What is Cupro?

Cupro (Cuprammonium Rayon) is a "regenerated cellulose" fiber. It sits between natural and synthetic. It is not grown like a plant, but it is not a plastic like polyester. It is made from Cotton Linter—the fuzzy, ultra-fine fibers that stick to the cotton seed after the main cotton is ginned. Historically, this "linter" was a waste product dumped by the cotton industry.

1. The "Closed-Loop" Production

Cupro is produced by dissolving the cotton linter in a solution and spinning it into fiber.

  • Zero Waste: Modern Cupro production (specifically by Asahi Kasei in Japan) operates on a "closed-loop" system. This means nearly 99.9% of the chemicals and water used in the process are recovered, recycled, and reused. They are not dumped into the environment.
  • Upcycling: It transforms a pre-consumer waste product (cotton linter) into a luxury textile.

2. The Feel ("Vegan Silk")

Cupro is often called "vegan silk" because it mimics the hand-feel of silk perfectly.

  • Smoothness: The fibers are perfectly round and smooth (unlike cotton, which is twisted). This gives it a slippery, cool-to-the-touch texture that glides over the skin.
  • Drape: It has a fluid, heavy drape similar to sandwashed silk, making it ideal for dresses and lining.

3. Moisture Control

Cupro is highly breathable and moisture-wicking. It releases moisture into the air rapidly, reducing the "stickiness" often felt with synthetic linings. It is also anti-static, meaning it won't cling to your legs in winter.

4. Biodegradability

Because the base material is pure plant cellulose (cotton), Cupro is 100% biodegradable. Unlike polyester or nylon, it will break down naturally in soil, leaving no microplastics behind.

Conclusion

Cupro represents the future of circular fashion: Taking a waste product and using technology to transform it into a luxury material that rivals silk, all while maintaining a biodegradable footprint.