Benefits of Using Bamboo Fabrics

Felipetadd
4 min readJun 29, 2022

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We have seen that bamboo has been used for all kinds of species in the past, from looking pretty and feeding pandas to making baskets and bags. Bamboo is an environmentally friendly material, but it still requires a bit of work to make the manufacturing process as environmentally friendly as possible.

What is Bamboo Clothing?

Although bamboo does need a little touch-up to make it a little greener, bamboo is one of the best plants for the environment. Bamboo forests are extremely dense and, at the rate at which they consume carbon dioxide, they can produce up to 30% more oxygen that is returned to the environment. They also don’t need as much energy and water as other plants that go through the fibre-making process, as a bamboo plant can withstand extreme weather conditions, from droughts to floods.

Bamboo also grows back quickly when cut, making a sustainable harvest much easier as it can be selectively harvested and regrown on its own. Also, it doesn’t need pesticides to grow as it has its own antibacterial agent. This sustainability also means that it is biodegradable.

In recent years, bamboo has become fashionable in various clothing items. It is used in everyday clothing, but its unique antimicrobial properties make it perfect for athletics and clothing you want to work out in. However, if you are making clothing that contains bamboo, in most cases this clothing is mixed with 30% cotton, giving the clothing additional structure and comfort. Bamboo is also making its way into interior design, especially bedding, the soft fiber you get from bamboo feels like satin, they also have the ability to feel warmer in the winter months but cooler in summer.

How is the bamboo fabric made?

According to clothing manufacturers, the bamboo cloth is relatively easy to produce and does not require pesticides, large amounts of water, and does not need to be replanted. The Bamboo pulp can also be produced in a closed production process. There are different methods of making bamboo cloth (mechanical or chemical). The one listed below is “Bamboo Linen”, which is manufactured by a mechanical process. Bamboo rayon usually dissolves bamboo in a chemical solution to create a pulpy substance.

This is then pushed through a row and “spun” into fibers, creating threads. The chemicals used are very toxic. About 50% of the hazardous waste from viscose production (including the bamboo variety) cannot be recovered or reused and is released directly into the environment. The next process is the production of “Bamboo Linen” (mechanical).

Extraction of bamboo pulp: Bamboo leaves are the soft inner pulp of tough bamboo stalks, which are broken into small pieces.

Soak the bamboo fibers: The crushed bamboo fibers are soaked in a natural enzyme solution.

Spinning the fibers: these fibers are then washed and spun in yards that are woven into fabric.

Why should you choose bamboo fabrics?

Bamboo absorbs a lot of water, dries very quickly, even much faster than cotton. In hot and humid climates, bamboo clothing will keep you drier, cooler, and more comfortable. For this reason, fiber is ideal for making sportswear. Bamboo is an extremely strong and durable fiber; be gentle. If you compare it with cotton, it is much stronger and biodegradable.

What are the benefits of using bamboo fabrics in your collection?

Minimal Crop Losses — Bamboo has always been grown without pesticides, where some non-organic cotton requires 1/3 pound of fertilizer per pound.

Stronger than Cotton — Viscose made from bamboo is one of the sturdiest and cheapest fabrics to use. Bamboo outlives cotton three times in shape, strength, and durability.

Easier Dyeing: Bamboo fibers require less dye to dye than cotton and keep their colors bright longer.

Bamboo is Absorbent and Breath Excerpt: Bamboo is 40% more absorbent than even the finest organic cotton. Bamboo can hold three times more water than its weight, which was once made into a fabric, which means it can also absorb moisture faster.

Conclusion

In terms of comfort and quality, bamboo clothing is an excellent choice. Its source is sustainable, especially compared to water-intensive fabrics like cotton and wool and the multitude of chemical reactions that synthetics create. But the manufacturing process for bamboo still needs to be greatly improved. Hopefully, with continued and conscientious effort and alternative processes, bamboo clothing is a sustainable product that it is often said to be.

If you are interested in bamboo clothing, or if you are looking for bamboo clothing manufacturers UK, please contact Felipe Tadd. We will help you with bamboo clothing problems.

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