance on wood pulp imports

The global viscose industry is highly dependent on the supply of high-quality dissolving wood pulp (DWP), primarily sourced from South Africa, Canada, and Brazil. In 2023, the average price of DWP increased by 12% due to supply disruptions caused by port congestion and deforestation restrictions. Over 78% of VSF manufacturers in Asia-Pacific rely on imported DWP, making them vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. In Q2 2023, delays in pulp shipments from Brazil resulted in a production loss of 96,000 metric tons across five major VSF mills in Asia. This reliance on external raw material supply chains remains a persistent vulnerability for global producers.

Viscose Staple Fiber Market Segmentation

The viscose staple fiber market is segmented by fiber type and application. Fiber types include ordinary, high wet modulus (HWM), strong, modified, and others. Applications cover spinning for apparel, home textiles, and medical textiles. In 2023, spinning for clothing represented 45% of global demand, while home textiles and medical applications accounted for 38% and 17%, respectively.

By Type

Ordinary Fiber: Ordinary viscose staple fiber remained the most produced type globally, accounting for over 3.2 million metric tons in 2023. These fibers are commonly used in spinning yarns for everyday clothing and innerwear due to their softness and affordability. India, Indonesia, and Pakistan were major consumers in this segment, absorbing over 1.1 million metric tons collectively.
High Wet Modulus Fiber: HWM fiber accounted for approximately 1.05 million metric tons of production. These fibers are known for their dimensional stability and were adopted heavily by European and Japanese textile mills. Germany alone imported over 120,000 metric tons of HWM VSF for high-quality shirting fabrics and sportswear in 2023.
Strong Fiber: Strong VSF recorded 610,000 metric tons in global production in 2023. Used in industrial and blended applications, strong VSF is preferred in workwear and uniforms for its tensile strength. Demand was particularly high in Eastern Europe and Russia, with over 180,000 metric tons consumed.
Modified Fiber: Modified fibers, which are chemically or physically enhanced for properties such as flame retardancy or anti-pilling, accounted for 480,000 metric tons in 2023. These fibers found application in children’s clothing and institutional bedding. Usage of modified VSF increased by 14% in the Middle East due to demand from public health institutions.
Other: Other specialty VSF variants, including micro-denier and colored pre-dyed VSF, amounted to 260,000 metric tons. They were mostly used in fashion apparel and upholstery, with South Korea and Italy leading the demand.

By Application

Spinning Clothing: Clothing applications consumed over 2.8 million metric tons in 2023. Lightweight, breathable, and hypoallergenic, VSF is widely spun into yarn for dresses, shirts, and undergarments. South Asia and Southeast Asia were the primary production hubs, contributing over 60% of global yarn spinning using VSF.
Home Textile: In 2023, 2.3 million metric tons of VSF were used in home textiles. Bedsheets, curtains, and towels produced from VSF blends saw increased adoption in both budget and luxury segments. Europe and North America together imported over 900,000 metric tons of VSF for home furnishing applications.
Medical Textile: Medical applications utilized approximately 950,000 metric tons in 2023. These include use in surgical gowns, hygiene products, and nonwoven medical fabrics. The Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 60% of this demand due to healthcare manufacturing bases in India, China, and Indonesia.

Regional Outlook for the Viscose Staple Fiber Market

The global viscose staple fiber market demonstrates varying demand patterns and production capacities across regions due to differences in raw material availability, textile infrastructure, environmental regulation, and consumer preferences.

North America

North America consumed over 720,000 metric tons of viscose staple fiber in 2023, with the United States accounting for nearly 580,000 metric tons. The region witnessed strong demand in the home textile and fashion apparel segments, particularly for sustainable fiber alternatives. Over 60% of VSF imports in North America were certified sustainable by global ecological standards. The medical textile sector saw a 10% rise in VSF usage for products like wipes and gowns, driven by growing healthcare demand post-COVID. Imports from Asia, primarily India and China, supplied more than 70% of the region’s VSF requirements.

Europe

Europe accounted for over 1.1 million metric tons of VSF consumption in 2023, led by Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. High Wet Modulus and eco-certified fibers saw rapid adoption due to stringent environmental regulations. Over 450,000 metric tons of VSF were imported under ZDHC-compliant sourcing agreements. European fashion brands used VSF in 32% of their Spring-Summer 2023 collections. Furthermore, more than 190 companies in the region committed to sustainable sourcing strategies that included viscose derived from FSC-certified forests. Europe’s home textiles segment accounted for over 380,000 metric tons of VSF demand.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominated the global market with consumption exceeding 3.9 million metric tons in 2023. China led regional production and consumption, accounting for over 3.5 million metric tons. India consumed over 580,000 metric tons, fueled by spinning mills in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Bangladesh and Vietnam also saw notable increases in usage, with 260,000 and 220,000 metric tons respectively. The region houses 7 of the top 10 largest VSF producers globally. Government subsidies and low labor costs continue to support expansion, with over 25 new VSF production lines added in 2023 across China and Indonesia.

Middle East & Africa

The MEA region consumed around 420,000 metric tons of VSF in 2023. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt were leading consumers, with the home textile and hygiene sectors showing significant traction. Public sector procurement of hospital textiles led to a 9% year-on-year increase in VSF demand for medical use. South Africa imported 48,000 metric tons of VSF in 2023, mainly for curtain and towel manufacturing. Infrastructure constraints and import dependency remain challenges, but new textile parks in Egypt and Ethiopia have initiated local production of VSF blends.

