Sustainable Resource

• Most of the bamboo used for clothing production is grown in China or Taiwan on private lands owned by resident families. Bamboo uses less energy and water to grow than other fiber sources, and can survive drought as well as flooding. It easily can be grown without the use of pesticides, and it cleans the air as it grows; bamboo releases 30 percent more oxygen than trees. As a final product, bamboo clothing is biodegradable, whereas synthetic fabrics are made using petroleum.
  
  

Processing Techniques

• While bamboo has been processed for raw material in many ways throughout history, two main procedures have emerged for processing bamboo for fabric. Chemical processing involves cooking the leaves and stems in caustic solvents. This loosens the fibers, and the fibers are withdrawn from the chemical mixture. During mechanical processing, the bamboo is crushed into a pulpy mixture using crushing machinery, which eventually separates the threads. Once the threads are obtained, they are spun into a fiber.
  
  

Process Comparison

• Chemical processing poses a hazard to employees working at the processing site as well as the surrounding environment. Solvents retained by the bamboo fibers may irritate sensitive skin, and the chemical process releases pollution into the atmosphere. Mechanical processing is more environmentally friendly, but it is very costly and not used as much as chemical processing.
  
  

Bamboo Benefits

• Clothing made from bamboo fiber have beneficial properties. Bamboo fiber clothes regulate temperature, and are four times as absorbent as cotton, helping to keep moisture off the skin. "Kun" is a naturally occurring antibacterial agent found in bamboo fiber, which may help prevent odor. Bamboo clothing also helps protect against ultraviolet rays.
  
  

Caring for Bamboo Clothing

• Generally, bamboo clothing should be machine washed in cool water using the gentle cycle and mild soap. Fabric softeners and bleach are not recommended. Bamboo items rarely shrink, but if the item is a bamboo-cotton blend, hang it to dry. Always read tags regarding care, since bamboo often is blended with other fibers. Bamboo fiber is wrinkle resistant, and rarely requires ironing.