Acetate
Acetate is a semi-synthetic fiber renowned for its luxurious sheen, fluid drape, and rich color. Made from purified wood pulp, it's often called the "beauty fiber" for its resemblance to silk. It's a versatile material found in linings, formalwear, and elegant dresses.
The environmental impact of acetate is closely tied to its chemical production and the sourcing of its wood pulp. It’s critical that the wood pulp comes from responsibly managed forests to avoid deforestation. Acetate's production also uses chemicals and solvents. If you buy acetate, choose acetate produced with high-efficiency, closed-loop systems that capture and reuse over 95% of the solvents, dramatically reducing emissions.
The chemical transformation makes acetate difficult to recycle and less biodegradable than natural fibers. To mitigate this, look for innovative, new versions of acetate that use waste materials.
At Circular People, we’ve banned Acetate due to its inability for cradle to cradle circularity and contribution to microfiber pollution.
Check out our Field Log for a deeper dive into this fiber.
