Corozo Buttons

Copy for an Arnsdorf newsletter, one of a series featuring sustainable aspects of our production and design processes. Published September 2019.

At Arnsdorf, we’re always striving to make the best garments, from the best materials, in the best way possible for both the planet and people involved. It’s not always easy to strike that perfect balance, to source beautiful fabrics with minimal eco-footprints, to match design vision to market reality. We’re constantly doing our best and keeping our eyes on the horizon for sustainable innovation.

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on corozo buttons.

Originating in the Tagua Palms of South America, corozo is the seed or nut of the Tagua Palm tree. The Tagua fruits, which contain the seeds, are only viable for harvest when they have fully ripened and naturally fallen to the forest floor. This diminishes the risk of over harvesting and deforestation within the corozo trade. Initially in a gooey-liquid form, the corozo dries out over a month or two in the sun, becoming the ivory-like substance we use on our garments. A natural part of our ecosystem, corozo is an incredible renewable resource, biodegrading over time unlike plastics.

Tagua Palms are one of few plant species which are dioecii, or sexually differentiated, like humans are. The female palms produce the fruit, and in turn, the corozo. Corozo is made up of very tightly wound organic fibers, giving it a great durability and scratch resistance. It’s natural grain is visible to the eye, which we beleive is an element of corozo’s great beauty.

A porous material, corozo can be dyed quite easily. This allows for beautiful and vibrant colours; for instance, the soft purple of our Lydia Jacket. Pictured on our Cocoa Celeste Suit Jacket at right, you’ll discover corozo buttons across our entire collection from suiting and shirting to dresses.