Are Bamboo Fabrics Ecological?

The New Trend in Bamboo Fabrics?

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

Bamboo fabrics continue to grow in popularity, but what many don’t know are the origins of bamboo fabric and the effects its production has on the environment.

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

The process involves purification and bleaching before soaking in sodium hydroxide. It is then treated with carbon disulfide and spun in a solution of sulfuric acid, sodium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and glucose. With significant emissions into the air and water, it’s no surprise that the treatment of this fabric places it in the category of fabrics with a high environmental impact.

What About the Flora and Fauna?

Regarding wildlife and plant life, the deforestation of bamboo forests causes very serious damage. According to a UN report, more than 1,200 species of woody bamboo are endangered. Deforestation is known to deprive many animal species of their natural habitat. Pandas, lemurs, and gorillas could go hungry.

Hungry panda in a Chinese zoo

It has been found that about 600 species are 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 so hard hit is its distinctive mass flowering and dying cycle. Individuals of the same species tend to flower together once every 10 to 100 years, then die. If a forest is cleared at that time, the bamboo will not regrow.

Deforestation in Taiwan

Deforestation is just as harmful to humans, as millions of people depend 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 dollars a year, as much as the American beef market.

What Can We Do to Try to Stop This?

Take action for the environment and avoid bamboo fabric! Choose quality fabrics that can save the planet!

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