Are Bamboo Fabrics Ecological?

The new fashion for bamboo fabrics?

Demystify the question of bamboo fabric ecology with our in-depth investigation. Explore the environmental implications of this material and find out if bamboo fabrics meet your sustainability criteria.

Fabrics made from bamboo continue to grow in popularity, but what many don't know is the origins of bamboo fabric and what effects its manufacture has on the environment.

Some bamboo fabric producers claim that bamboo fabric is less harmful to the environment than other types of fabric and uses less fertilizer, but the reality is that this bamboo fabric is far from organic or eco-friendly.

The process involves purification and blanching before soaking in sodium hydroxide. It is then treated with carbon disulfide and centrifuged in a solution of sulfuric acid, sodium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and glucose. With significant emissions into the air and water, it is not surprising that the treatment of this fabric places it in the category of fabrics with a high impact on the environment.

What about the flora and fauna?

In terms of fauna and flora, deforestation of bamboo forests causes very significant damage . According to a UN report, more than 1,200 species of woody bamboo are in danger of extinction. Deforestation is known to deprive many animal species of their natural habitat. Pandas, lemurs and gorillas could be hungry.

Hungry panda in a Chinese zoo

Around 600 species have been found to be endangered , with less than 20,000 square kilometers of natural habitat. And some 250 varieties have less than 2,000 square kilometers of land (the size of London) to live on. Some of these species have virtually no forest left. One reason bamboo has been hit so hard is its distinctive cycle of mass flowering and death. Individuals of the same species tend to flower together, once every 10 to 100 years, and then die. If a forest is cleared at this time, the bamboo will not grow back.

Deforestation in Taiwan

Deforestation is just as harmful to humans , with millions depending on wild bamboo for food, furniture and building materials. Worldwide, more than 2.5 billion people trade or use bamboo. The international market for bamboo products is worth more than $2 billion a year, as much as American beef.

How can we act to try to stop this?

Act in favor of the environment and avoid bamboo fabric! Opt for quality fabrics that can save the planet!

Verotex has always tried to act by offering ecological products. You can find them on our website !