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Fibres, Yarns, Fabrics

Bemberg™ - A Sustainable Choice For Indian Textile Industry

• By  Textile Excellence
• July 01, 2024

Bemberg™ - A Sustainable Choice For Indian Textile Industry

Sustainable materials have become an undeniable need of the textile and fashion industry, with the growing consciousness of environment in the society. Are you aware that Bemberg™ is a preferred sustainable material, produced from natural source?

Bemberg™ is the brand name of cupro, a regenerated cellulosic fiber produced by Asahi Kasei in Japan since 1931 and exported to India for about 50 years. This high-quality and precious fiber is manufactured from cotton linter, the short downy fiber enfolding cottonseeds, a by-product of the cottonseed oil manufacturing process.

Since Bemberg™ is made from cotton linter, it is biodegradable* and compostable in soil and marine environment.

Closed Loop manufacturing

The Bemberg™ fibres are produced under the strict control of the chemical substances used in the manufacturing process while introducing a closed-loop production system.

The Bemberg factory located in Nobeoka, in southern Japan, deploys sophisticated technologies to produce the fibers. The facility continuously works towards improving the quality of the fibers and to preserve the natural environment.

Initiatives for carbon neutrality

Asahi Kasei, the manufacturer of Bemberg™, has initiated sincere initiatives on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It aims to reduce emissions by 30% or more by 2030 (from base year 2013) and to become carbon neutral by 2050. To achieve these goals, Asahi Kasei is conducting energy de-carbonation, emission reduction in the manufacturing process, and production process innovation. Since its inception, Bemberg™ has been using sustainable electric power from their own hydro-electric plants.

Indian market

While Bemberg™ is preferred as fashion material in many countries, in Indian market Bemberg™ is used in conventional Sarees, Dupattas, Kurtis and Indo-western style garments as well as menswear in the local production areas. Fabric made from Bemberg™ yarn are imported in India since 1954, Bemberg™ is adored for its functionalities like lustrous colors, unique smooth texture, breathability, and superior comfort.

Bemberg™, has been used even as lining fabric of suits to impart attractive functionalities and features such as drapability, high dyeability, beautiful luster and moisture-control. Indian market demands such effective functionalities considering the climate and fashion style. Bemberg™ is suitable to keep the wearers comfortable in Indian summer which is very hot and humid. However, this specific functionality waiting to gain popularity.

The fabric manufactured using Bemberg™ yarn are becoming popular among Indian apparel brands not only because of its functionalities like elegant luster and soft hand touch but also due to its value as a plant-based material. This has attracted even more attention recently with the growing demand for Vegan or cruelty free products.

Bemberg™ has gained recognition in India through the participations in FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week while collaborating with prominent Indian designers such as Hemang Agrawal and Payal Pratap. Their collections focusing sustainability, Indian craftsmanship and innovative creations with Bemberg™ yarn gained industry’s accolades. In addition, few Indian brands are regularly creating items made with Bemberg™ yarn. For example, Nicobar known as modern and Indian craft items works with Bemberg™ yarn. Asahi Kasei has recently released a first precious collaborated collection called “Azure”: Nature-Inspired Aesthetics with sustainable craftsmanship using Bemberg™ yarn with Anita Dongre.

The path ahead

The demand for Bemberg™ is expected to grow in India due to its sustainable, fashionable, comfortable features, and plant-based origin. These product features match well with society’s needs and, coupled with India’s economic growth, Bemberg™ could be a preferred raw material. In addition, like other countries, the use of Bemberg™ in India is expected to expand to categories like innerwear, activewear, and home textiles due to its functionalities and soft hand feel.

Bemberg™ is a precious material made from natural resources, and people can feel connected with its beauty even in countries far from Japan. As we move towards a more sustainable future, Bemberg™ is poised to play a significant role in the textile and fashion industry.

* Bemberg™ biodegradability in soil was verified by a testing organization, and its marine biodegradability is certified by TÜV Austria.  

(Asahi Kasei PR)

Bemberg™ is the brand name of cupro, a regenerated cellulosic fiber produced by Asahi Kasei in Japan since 1931 and exported to India for about 50 years. This high-quality and precious fiber is manufactured from cotton linter, the short downy fiber enfolding cottonseeds, a by-product of the cottonseed oil manufacturing process. Since Bemberg™ is made from cotton linter, it is biodegradable* and compostable in soil and marine environment.