Ngodwana was a hive of activity when more than 860 people from as far afield as China and Sweden attended the opening of Sappi Ngodwana Mill’s Fibre Line 3 plant last week. Visitors were blown away by the 760-strong staff drumming entertainment led by the Drum Café, and a high-end fashion show. For most of us, forestry and fashion seem to be worlds apart, but at the opening, Sappi gave us a peek into how these two industries are connected. The company uses wood fibre to produce specialised cellulose (also known as dissolving wood pulp), which is mainly used by customers to create viscose staple fibre for clothing and textiles.
Unlike many synthetic raw materials, the product supplied by Sappi comes from a natural and renewable resource. You’d be surprised to know that its application ranges from underwear and high-end evening wear, to accessories like belts and bags, and functional wear such as jacket linings, upholstered furniture, curtains and many other applications.
Wood pulp and viscose staple fibre make vital contributions to a wide variety of products, touching our lives everyday.
Due to its natural make-up, viscose is very well suited to fashion.
It has a high moisture regain, dyes easily, does not shrink when heated and it’s biodegradable. People tend to say clothes made with viscose are more comfortable, smooth, cool and lustrous than other material. Comfortable dresses, underwear, evening wear, business suits, and much more were displayed at the fashion show.
Models presented various items of clothing, suprising the audience with each outfit. Viscose has a silky appearance and has the ability to breathe. In addition to being used in lightweight clothing, it can also be used for textiles such as tablecloths, napkins, furniture slip covers, and sheeting.
The development of viscose has made it possible for many people to enjoy an array of quality textiles in their homes for a luxurious look and feel. Along with the medical and practical uses, it is obviously a product that touches the lives of everyone in some form or another.
View the gallery of this memorable day here
