What Is Cupro Fabric, and Is it Ethical or Sustainable?

What is Curpo fabric? Is Curpo sustainable and ethical? Here’s everything you need to know about the regenerated cellulose fiber that’s taking over the slow fashion world.

The Ethics & sustainability of Cupro Fabric

Simple ways to celebrate Earth Day, simple ways to celebrate Earth Day at home, easy Earth Day activities for adults, how to celebrate Earth Day

So, what makes it so special? Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fiber that springs to life from the often-overlooked hero of the cotton world –  cotton linter. You know, that fluffy layer clinging to cotton seeds after they’ve gone through the ginning process. What makes Cupro a standout in the fashion game? Well, imagine the silky, luxurious feel of traditional silk without the ethical dilemma of silkworms being part of the process. 

But, where did it come from? And, most importantly, is Curpo sustainable? 

Asahi Kasei began researching and developing cupro as a sustainable alternative to silk. The Japanese company focused on utilizing cotton byproducts to create a fabric with properties similar to silk, such as its luxurious feel and draping qualities.

Let’s have a look at the sustainability of cupro fabric, its qualities, and the manifacturing process.

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable fashion, innovative materials continue to emerge, reshaping the industry’s ecological footprint. One such material making waves is cupro fabric, often hailed as the “vegan silk.” Derived from cotton linter, the fluffy layer of fibers clinging to cotton seeds after ginning, cupro stands out as a pioneering solution to address waste in the cotton production process.

Cupro, short for cuprammonium rayon, undergoes a meticulous process to transform cotton linter into a luxurious fabric. The result is a textile that not only bears a striking resemblance to silk but also boasts unique qualities that make it an attractive choice for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.

What sets Cupro apart is its uncanny similarity to silk, both in terms of its draping ability and the luxurious feel against the skin. This resemblance provides designers and consumers with an ethical alternative to silk, without the need to compromise the well-being of silkworms.

Unlike traditional silk, which involves the cultivation and sacrifice of silkworms, cupro is entirely plant-based. In a closed-loop system, the chemicals utilized in the production of cupro can be extracted and reused, minimizing both waste and environmental impact.

Cupro fabric is crafted through a meticulous process that transforms cotton linter, a byproduct of the cotton industry, into a luxurious and sustainable textile.

Harvesting Cotton Linter: Cupro begins its journey with the collection of cotton linter, which is the fine, downy fibers that adhere to cotton seeds during the ginning process. Traditionally considered waste, these fibers are the foundation of cupro fabric, offering a sustainable alternative to disposal.

Purification: The collected cotton linter undergoes a purification process to remove impurities, ensuring that the resulting cupro material is of high quality. This step is crucial in maintaining the fabric’s desirable characteristics, such as its softness and sheen.

Dissolving in Ammonium Hydroxide: The purified cotton linter is then dissolved in a solution containing ammonium hydroxide. This process results in a viscous, liquid substance, often referred to as cuprammonium solution.

Extrusion and Spinning: The cuprammonium solution is extruded through fine spinnerets, forming delicate filaments that solidify as they emerge. These filaments are then spun into yarn, which serves as the basis for weaving or knitting cupro fabric.

Regeneration Process: The spun cupro yarn undergoes a regeneration process, typically involving exposure to a bath of amine oxide. This step solidifies the fibers and transforms them into a workable, textile-ready material.

Weaving or Knitting: The regenerated cupro fibers are woven or knitted into fabric, giving it the desirable qualities reminiscent of silk. Cupro’s smooth surface and natural sheen contribute to its luxurious appearance.

So, is Cupro fabric sustainable?

Yes, Cupro fabric is very sustainable. First and foremost, Cupro is made from cotton linter, which is a byproduct of the cotton industry. This repurposing of what would otherwise be considered waste helps minimize the environmental impact of cotton production and promotes resource efficiency.

Also, unlike traditional silk, which involves the use of silkworms, cupro is completely plant-based. It is often referred to as “vegan silk” due to its similar luxurious feel and drape. This makes Cupro a cruelty-free alternative, aligning with ethical and sustainable principles in fashion.

On top of that, Cupro is known for its hypoallergenic properties, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Its breathability adds to its comfort, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of clothing items.

Last, but not least, Cupro fabric is resistant to stretching and shrinking, contributing to its durability. This longevity is an essential aspect of sustainability, as longer-lasting garments reduce the need for frequent replacements and contribute to a more sustainable wardrobe.

Is Cupro fabric vegan?

Yes, cupro fabric is considered vegan. Cupro is often referred to as “vegan silk” due to its luxurious feel and drape, which is reminiscent of traditional silk. Unlike silk, which is derived from the cocoons of silkworms, cupro is plant-based and does not involve the use of animals in its production.

The raw material for cupro comes from cotton linter, which is the fluffy layer of fibers that adheres to the seeds of the cotton plant after ginning. This linter is typically discarded in the conventional cotton production process, making Cupro a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative.

Is Cupro recyclable?

Cupro fabric is generally considered biodegradable, but its recyclability depends on the specific processes and technologies available in waste management systems. While cupro itself may biodegrade over time, recycling methods for cupro fabrics are not as common as they are for some other materials.

The closed-loop system used in the production of cupro, where chemicals are extracted and reused, contributes to its eco-friendly profile. However, the recycling of finished cupro garments or textiles at the end of their life cycle may face challenges.

Recycling textiles, in general, involves breaking down the fibers to create new materials. The ability to recycle cupro depends on whether there are facilities and processes in place to efficiently separate and process cupro fibers from other materials within the fabric. The complex composition of some textiles, including blends with other fibers or the presence of dyes, can pose challenges to recycling.