How is bamboo manufactured?

If you are new to bamboo, you likely have a lot of questions about bamboo fabric production. Textile production can be a minefield, and is best broken down into bite sized chunks – it’s a lot to get your head around in one go! Let’s get started by taking a look at what makes bamboo so special, and the various manufacturing processes that turn it into such an amazing fabric.

What makes bamboo fabric so special?

Bamboo fabric is incredibly versatile and can be used to make many of your favourite products. From beautifully smooth bedding to the fluffiest towels, everyone falls in love with bamboo from their very first touch. And it’s no wonder! The fabric hosts so many unique, natural benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them…

Hypoallergenic – If you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin, this will be music to your ears. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, gently protecting against common skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, gliding over the skin and providing exceptional comfort.
Naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking – Bamboo fabric provides this double whammy of freshness, which is one of the many things that make it such a popular choice for bedtime. The antimicrobial fabric fends off bacteria and dust mites, wicking away moisture and sweat that can be caused by overheating.
Thermoregulating – Overheating at night is a big cause of disrupted sleep, especially in those warm Summer months. Bamboo fabric is naturally thermoregulating, meaning it reacts to your body temperature, making it the comfiest way to keep cool and cosy all year round. This also adds to its sustainability credentials, as bamboo bedding and duvets are perfect for every season – so you’re purchasing less.
Softer than the competition – Bamboo is not only softer than Egyptian cotton and most other fabrics, it also gets softer with every wash. This makes it perfect for weaving the luxurious, eco-friendly bedding, towels and bath rugs that keep life cosy.
Helps create a more sustainable industry – The textile industry has historically had a huge (negative) influence when it comes to climate change, being responsible for over 10% of greenhouse gases. Switching to sustainable fabrics like bamboo helps to create a more sustainable industry that protects and considers the environment at all stages of production.

What are the Different Methods for Manufacturing Bamboo Fabric?

Now you know more about what makes bamboo so popular, let’s move on to looking at the different methods that are used for manufacturing the fabric. The two main bamboo manufacturing production processes are mechanical and chemical.

The mechanical process

This process involves physically crushing the woody part of the plant, which is then broken down with natural enzymes to be rolled into a soft and fluffy yarn. This produces a fabric most often referred to as bamboo linen.

Pros
This is the most natural way of producing bamboo fibre, producing a fabric that is chemical-free and the most sustainable option for the planet.
Cons
This process can be costly and labour-intensive, meaning fewer products can be made – and with a higher price margin. This reduces the volume of bamboo that can be used across the textile industry, leaving room for the less sustainable materials to become more widespread.

The chemical process

This more widely used process refers to the way that the crushed woody part of the plant is soaked in a solution of sodium hydroxide and then dried, creating a viscose mixture. This is then hardened by a diluted sulfuric acid solution and converted into bamboo fibre threads, which eventually become a beautifully breathable bamboo fabric. This fabric is most often referred to as bamboo viscose or rayon.

Pros
This allows for the wider use of bamboo and enables many businesses to produce more sustainable products hosting all of the plant’s wonderful benefits.

There are now many advances in bamboo manufacturing that allow this process to be more eco-friendly, and the chemicals used must pass stringent health and safety tests. There is also a closed-loop system which ensures that all materials in the production process are re-used, minimising waste and protecting the environment.

Cons
This method does rely on the use of chemicals and solvents which can be considered less sustainable. However, as mentioned, it is important that they pass certain tests to be used when manufacturing bamboo fabric.

Why is Bamboo Fabric Considered Sustainable and Eco-Friendly?

Bamboo is celebrated as one of the world's most sustainable resources. You might be wondering, what does this actually mean? The plant is one of the fastest growing in the world and relies on little more than sunshine and water to grow – no nasty pesticides! By choosing to use renewable resources at home, you can help to prevent resource depletion and create a more sustainable future. Bamboo manufacturing uses fewer chemicals and materials than many other fabrics, inspiring the textile industry with an eco-friendly, natural material that does not compromise on comfort and quality.

How Does Bamboo Fabric Compare to Other Textile Materials?

So, how exactly does bamboo compare to other textile materials?

Synthetic materials such as nylon are often used to make similar products to bamboo, but the biggest competition being cotton. While cotton does provide many benefits, bamboo certainly has a softer and more eco-friendly edge. Bamboo relies on a third less water than cotton to grow and has far stronger, thicker fibres. This makes bamboo products incredibly durable. One of the biggest priorities for choosing bamboo for your bedding is softness and comfort. Not only is bamboo softer than cotton, but it is also incredibly breathable and chemical-free. This makes it the kindest choice for your skin, and for the planet.

Ready to give it a try?

From 100% Bamboo Bedding to the softest, fluffiest duvets, get all wrapped up and fall in love with what is fast becoming the world’s favourite fabric.