“Bamboo is considered one of the most sustainable plants"
Bamboo is a natural fibre using the pulp from Bamboo grass (not the same as what pandas eat). Bamboo is considered one of the most sustainable plants, because it grows quickly (up to four feet a day) and does not require chemicals to grow as cotton does. Bamboo self-regenerates from its own roots, therefore doesn't need to be replanted. It also absorbs five times more carbon dioxide and produces 35% more oxygen than average hardwood trees.
While Bamboo is widely known for its sustainable properties, some methods of production can be harmful to the environment and the factory workers, as Bamboo viscose is made in the same process as rayon and needs heavy use of chemicals. "About 50% of hazardous waste from rayon production (including the bamboo variety) cannot be recaptured and reused and goes directly into the environment." - Good on you
Lyocell is a similar fabric to Bamboo and can is better known by its brand name TENCEL. Lyocell uses a closed loop system where it recycles the chemicals needed by reusing them again and again. TENCEL was awarded the “European Award for the Environment” by the European Union. The good news is, is Bamboo can be manufactured from raw material to fabric using the same process as Lyocell and is definitely the more sustainable choice.
Whilst Bamboo can be a really sustainable fabric most manufacturers are trying to mass produce it in the same way they do cotton which makes it really harmful to the environment. There still needs to be work done to ensure manufacturers are adopting more sustainable production processes such as Lyocell.
Much love,
Amy xoxo