A linen-cupro shirtdress from Donna Karan
CUPRO \¦k(y)üˈprō\
n. 1 a: A regenerated cellulose fiber derived from cotton linter (the ultrafine, silky fibers that stick to the seeds of the cotton plant after it’s been ginned) that has been dissolved in a solution of ammonia and copper oxide. b: It is similar to rayon, but breathes and regulates body temperature like cotton. c: Often used as a silk substitute, cupro is noted for its ability to create beautifully draped clothing, except it can be machine-washed and -dried. d: A European relative of Tencel, cupro is a hypoallergenic, antistatic fabric that is resistant to stretching out of shape at higher temperatures.
If cupro is related to rayon, I’m not so sure it’s an entirely eco-friendly fabric and I have been dismayed to see it touted as such. Rayon is evil. Making rayon is incredibly dangerous for factory workers and the solvents contaminate waterways and the air. To me, cupro/rayon/viscose processing cancels out the benefits of using cotton waste.
If you only look at the fibre part (so not making a fabric out of it) then according to Made-by it’s benchmark for fibres it is as bad as conventional cotton. http://www.made-by.org/content/environmental-benchmark-fibres (see cuprammonium rayon)