Sustainability Newsletter 12

Cupro, Regenerated Cellulose Fiber Coming From Cotton Linter

Manmade cellulosic fibers (MMCFs) have a growing market share in textile industry. Most of these fibres are produced from wood pulps which creates high risks of sourcing from ancient or endangered forests. The NGO Canopy estimates that approximately half of all MMCFs come from Ancient and Endangered Forests while the other half certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).

What if we have a fiber, that is regenerated cellulose fiber made from cotton, not wood?
Cupro which is listed as Preferred Fiber by Textile Exchange, is a regenerated fiber made in Japan from 100 percent cotton linter, a pre-consumer residue of the cotton processing, and certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

Cupro creates a different market for the brands and customers as it’s the only fiber which gathers both gentleness of natural fiber and the functionality of synthetic fiber together with a luxurious touch.

Additionally since it is only produced by one supplier, it comes with traceability from the source to the final product.

More importantly you are not cutting trees, using a waste of cotton and have GRS certification on your products.

 

Properties of Cupro Fiber   

  • Biodegradable and compostable fiber

Cupro made from natural material that breaks down naturally when buried.

  • Skin Friendly

Cupro yarn has an almost perfectly round cross-section and smooth surface that doesn’t irritate skin as much as the other fibers.

  • Breathability & Moisture Control

Cupro rapidly absorbs and releases moisture through very small waterways that are invisible to the naked eye.

It keeps the wearer cool, fresh and comfortable.

  • Temperature Regulation

With the high moisture content of its structure, Cupro enables heat on the surface of the skin to escape, keeping the wearer feeling pleasantly cool in hot & humid summer.

When absorbing moisture from the body, Cupro generates thermal energy, which produces warmth when combined with another material that does not let such heat escape.

  • Anti-Static

By its moisture content Cupro discharges static electricity.

  • Smooth Surface

With round cross section, Cupro has smooth movement and balanced drape.

  • Deep Colors

Due to its unique structure, Cupro fiber absorbs dye stuff in a shorter time to create deep colors.

Cupro, a Japanese Innovation, coming from nature and a sustainable option as MMCFs is also available in Turkey as fabric form.

One of the biggest woven fabric producer in Bursa has a huge and proprietary collection with Cupro. They are also the world’s first V-Labeled Fabric Producer, aiming zero carbon footprints at their facilities.

As Gaia Sourcing office, we are happy to be the bridge to Cupro by providing samples and additional information.