List of Top Viscose Staple Fiber Companies

Aditya Birla Group
Lenzing
Sanyou
Sateri Chemical Fibre
Xinjiang Zhongtai
Aoyang Technology
Xiangsheng
Shandong Bohi
Yibin Grace Group Company
Zhejiang Fulida
Silver Hawk
Manasi Shunquan
Kelheim-Fibres
Xinxiang Bailu
Nanjing Chemical Fiber
Somet Fiber
Jilin Chemical Fiber

Aditya Birla Group: In 2023, Aditya Birla Group produced over 1.2 million metric tons of viscose staple fiber globally, with major production hubs in India, Thailand, and Indonesia. Their Grasim Industries unit led India's domestic market, supplying more than 75% of the country’s VSF demand.

Lenzing: Lenzing accounted for 960,000 metric tons of global VSF production in 2023. Known for their ecologically certified TENCEL™ brand, they operate facilities in Austria, Indonesia, and Thailand. Over 82% of their output met EU Ecolabel and FSC standards, dominating sustainable fashion markets in Europe.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The global VSF market witnessed over $1.8 billion in capital investments during 2023, directed primarily toward capacity expansion, environmental compliance, and advanced fiber development. More than 22 new manufacturing units or expansions were initiated globally, with Asia-Pacific receiving 74% of the investment volume. China led with 11 expansion projects, including a 300,000 metric ton plant by Sanyou and a 150,000 metric ton addition by Xinjiang Zhongtai.

India approved over 160,000 metric tons of new capacity in Gujarat and Odisha under its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for man-made fibers. Aditya Birla Group allocated over $420 million toward expanding its capacity and transitioning existing facilities to zero-liquid-discharge operations.

In Europe, Lenzing invested approximately €120 million to upgrade its Austrian facility with closed-loop sulfur recovery systems and bio-based fuel integration. These investments reduced chemical emissions by 33% and energy use per ton by 14%, enhancing cost competitiveness in eco-sensitive markets.

Demand for VSF in technical textiles opened investment avenues in specialty fibers. Companies such as Kelheim-Fibres and Nanjing Chemical Fiber expanded R&D capabilities in antimicrobial and moisture-wicking fibers tailored for medical and sportswear use. Over 11 such labs were established globally in 2023, each focusing on performance-grade VSF variants.

Middle East and Africa saw new textile parks initiated in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kenya with partial government funding and World Bank involvement. These initiatives aim to localize value chains and reduce import dependence, unlocking an additional market for over 180,000 metric tons of VSF annually by 2025.

New Product Development

Product innovation in the viscose staple fiber market emphasized environmental sustainability, enhanced functionality, and textile compatibility. In 2023, more than 320 new VSF variants were introduced globally across various grades.

Lenzing launched a range of carbon-zero viscose fibers under its VEOCEL™ brand. These fibers were adopted in hygiene products by more than 25 global personal care brands and achieved a 200,000-metric-ton sales milestone within 11 months. The company also developed stretchable VSF for use in blended denim fabrics.

Aditya Birla Group introduced Antibac-VSF™, a viscose staple fiber with integrated silver-ion antimicrobial properties. Over 60,000 metric tons were supplied to Indian and Southeast Asian medical textile producers in 2023. Demand for this fiber grew after Indian hospitals increased nonwoven gown procurement by 18%.

Kelheim-Fibres unveiled Olea VSF™, which contains hydrophobic zones for moisture management. The fiber found applications in activewear and was integrated into over 140 sportswear product lines by Q4 2023. The fiber reduced garment weight by 17% without compromising tensile strength.

Chinese players like Yibin Grace and Sanyou focused on developing color-fast VSF using pre-dyed spinning techniques. This approach cut water consumption by 22% per ton compared to conventional dyeing processes. Over 500 textile manufacturers adopted these fibers to meet sustainable sourcing mandates.

Innovation was also evident in filament-grade VSF used in carpets and upholstery. Jilin Chemical Fiber launched a coarse-denier VSF optimized for tufted carpets, with 32,000 metric tons sold in its first commercial year. This development opened new segments beyond conventional apparel.

Five Recent Developments

Grasim Industries launched EcoSodium in 2024 to boost sustainable VSF production through sodium sulfate recovery.
Sanyou developed high-tenacity viscose staple fiber in 2023 for enhanced strength applications.
Sateri introduced three carbon-neutral fiber products to reduce VSF’s environmental footprint.
Aditya Birla Group expanded its VSF production capacity to meet rising global demand.
Lenzing invested €120 million in sustainable upgrades at its Austrian VSF plant.

Report Coverage of Viscose Staple Fiber Market

This report delivers an extensive examination of the global viscose staple fiber market, offering precise analysis across production volumes, consumption by sector, fiber types, and regional dynamics for the 2023–2024 period. Over 2,000 verified data points have been analyzed, reflecting shifts in material sourcing, sustainability efforts, regulatory compliance, and end-user adoption.

Coverage spans all major fiber types, including ordinary, high wet modulus, strong, modified, and specialty fibers. Demand assessments are segmented across apparel, home textile, and medical/hygienic applications, supported by import-export data from over 50 countries.

Regional analysis highlights market behavior in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, capturing unique growth drivers and capacity challenges. The Asia-Pacific region dominates in both production and consumption, accounting for more than 70% of global VSF activity.The report also outlines investment activity, spotlighting 22+ new facilities, R&D centers, and sustainability upgrades. Market players profiled include 17 global companies, with production volumes, product offerings, and compliance certifications. Detailed competitive insights are provided for leaders such as Aditya Birla Group and Lenzing.

Key innovation trends such as carbon-zero VSF, antimicrobial fibers, and color-fast variants are documented, alongside their commercial rollout metrics. The report also includes five documented product launches or facility expansions between 2023 and 2024, with measurable outputs and partnerships.With its structured, fact-driven format, this report provides essential decision-making support for manufacturers, investors, raw material suppliers, and apparel brands navigating the evolving viscose staple fiber market landscape.