EcoVero Yarn: A More Considered Viscose for Mindful Makers | Fancy Yarns Australia

If you've come across the name EcoVero on a yarn label and wondered what it actually means, you're not alone. We've broken down this guide into what EcoVero is, how it's made, what it feels like, how it can be used and what are some of the incredible benefits of this innovative fibre.

What is EcoVero?

EcoVero is a branded name for viscose, a regenerated cellulosic fibre in the family of rayon. It was first produced by the Austrian company Lenzing in 2017. Lenzing is also the company behind TENCEL™ lyocell, and they bring the same focus on transparency and resource efficiency to EcoVero.

EcoVero fibres are cellulosic viscose fibres derived from the natural raw material wood, giving woven and knitted fabrics a tactile softness and flowing drape. What sets it apart from conventional viscose is how it's produced and the environmental credentials that come with it.

How Is EcoVero Made?

Understanding EcoVero means understanding viscose first and then seeing where EcoVero does things differently.

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fibre. It starts as plant matter in the form of wood pulp from trees, which is processed and dissolved into a liquid solution, then extruded through spinnerets to form fibres. The result is a soft, smooth, drapey fibre that's plant-derived but chemically processed. Traditional viscose production can be resource-intensive, involving significant water use, chemical inputs and carbon emissions.

EcoVero addresses this directly.

The wood used as raw material for EcoVero comes from controlled forests and is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, meaning enough trees are replanted and the wood comes entirely from responsibly managed forests.

Carbon emissions and water consumption from EcoVero fibre production are at least 50% lower compared to generic viscose fibres, according to the Higg Materials Sustainability Index.

EcoVero is the first viscose brand to have achieved the EU Ecolabel for textile products from day one, a recognised certification that evaluates environmental performance across the full production lifecycle.

Every fibre is also fully traceable via Lenzing's traceability platform, giving both brands and consumers meaningful visibility into the supply chain.

That combination of certified forestry, reduced emissions, lower water use and full traceability is what makes EcoVero a more credible choice than conventional viscose.

What Does EcoVero Viscose Yarn Feel Like?

EcoVero viscose offers the same softness and drape as traditional viscose, making it well suited to garments that benefit from fluidity and movement.

In practice, it contributes:

• A smooth, soft hand that feels comfortable against the skin

• A natural sheen that catches the light without being overly glossy

• Excellent drape, making the resulting garment fluid and relaxed rather than structured

• Breathability and good moisture management, keeping it comfortable in warmer weather

• A lightweight quality that works well in layering pieces and warm-weather garments

It can be blended with natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk and linen, allowing makers to explore different textures and fabric properties. Those blends tend to balance the fluidity of the viscose with the structure and texture of the other fibres, making EcoVero a versatile component in a well-considered yarn.

The Environmental Picture

EcoVero has a more considered environmental profile than most viscose on the market. Although, it's worth understanding the full picture.

The positives are well documented and independently verified. The EU Ecolabel certification is not merely a marketing claim. It requires meeting strict criteria across multiple stages of the production process. The chemicals used in production are recycled, and 50% less water and energy are required compared to traditional viscose production. Because the wood comes from European forests, transport distances are shorter, reducing associated carbon emissions further.

EcoVero is also biodegradable, which means at the end of a garment's life it can return to the earth rather than contributing to landfill.

The nuance worth noting is that viscose, even EcoVero, remains a chemically processed fibre. It is not a raw natural fibre in the way that linen or cotton is. The improvement over conventional viscose is real and meaningful, but EcoVero sits on a spectrum of eco materials rather than at the absolute end of it. For makers who want verified, transparent production, it's a strong choice.

What Is EcoVero Good For?

EcoVero works beautifully across a wide range of projects, particularly where drape, softness and breathability matter.

It is well suited to:

• Lightweight tops, tees and summer cardigans

• Shawls, wraps and relaxed cowls

• Garments worn close to the skin

• Accessories where a natural sheen adds visual interest

• Weaving projects that benefit from fluid movement

• Blended yarns where it adds softness and drape alongside more structured fibres

Due to its smooth texture and natural lustre, EcoVero works well in both simple and textured stitch patterns. Clean stitches and open structures allow the sheen to show through. Simpler patterns let the drape do the work.

Tips for Working with EcoVero Yarn

1. Swatch first. EcoVero has limited elasticity compared to wool. A swatch helps you understand how the yarn behaves on your chosen needle or hook size before committing to a project.

2. Embrace the drape. This is not a structured fibre. It flows. Patterns designed to work with movement will give you the best results.

3. Watch your tension. Without the stretch of wool, tension can feel different, especially if you usually work with animal fibres. A slightly relaxed tension often works well.

4. Wash with care. A gentle cool hand wash is recommended. Lay flat to dry and avoid high heat, which can affect both the softness and the sheen of the fibre.

5. Block gently. A light steam block or damp cloth will help your finished piece settle into its full drape.

Shop EcoVero Yarn at Fancy Yarns Australia

We currently stock Eco Twist, a beautiful plant-based blend of EcoVero™ viscose, recycled cotton and linen, spun in Italy. It's a lovely introduction to EcoVero if you haven't worked with it before.

Browse our full range of plant-based and eco yarns online. We ship directly from Canberra across Australia.

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We write our fibre guides to help you make informed choices, not just inspired ones. If you have questions about EcoVero™ yarn or any other fibre we stock, we’re always happy to help.