CUPRO
What is Cupro?
The raw material in which to make Cupro fabric is cotton linter. Cotton linter are the short fibres that enfold the cotton seeds which are too small to spin. It is a pre-consumer material that is obtained from the manufacturing process of cottonseed oil.
A natural material, it is compostable and biodegradable.
The cotton linter is then put through a process to produce a regenerated cellulose fibre. It is this process that has known to be controversial as it requires substances such as copper ammonia.
Due to this, at A KIND CLOTH, we choose only to source Cupro fabrics that use fibres by the brand Bemberg™, produced by the Asahi Kasei company.
An environment-friendly production
Asahi Kasei has seen the importance of a sustainable society, and so, they have moved forward and continue to make changes to be more sustainable.
From early on, the company has been in the business of transmitting electric power from their own hydroelectric plants. They continue to improve the efficiency of their generators, aiming to further reduce CO2 emissions.
For the production of Bemberg™, they use a closed-loop system which enables the recovery and reuse of major chemicals, whilst also achieving zero emissions of waste.
Raw material (cotton linter) is dissolved and spun in a cuprammonium solution. This produces Bemberg™ (a filament and staple fibre), with all the chemicals being recycled. Bemberg™ becomes a fabric which can be composted and will biodegrade at the end of its lifecycle.
The cotton linter is currently procured from mills which the company partner with in four countries. With regular visits, there are strict checks across the production process and quality of raw materials.
Asahi Kasei collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to pursue solutions to societal issues and economic gains. They are involved in a number of activities to support all throughout the supply chain.
Properties of Bemberg™
- Low abrasion, less friction for smooth movement;
- Well balanced drape due to the moderate weight combination of the soft and hard parts of the fibre and the moisture within it;
- Takes dye well - tiny waterways in the fibres mean they can absorb dye quicker and for brighter colours;
- Moisture control - absorbs and releases moisture for comfortable wear;
- Anti-static - static electricity is discharged via the moisture inside. This also makes it less likely to stick to dust and pollen;
- Skin-friendly - the fibre features an almost perfectly round cross-section and smooth surface meaning it's gentle and smooth on skin
Why not give this fabric a go? You can check out our collection of Cupro fabrics here at A KIND CLOTH
Source:
https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/fibers/en/bemberg/
Please note that A KIND CLOTH are in no way affiliated with any of the brands or external links mentioned in this article.