Asahi Kasei: 'Bemberg' a regenerated cupro fibre made from cotton by-product

Often regenerated cellulose fibres are produced using wood from endangered or ancient forests, contributing to the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Asahi Kasei has developed a technology to produce a performing regenerated cellulose cupro fibre from cotton linter, registered as Bemberg. The cotton linter is a pre-consumer waste by-product of the cotton plant, the part discarded when cottonseed oil is extracted. The cotton linter is then refined and spun into fine filament and staple yarns and, according to Asahi Kasei, surpasses cotton in comfort. On-site power generation facilities mean that 40% of Asahi Kasei's energy is renewable and derived from hydropower and biomass sources. Asahi Kasei has also achieved almost zero emissions by upcycling fibre waste from Bemberg manufacturing to produce fuel used to power its plant. Asahi Kasei also uses Bemberg waste to create mushroom beds and work gloves.