For some of my Fall'11 collection I had decided to use knit bamboo fabric to create fabulous textures and garments, that are soft and luxurious but do not harm the environment. As I was putting together this collection, I realized that a lot of people do not know about the advantages of using bamboo as opposed to cotton. I think it is a great fabric that is gaining popularity all over the world and it would be a good idea to educate people about it. I am attaching a list of pro's and cons from various sources in an attempt to shed some light on this fabric.
Pro's
1. Bamboo is a plant that grows very rapidly, average of 1 foot per month. It also releases a lot more oxygen while absorbing more green house gases.
2. Because of its rapid growth, it thrives without pesticides or fertilizers. It's roots also stabilize soil and reduce erosion.
3. The fiber is strong, lightweight and wicks moisture. It is soft and shiny as silk, yet has the comfort of cotton. It helps keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
4. The fiber breathes well and is also shown to block 98% of UV Radiation which makes it good for active wear.
5. Bamboo also drapes and dyes well, as was proved with some of our clothing.
Cons
1. The process to convert bamboo into fiber can use harsh chemicals and bleaching that can be harmful to the environment. However, its still less harmful than the cotton, that uses heavy pesticides, or nylon/polyester fabrics that are derived from petroleum.
2. Few suppliers of fabric makes the supply volatile and prices variable. Although, with gaining popularity there is a spurt in growers and manufacturers in places like China and India.
Despite these cons, Bamboo is still a great fabric to use in all kind of textile driven industries. With its growing popularity, there is a lot of research on the way to make it more greener and effective. I strongly believe that this is going to be one of the popular fabrics in the coming seasons.
Sources:
greensham.com
greenlivinggoddess.com
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