Organic and Eco-Friendly Products

Eco-friendly fibres

The eco-friendliness of fibres depends on several factors including renewability of the resource, its ecological footprint, its biodegradability and the amount of chemicals/pesticides that are used in its cultivation and processing. Renewable textile resources are ones that can be replaced in a short period of time as opposed to decades, centuries or millenia. One example of a highly renewable resource is bamboo, as can be cultivated within 4-5 years and grows remarkably well under a variety of conditions. Its ecol0gical footprint refers to how much land and how many resources are consumed in the cultivation and maintenance of the plant. Hemp is one material that has a very small ecological footprint as it requires no irrigation, no fertilisation or pesticides, and it grows very quickly. The rate of biodegration refers to how long it takes a material to breakdown, the quicker the better as it reduces waste. Once again, bamboo has a high rate of biodegradation and is therefore very environmentally friendly. Lastly, many textiles use a large amount of chemicals to process, bleach and dye the textiles. The toxins used are transferred into the material and eventually in the ecosystem as it becomes waste.

Which materials make eco-friendly clothing?

The textile industry is one of the most harmful to the environment. For example, the use of rayon in clothing has contributed to the fast disappearance of the earth’s rainforests, while synthetic textiles that are based on petroleum do not degrade easily and pollutes air and land. Fortunately there are more eco-friendly textiles for use in clothing, bedding, and other linens. These include silk, kenaf, hemp, jute, wool, organic cotton, corn fibre, milk silk, soy silk, and bamboo fibre. These fibres come in a variety of textures, colours, some are knit while others are woven, and many come with special characteristics not found in less eco-friendly materials. For example, hemp is quite rot resistant while bamboo fibres are very absorbent. In addition, many of the products made with these materials are often available at a cheaper rate.

Bamboo Fibre

The use of bamboo fibre in applications such as towels and bed linen surprises many people. Yet the properties of the fibre make it ideal for turning it into textiles. It is incredibly soft, light, breathable to wear and silky to touch. As a result its cool in summer and warm in winter. It is also highly absorbent being able to absorb up to 4 times more water than other materials such as cotton and polyester, making it ideal for towels.

Bamboom fibre is also naturally antibacterial. This is because of an inherent quality called ‘bamboo kun’- a natural antifungal agent that prevents pests and pathogens attacking the bamboo plant. This quality remains through the processing of the bamboo into fibres. These hypoallergenic qualities make it a great choice for children and those with senstive skin.

The surprising qualities of bamboo don’t end there. It is more antistatic than other types of fabric, has natural deodorising properties, and is incredibly durable. This is because bamboo fibre is made from bamboo pulp fibre, extracted naturally through steaming and boiling not chemical processing, which retains its special structure in the horizontal sections. As a result all the properties present in the bamboo plant remain in the bamboo fibre.

Why is bamboo fibre eco-friendly?

Naturally processed bamboo fibre is eco-friendly because it does not need chemical fertilisers or pesticides (due to its natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties) to grow. Furthermore, it is the world’s fastest growing plant which can be harvested within 4 years. As a result it is one of the world’s greatest renewable forest resources. Bamboo fibre is also fully biodegradable once it needs to be disposed of (which is not very often as it is so durable!). All these factors combined with the fact that it is processed naturally and is perfectly safe for even the youngest children makes bamboo clothing, bedding and towels an eco-friendly and comfortable choice.