Sustainable textiles like bamboo are “green” and “eco-friendly.” Bamboo Fibers are a naturally readily available biodegradable environment-friendly textile material. Not only is it one of the fastest growing plants in the world. (Certain bamboo species can grow over 30 inches daily.) But it also has anti-bacterial properties and can aid in UV protection.Â
Fun Fact: Giant bamboos are the largest member of the grass family. Specifically, they are an evergreen perennial flowering plant that is part of the subfamily Bambusoideae (grass).
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So how can fast-growing grass like bamboo benefit us?
Bamboo and fiber are better textiles for Mother Earth and all its inhabitants, and it is both quick-growing and one of our planet’s more unique earth-friendly materials.
Furthermore, bamboo fiber can be utilized in making many products we use today, items like clothes, bandages, and even medical PPE (like masks).
Benefits of Bamboo Fiber
The benefits of bamboo as a textile or fabric is absolutely endless. Check out these advantages of using bamboo fibers to make products we use every day.
Hypoallergenic
Bamboo fibers are anti-static, anti-stick, and, best of all, anti-allergen! There are some positive results in testing bamboo and its natural ability to fight off nasty germs and bacteria.
Breathable
Bamboo fabric allows for breathability in garments and has proven to keep your body cooler in warmer temperatures. According to studies, clothes made from bamboo fibers can make you feel cooler than other fabrics in the summer heat. At least two times cooler can make a massive difference on the beach! Bamboo Apparel is like a built-in AC system for the body.
Soft
Bamboo fiber is softer than cotton and is a naturally smooth textile, making it so soft on your skin. It contains nothing to irritate the skin like wool. So this fiber makes sense for people who suffer from sensitive skin.
Moisture Controlling
Imagine each section of the bamboo fibers made up of tiny little micro gaps and pores. This internal structure is why bamboo fabrics absorb moisture better. Bamboo fabric can help to evaporate sweat from the body like a beach towel in summer. In fact, you can make beach towels out of bamboo fibers.
Insulation
Not only cooling, but bamboo fibers can also insulate and keep you protected. Bamboo fibers have massive potential in the future for homes and buildings, providing thermal insulation through their air pockets.
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Anti-bacterial
Scientists say bamboo textiles have inherent natural anti-bacterial, antifungal, and odor-resistant properties. Not only fighting embarrassing body odor and sweat. But there are claims that bamboo viscose fabrics have a unique anti-bacterial quality due to a bio-agent that kills bacteria. This beneficial agent is found naturally in the living bamboo plant.
Bamboo is a perfect material for medical inventory, like protective masks, gauze, and bandages. Learn more and make the switch today with PlantSwitch.
UV Protection
Although still being studied, and we don’t know exactly how much, the fibers from the bamboo plant give off some form of organic UV protection. This unique property of the plant or grass is that its UV protection carries through to products sewn into the fibers.
These fibers can be made into fabrics that can then be designed into garments that give some protection from UV rays. This bamboo fiber clothing line can be helpful, especially for pregnant women and children’s summer attire.
No Wrinkles
If bamboo wasn’t cool enough. Unlike cotton and other textiles, bamboo products made into clothes and linens hardly wrinkle, and if they do, you simply hang them out for a few hours to increase. These types of clothing, bed sheets, towels, etc., are great for people on the go and perfect for travel.
Sustainability
Bamboo fibers are processed through regenerated or natural processes. As it is 100% cellulosic, it is biodegradable. Bamboo fibers can very quickly decompose, so the textile itself is basically pollution free.
It has a significant advantage over other textile materials as a natural textile material. Bamboo can be grown without harsh chemicals and pesticides, which, together with other factors such as faster growth rate and lower water consumption, makes it a super sustainable raw material.
Some Uses of Bamboo Fiber
Linens
From your living room to your kitchen to your bedrooms and bath, there is a use for bamboo. The viscose from bamboo can become a variety of linens—bedding, drapery, towels, slipcovers, wallpaper, and so much more.
Clothes
Do you want a moisture-resistant bathrobe? A warming sweater for the winter? A cooling tee-shirt for the summer that is soft as a cloud? Well, there are two ways they process bamboo into a textile for clothing, one chemical and the other a mechanical process.
Bamboo fabrics can last decades, so you probably won’t have to replace your sheets and pillowcases as much. The clothes you buy will last way longer than cotton. Leading again to bamboo’s sustainability.
Food-Grade Packaging
Wood and bamboo are entirely safe and food-grade materials and are commonly used in the kitchen for cutting boards and utensils. What is even better is, Bamboo fibers can be made into disposable kitchenware as well as food packaging.
Are you looking for a way to reduce your use of single-use plastics? Bamboo food packaging can help to reduce more than half of the world’s plastic waste. Contact us today.
Mattresses
Manufacturers all over are now making breathable soft mattresses and mattress covers from bamboo fibers. Pillows and all, this is a textile that is as versatile as it is soft and comfortable.
Sanitary and Protective Products
Bamboo is often used in sanitary products such as tampons, pads, and liners. The soft yet sturdy bamboo fibers make them perfect for this application as they are absorbent and durable. Bamboo is also anti-bacterial and helps to keep you feeling fresh all day long.
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