Calotropis – Whakato

Calotropis

Calotropis is an emerging natural fiber extracted from the resilient Milkweed plant. Calotropis fibers, found in both the pod and stem of the plant, possess insulating properties comparable to high-end wool fibers. This makes them compelling for sustainable textiles when used alone or in blends with other natural fibers.

A fiber from wild ecosystems

Calotropis grows abundantly without irrigation, pesticides, or intensive cultivation, thriving on dry lands where few plants survive. This means its use as a textile fiber requires minimal water and human agricultural input, supporting regenerative land use and low-impact material systems.

Versatile performance

When blended with organic cotton or similar plant-based yarns, calotropis contributes thermal comfort, breathability, and a wool-like softness that rivals animal fibers. Its hollow fiber structure creates natural air pockets, offering temperature regulation and light insulation without synthetic additives.

Sustainable By-product

The extract of the Calotropis plant is enriched with pest-repelling herbs and indigenous essential microbes. It protects crops from pests and diseases, enhances plant immunity, and boosts growth—naturally replacing chemical pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers.