Bamboo fabric is the general term for various textiles obtained from bamboo. These mainly differ based on how manufacturers acquire them. There are two types of bamboo viscose:
- Lyocell-type bamboo fabric
- Natural bamboo
This plant has plenty of benefits as a raw material. The type of fabric manufacturers can extract from it makes a massive difference to the environment.
Due to their durability and softness, bamboo fabrics can be made into towels, shirts, and bamboo sportswear. This smooth fabric is breathable and soft and can serve as an alternative to cotton. The textile and fashion industry has already embraced the properties of bamboo fabric.
Moreover, this material is the go-to fabric for people looking for a cruelty-free alternative to silk. Bamboo is natural, and the fabrics obtained from it are semisynthetic due to the processing method. It is especially the case for viscose rayon and lyocell-type fabric.
Two types of bamboo manufacturing
As mentioned, the different types of bamboo fabric go through numerous processes prior to becoming clothing textile. A common type of bamboo fabric is bamboo viscose.
This textile is considerably more affordable to manufacture. It uses the rayon production method. This viscose rayon fibre will require a certain amount of chemicals in its manufacturing process. The lyocell-type fabric, however, uses fewer toxic chemicals. But the best and most sustainable method is the natural type which only requires mechanical processing.
Lyocell-type or closed-loop production
One of the manufacturing processes is the lyocell type known as the closed-loop method. This process doesn’t chemically alter the cellulose structure.
Therefore, the closed-loop process creates a fabric that is natural and organic. Factories dispose of the solvents utilised to make bamboo rayon in the viscose rayon process. It becomes a waste. But manufacturers can use the solvents and recycle them, leading to better environmentally friendly results.
Mechanical production
This method is the most environmentally friendly. The processing does not involve chemicals. Instead, it will only require mechanical processing. After crushing the plants, they add natural enzymes to the wood fibres. After that, they wash these fibres and spin them into yarn. The bamboo fabrics made are pretty costly as the process is labour-intensive. Therefore, production of this type is limited on the market.
What are the pros of bamboo fabric?
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It does not require pesticides
One of the significant benefits of using bamboo for fabrics is that nurturing it doesn’t require pesticides. The plant contains bamboo kun which is a natural antimicrobial bioagent. The presence of the substance means there is no need for pesticides when growing the crop.
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Organically grown
Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the entire planet. It is easy to grow, making it the go-to crop for making bamboo fabric that can be made into apparel such as bamboo sportswear.
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Soft with moisture-wicking features
Bamboo fabric is soft and delicate to the skin. The material also keeps you dry by bumping off moisture or sweat away from your skin.
The benefits of this plant will depend on the type of bamboo fabric.
Bamboo fabric is a modern-era textile with excellent benefits. It is not only kind to the skin but also terrific for the environment. Bamboo fabric can be turned into any clothing, from socks to underwear, to full garments. It has cooling features that can regulate body heat in humid weather.
