Cupro

What is cupro?

Cupro is an artificial fiber made from a plant fiber, cellulose extracted from Cotton Linter then transformed by a chemical bath. In terms of material, it is very similar to silk in its shiny, almost satiny appearance. It is widely used in the linings of beautiful pieces such as coats, blazer jackets, evening dresses and so on. But due to its soft, shiny appearance, it's increasingly being used for its own sake and found in the composition of dresses, tops and other flowing garments.

Where does cupro come from?

The main producer of cupro is Japan.

Material transformation processes

To manufacture cupro, several steps are required. First of all, cotton linter must be collected. These are the small seeds in the cotton balls that are useless in the cotton fiber manufacturing process. They are therefore discarded.
To manufacture cupro, a "simple" chemical treatment is required. Cotton Linter is immersed in an alkaline solution to form a cuprammonium solution (an ammoniacal solution of copper oxide), which transforms it into durable yarn. This solution is then extruded through spinnerets to form filaments. These are then solidified and transformed into yarns that can be woven or knitted to produce fabrics.

Is cupro compatible with ethical and responsible fashion?

Yes, cupro is by definition compatible with ethical and responsible fashion since it's made from a natural material but above all it's derived from recycling textile industry waste: cotton Linter. Knowing that cotton is the most widely used textile material, but at the same time one of the most water- and energy-intensive, it's a good thing to be able to exploit this plant to the full. It's an artificial fiber, not a synthetic one. Instead of being derived from petroleum, it is produced from natural fibers but transformed by man.

In addition, we explained earlier that cotton Linter undergoes chemical treatment to create cupro. But it's important to remember that this treatment is carried out in a closed circuit, so the water and cuprammonium used in the process are used until there's none left. Absolutely nothing is thrown away.
We can also add that cupro is a beautiful cruelty-free alternative to silk because it doesn't exploit animals to be produced.

It's a biodegradable material, but only if the dyes used to tint it are too.
However, you should opt for cupro with Oeko-Tex certification, which ensures that the process is non-toxic or hazardous to health and the environment. The GRS (Global Recycled Standard) label also certifies cupro on.

Does cupro offer any other advantages?

In addition to its glossy appearance and environmental friendliness, cupro is also recognized for its breathability, antistatic properties, fluidity and absorbency. In fact, it's one of the most absorbent materials on the market today. What's more, it's an extremely fast-drying and thermoregulating fabric. This means you can wear it with complete peace of mind, whatever the season. To top it all off, it's anti-allergenic, perfect for sensitive skin!

How to care for cupro

Cupro is a very easy-care material. It can be easily machine-washed on a 30°C cycle, but read the label to be sure.
Regarding drying, avoid the tumble dryer; cupro air-dries very well on a hanger to avoid wrinkles.
Normally, the material doesn't wrinkle, but if you really want a flawless garment, it can be ironed.


Find our favorites in women's cupro