Organic Bamboo Towels have become a growing trend over the past several years as a carbon foot print sensitive alternative to cotton towels. If you want to know where it comes from and what's involved you will find some information below:
Bamboo Plants
Bamboo grows very quickly (reaches maturity in four years) and does not require heavy pesticides and fertilizers, making it a renewable and organic fibre source. It also does not require replanting after harvesting as it has an extensive root system and thus sprouts again. These qualities make it ecologically friendly compared to some other crops such as traditional cotton.
Bamboo stalks contain something called 'bast' fibres that can be processed into a stiff and rough fabric like (linen). However, most bamboo fabric in the market has a smooth, silky hand that feels like rayon as it is rayon. Rayon is defined as a regenerated cellulose fiber, which means that a natural raw material is converted through a chemical process into a fiber that falls into a category between naturals and synthetics.
Manufacture of Bamboo Fabric
There are multiple ways to make this bamboo into a fabric.
The first method is via mechanical means - it has to be mashed up and the fibres are then spun into a fabric. Then natural enzymes are used turn the pulp into a mush that can be spun into yarn. Fabric generated from this process is called bamboo linen.
The second method is more widely used, via chemical means the bamboo is 'cooked' in chemical solvents such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and carbon disulfide. It is turned into a mush from which fibres are extracted. A diluted sulfuric acid solution is used in that part of the process. Chemically manufactured bamboo is often referred to as bamboo rayon, rayon from bamboo, or viscose from bamboo. In America the FTC requires this to be listed on the label of a product.
Some bamboo towels get the Oeko Tex Standard 100 certification which shows that there are no harmful chemicals in the finished fiber (even if chemicals were used in the processing of that fiber)
Qualities of Bamboo Towels
Bamboo Towels have been described as having the following qualities that make them suitable choice for the bathroom:
- Bamboo towels absorbs more water then a cotton towel this means you dry off quickly.
- Bamboo towels are softer and non-irritating when compared to cotton towels. This is due the structure of the bamboo fibre which is round and smooth.
- Bamboo towels are more breathable.
- Bamboo towels are naturally antibacterial and anti fungal thus odor reducing. This is attributed to a bacteriostatis agent unique to bamboo plants called “bamboo kun”. According to FTC (Federal Trade Commission) even if the rayon used in the companies’ clothing and textile products is manufactured using bamboo as the cellulose source, rayon does not retain any natural antimicrobial properties of the bamboo plant. The rayon manufacturing process, which involves dissolving the plant source in harsh chemicals, eliminates any such natural properties of the bamboo plant. Even when bamboo is the “plant source” used to create rayon, no traits of the original plant are left in the finished product.
- Bamboo towels are more wrinkle resistant then cotton towels.
- Bamboo towels experience less shrinkage then cotton towels when washed in warm water.
- Bamboo towels are biodegradable. According to the FTC "these rayon products are not biodegradable because they will not break down in a reasonably short time after customary disposal. Most clothing and textiles are disposed of either by recycling or sending to a landfill. Neither method results in quick biodegradation"
To Sum up:
- The manufacturing of bamboo fabric appears to bring up some environmental and a labor concerns. However overall organic bamboo fabric is greener than conventional cotton fabric.
- Ask a the company if they have Oeko-Tek 100 certification. This will ensure that you clothes are free of harmful chemicals. This certification is usually on the website or promotional material of the retailer. Note: Oeko-Tek does not certify the manufacturing processes that produced the garment as being environmentally friendly and sustainable, just the fabric as being free of harmful chemicals.
- Whenever possible, buy from companies that clearly state their labor policies and back them up with certifications.
- Also remember towels defined as Bamboo towels can come in variety of blends, from 100% bamboo fabric, to a blend of bamboo fabric and cotton. Similar to a shirt sold as a cotton shirt that is made of 10% spandex and 90% cotton, when you check the label. Some say the blend is beneficial as it combines the best qualities of each fabric.
Searching online for Bamboo Towels turns up a multitude of results, and no real bamboo towel reviews. Two online retailers who stand out - with certifications are listed below. Please note these are Australian Retailers.
Ettitude
Ettiude describe themselves as "Our goal is to give people who care about their family and the earth the ability to easily adopt a greener, more socially responsible lifestyle. We do this by providing a range of premium and unique eco-friendly products in a quick, convenient, online shopping environment. All our products are green and low allergenic. Affordably priced, our eco-friendly products will save you money, and the planet, at the same time. They list their bamboo towels as "comprised of 100% bamboo"
Ettitude lists it's certifications here
Eureco
Self-described as a company that wants to make "responsible choices and contribute to the sustainability of our future, but I also wanted to enjoy seriously gorgeous products in fabulous, on-trend colours! So, drawing on my background in textile production and interior design, I began sourcing chic and contemporary collections of eco-ethical products from around the world." They offer a blend - 65% Bamboo/35% Cotton.
Have You Been Bamboozled by Bamboo Fabrics? http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt160.shtm
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/bamboo.shtm
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/emeraldcity/2008/02/green-clothes-h.html
Facts behind the fibre - http://organicclothing.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/09/bamboo-facts-be.html
