Cupro: A 100% biodegradable and compostable material

Copper:  A 100% biodegradable and compostable material

Flagship material of the next two collectionsARTIST, the brand reveals the underside of copper that you will love in the upcoming February and then March editions. Looking forward to presentations!

Invented in Germany in 1900, marketed around 1918, this textile is sometimes called “Bemberg” after the name of its manufacturer.

Still little known although full of advantages, it is an “eco-friendly”, biodegradable fabric made from natural materials. Interesting, right?

Why this fabric selection?

Fluidity and beautiful drape, comparable to silk, Brigitte and François made their choice without hesitation, comforted by the somewhat satiny effect due to its particular thread; unquestionably reassured by this support which they master having worked with it before. Absolutely convinced by the vibrant rendering of the colors they love for their dresses, jackets, blouses... Very soon, you will see: they are irresistible!

In the second half of February, it is a painting by the artist Let him see (let's keep the suspense!) which will be dressed in a mixture of 55% cupro and 45% viscose. The shapes were wanted to be ample to guarantee the effect of lightness and movement. It glides on the skin, it’s so nice to wear in the summer!

At the end of March/beginning of April, we will return to the world of the visual artist Catherine Cazau (again, surprise!). A combination of 70% cupro and 30% viscose, the texture will always remain wavy. But a little more weight will give a certain hand, materiality for more structured models.

Choosing a quality Cupro product

ARTIST trusts its supplier. In this case, to his label Oeko-eg which guarantees a non-toxic process, non-dangerous for the environment and its inhabitants. 

The German association Oeko-Tex is a certification body, created in 1992, totally independent of manufacturers and public bodies, which works with 18 organisms research in Europe and Japan. Their mission is to analyze each element of the product submitted (fibers, threads, fabrics, buttons, textile or non-textile accessories, films, membranes, foams, feathers, etc.), based on a grid of more than 300 products and very strict value criteria, going well beyond applicable regulations; then carry out tests on the site of the applicant company; finally, carry out random checks on products found in stores so that the specifications are respected at all scales. 

Its goal is to guarantee in a simple and standardized way to the consumer that they are purchasing a product that is not harmful to health or the skin. The product may therefore contain no harmful substances or in minute quantities which do not represent any danger. Contrary to popular belief, an Oeko-Tex certified product is not necessarily ecological or organic. 

The label is valid for one year and it is possible to check the validity of the certifications by indicating the number on the association's website. Finally, each year the certification grid is reviewed based on scientific advances. 

As for the players in the clothing sector (producers, converters, processors, manufacturers, manufacturers, traders, distributors, etc.) the label is an excellent tool for controlling the production chain and managing product risk. For the buyer who wants to consume responsibly, this is a solid guarantee.

What is Cupro?

It is an artificial fiber whose particularity comes from its natural origin, namely a part of cotton not used for conventional spinning. This is good news for the planet! The “cotton linter”, short and fluffy hair, is in fact this surplus that the textile industry does not exploit most of the time. These are the small seeds that are found in cotton balls and cannot be woven as they are.

To get the yarn ready for weaving, the extracted cellulose is soaked in a solution of cuprammonium (an ammoniacal copper oxide liquor), hence the delicate name “Cupro”. More simply, it is therefore a material woven from a plant fiber transformed by a bath, the Cuoxam process.

Then this solution is compressed in hot water which flows so quickly that the cellulose breaks down into filaments. 

The question that inevitably arises: can we consider as eco-responsible this artificial fiber (not synthetic) made from a natural and plant-based raw source having to undergo a form treatment to be spun?

The Cupro is all about recycling

In summary, the cotton linter from which the cupro fibers are extracted is in fact an unused surplus from the textile activity. Before finding its way into our clothes, cotton is a flower, a small white ball in which seeds are hidden that must be extracted to be able to work the fiber.

Use them wisely, no longer throw them away, what a great idea when you know the ecological impact of cotton cultivation.

Cupro is a biodegradable material

Cupro can be biodegradable, provided that the dyes used to tint the material are biodegradable as well.

Cupro is a material without animal suffering

Luckily, cupro has a slightly shiny appearance and a fine texture very close to silk, but slightly heavier. But above all without any exploitation of silkworms, which will delight those looking for materials without animal abuse.

How do you know if a cupro is eco-friendly?

To be so, production must take place in a closed circuit: the large quantities of water and the chemicals used must be recycled until almost total exhaustion and the water treated before being released into Nature. To know if this is the case, as a citizen, you must rely on certifications and ensure the ecological degree of the processes used. ARTIST make sure to buy your cupro from a certified partner Oeko-eg in support of an authenticated certificate.

Designed from cotton waste, we use the plant in its entirety without making the slightest waste. The approach is very positive for our Earth.

100% biodegradable and compostable material, once placed in the ground, cupro disintegrates very quickly and it poses no risk to the environment since the extracted fiber is plant-based.

In terms of fashion?

To the touch, it is confused with silk due to its softness (we also say copper silk or copper fiber). In appearance, its surface is reminiscent of viscose. Fluid like polyester, more breathable than cotton, it is also one of the most absorbent materials. Bathrobes are made for their great ability to quickly reject moisture. Slightly silky or even satiny, it is found in the lining of beautiful pieces such as coats or blazers. Dresses or jackets, polo shirts, pants, shorts, etc. are very light to wear. In short, it’s becoming more popular!

Easy to maintain

In addition to being pretty, comfortable, breathable and temperature-regulating, this fabric can be machine washed at 30°C. It creases little, ironing is not necessary. Dry it in the open air on a hanger, avoid tumble drying. To take care of it, always refer to the label of your garment.

 

Calendar reminder ARTIST :

Of February 18th to 27th – Session based on the work ofLet him see,

Of March 25th to April 3rd – Session the work of Catherine Cazau.