Sustainable Fabrics Compared: Bamboo or Hemp – Which is Better?

There is a growing demand for eco-friendly fabrics as the world becomes more sustainability-conscious – this article will explore two of them, namely bamboo and hemp, showcasing their benefits, differences and practical applications.

Understanding bamboo and hemp fabrics

There are so many fabric options out there, it’s important you understand what you’re looking at. So with that in mind, what exactly are these two sustainable fabrics?

What is bamboo fabric?

Bamboo fabric is derived from bamboo plants, using a chemical or mechanical process resulting in viscose or lyocell bamboo respectively. It has a soft and smooth texture, comparable to silk, and is used to make gym wear, clothing, bedding, towels and more. Breathable and hypoallergenic, it’s great for babies and those with sensitive skin.

What is hemp fabric?

This is a fabric created from the stalks of the hemp plant – it has a slightly textured feel, and is incredibly durable. It is used for clothing, furniture upholstery and to make artists’ canvases! Hemp has a more rustic, rugged aesthetic, feeling incredibly natural.

Environmental sustainability

Sustainability is key when choosing the perfect fabric for your needs. How do these two fabrics compare when it comes to being eco-friendly?

Bamboo fabric: the eco-friendly claim

The bamboo plant renews rapidly, requiring minimal water and zero pesticides, sequestering carbon as it grows. As a fabric it’s biodegradable and durable, but is often processed using chemicals. However, newer bamboo lyocell production methods are much more eco-friendly! This process reuses all of the water involved, too, so it’s really high on the list of sustainable methods.

Hemp fabric: the sustainable contender

The hemp plant is extremely durable and grows quickly without the need for pesticides; thanks to crop rotation it improves soil health, and it requires little water. The fabric needs only minimal processing, and is fully biodegradable at the end of its lifespan.

Category	Bamboo	Hemp
Water usage	Very minimal	Minimal
Pesticide reliance	Zero	Zero
Land use	Very minimal	Minimal
Biodegradability	Fully	Fully

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Production and processing methods

How are these plants transformed into breathable, durable fabrics? The process is quite similar with both bamboo fabric and hemp. Bamboo stalks are cut down (meaning they can regenerate after cultivation) and turned into a pulp, which is spun into fibres – hemp stalks go through a process called retting, after which the fibres are separated from the stalk. They are then spun into yarn, and knitted into fabric.

With both fabrics, there is either a chemical process or a mechanical process involved in the production. In both cases, the mechanical process is more eco-friendly and has less of an impact on the environment, making it an important ethical consideration.

Practical applications

Bamboo fabric and hemp both have many practical applications, making them favourable for everyday use for the conscious consumer. Bamboo is favoured for bedding, thanks to its softness, and for gym wear due to being moisture-wicking. You’ll find strong hemp fabric used for reusable grocery bags, for example, and in upholstery too.

Both fabrics are also used for creating specialised products; bamboo, thanks to its antibacterial properties, can be used to make bandages, wraps and menstrual pads – while hemp fabric, being so sturdy, is sometimes used for camping equipment and even sails!

Which fabric is right for you?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect fabric for you, but ultimately it depends on your needs and priorities. If you’re after something incredibly soft and really luxurious, bamboo is a great choice. But if you need something even more durable and a bit rugged, opt for hemp. For really eco-conscious buyers, go a step further and ensure you’re choosing bamboo lyocell or organic hemp respectively.

Bamboo vs. hemp – who wins?

Making an informed decision is really important when choosing the perfect sustainable fabric for you. Both of these options come out really well in terms of being eco-friendly, durable and great all-round fabrics. Explore them both and figure out which one you prefer the feel of, and you’ll have found your winner.