Modal cotton is similar to Viscose Rayon but without the waste generated during its creation.

Modal fabric begins life as cellulose derived from hardwoods such as Birch and Oak and goes through a complex manufacturing process before becoming a wearable fabric.

Modal is considered softer to the touch than Viscose Rayan; it is breathable, effective at wicking moisture, and resistant to pilling, Making it an ideal candidate for sportswear, towels, and bedding. You will find Modal in 300 count bedsheets, which is considered luxurious.

However, while Modal fabric has its virtues, it is the manufacturing process that creates it that needs to be improved. The manufacturing process begins by grinding a tree into postage size wood chips, immersing them in carbon disulfide, which transforms the scraps into cellulose xanthate, an orangy looking substance. The orangy substance is steeped in caustic soda, transforming it into syrup's consistency before being forced through a spinneret to create fibers. The fibers are then immersed in sulfuric acid, stretched, and finally formed into yarn.

Modal yarn undergoes the appropriate treatment to make it resistant to shrinking or fire before being woven into a fabric.

Okay, so should you buy Modal fabric? We don't think so and have decided not to stock products made from Modal. The reason is that the manufacturing process uses carbon disulfide, a neurotoxin affecting both animals and humans causing severe medical problems. Humans that work with carbon disulfide can experience kidney and liver damage, psychosis, blindness, coma, or even death.