As concerns for the environment soar, people are ditching conventional materials in favor of sustainable alternatives. In your quest for more eco-friendly materials, you might have stumbled across bamboo viscose.
If you wonder what it is, you’re in luck because we’ll break it down for you in this article. We’ll tell you all you need to know about bamboo viscose.
The Rise of Bamboo in Eco-Friendly Products
Bamboo has long been advertised as a superstar in the eco-friendly arena. Because of its fast growth and renewable nature, it’s a material that has found its way into various products, from toothbrushes to flooring, and most recently into textiles.
What Is Viscose?
Before we look into bamboo viscose, it’s essential to understand what viscose itself is. Viscose is a type of fiber derived from regenerated cellulose, typically from wood pulp of trees like spruce, pine, or hemlock. It’s soft, breathable, and often used as a silk substitute in clothing and upholstery.
The Making of Viscose
The transformation from wood pulp to viscose involves a series of chemical processes. Without getting too technical, it involves treating the pulp with chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide to extract a cellulose solution, which is then spun into fibers. These fibers are finally washed and cut into staple lengths suitable for spinning into yarn.
The Creation of Bamboo Viscose
Now that you understand what viscose is, let’s focus on how bamboo fits into this equation. Bamboo viscose is made by applying the same chemical processes to bamboo pulp. This brings together the softness and breathability of viscose with the natural benefits of bamboo.
The Chemical Process
Similar to conventional viscose production, bamboo pulp undergoes chemical treatment to form a cellulose solution. This solution is then turned into fibers that make up the fabric we refer to as bamboo viscose. While the chemicals used are generally the same, some manufacturers are moving toward eco-friendly alternatives to make the process more sustainable.
Benefits of Bamboo Viscose
Bamboo viscose offers genuine advantages over other types of fabric. This material combines the benefits of both bamboo and viscose, making it both functional and eco-friendly.
Good for Sensitive Skin
One of the notable advantages of bamboo viscose is its hypoallergenic properties. Unlike some other fabrics that might irritate the skin, bamboo viscose is a safer bet for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Eco-Friendly Material
While the manufacturing process isn’t entirely eco-friendly, bamboo viscose is still a more sustainable option compared to cotton and other synthetic fibers. Bamboo is a renewable resource, growing quickly and requiring fewer pesticides and water compared to other plant materials like cotton.
Bamboo Viscose vs. Other Bamboo Fabrics
Bamboo viscose is just one of several options of bamboo-based textiles. Each type of bamboo fabric has its unique characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks. Knowing these distinctions will empower you to make the best choice for your specific needs.
Bamboo Linen
Firstly, there’s bamboo linen. Produced through a labor-intensive mechanical process, bamboo linen retains the natural color and luster of bamboo.
Its lightweight nature makes it breathable and suitable for hot climates. However, it wrinkles easily and demands more meticulous care, including hand washing and line drying.
Bamboo Lyocell
Then there’s bamboo lyocell, a sustainable fabric that employs a closed-loop process to recycle water and solvents. It’s soft, breathable, and less wrinkly than bamboo linen. However, it’s also generally more expensive due to the advanced technology involved in its production.
Bamboo Cotton Blend
Another alternative is a bamboo-cotton blend, which offers the best of both worlds. You get the softness and breathability of bamboo along with the strength and durability of cotton. The downside? It might not be as eco-friendly as 100% bamboo options, as cotton, unless it’s organic, usually involves a high consumption of water and pesticides during cultivation.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to moisture-wicking capabilities, bamboo viscose and bamboo lyocell are often considered superior. