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How does lyocell production reduce the environmental problems associated with viscose rayon?

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Figure 1: Three common polymer structures. The linear, branched, and network architectures are represented (from top), respectively, by high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and phenol formaldehyde (PF). The chemical structure and molecular structure of highlighted regions are also shown.
man-made fibre Figure 1: Three common polymer structures. The linear, branched, and network architectures are represented (from top), respectively, by high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and phenol formaldehyde (PF). The chemical structure and molecular structure of highlighted regions are also shown.

The production of viscose rayon has faced significant environmental criticism due to the release of carbon disulfide into the atmosphere and the discharge of salt by-products into waterways.12

Lyocell addresses these concerns through a more sustainable manufacturing process. Unlike the viscose method, which relies on hazardous chemicals to dissolve cellulose, lyocell is produced by dissolving wood cellulose in a nontoxic amine oxide solvent. Furthermore, this solvent is washed from the regenerated fibres and recovered for reuse, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with chemical waste.1