Written by ShoutGreen | 29 October 2006

Ever heard of fabric made from bamboo? Naturally organic, sustainable, super eco-friendly, gorgeously soft, biodegradable, anti-bacterial, absorbent, thermo-regulating, UV resistant....

Developed only 4 years ago, bamboo fabric is an exciting new innovation.

The fabric
Bamboo fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable. It is softer than cotton and a far higher performing fabric. It is very light with a natural sheen and feels like silk or cashmere.

"Once handled, always remembered."

Bamboo fabric is ultra absorbent, absorbing water 3-4 times better than cotton. A great fabric for nappies! Bamboo Baby (www.bamboobaby.co.uk) sell bamboo nappies and bamboo clothing. The fabric is hypoallergenic and fast drying. It is thermo-regulating, wicking sweat away from the body, which then evaporates leaving the wearer dry and comfortable. The fabric does not retain odours.

Bamboo fabric does not stick to the skin and unlike any other fabric in the world, in hot weather bamboo fabric feels physically cooler to touch. Studies show it keeps the wearer up to 2 degrees cooler. Due to the porous nature of the fabric, it traps air to keep the wearer warmer in cold weather.

Bamboo fabric has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties due to a substance it contains called ‘bamboo-kun'. This property means the fabric stays fresher for longer, does not retain odours and is more healthy and hygienic. Studies have shown that even after 50 washes, the fabric still retains its antibacterial properties.

As no chemicals are used in the growing and processing of bamboo fabric, it is naturally organic and does not irritate sensitive or allergic skin, making it perfect for babies!


The environment
Bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant in the world growing one third faster than the fastest tree. It grows up to a metre in 24 hours - you can almost watch it grow! The plant reaches its maximum height in 3 months and reaches maturity in around 3 years. Most softwood trees take 10-20 years to reach maturity. After each harvest, bamboo re-grows almost immediately so is a completely sustainable resource.

Bamboo grows and thrives without fertilizers, pesticides or any chemical assistance. This is partly down to a substance it contains called ‘bamboo-kun' which is antimicrobial and antifungal. Compare this property to cotton which uses approximately 25% of the world's fertilizers and insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides for only 10% of the agricultural land mass.

Bamboo fabric is completely biodegradable.

Bamboo fabric is made out of Moso bamboo - this is NOT the type of bamboo that giant pandas eat. Earth-friendly, panda-friendly!

Bamboo generates more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees - if we planted more bamboo more photosynthesis would help to cut the globally rising levels of carbon dioxide.

In short - we think bamboo is a wonder-fabric! www.bamboobaby.co.uk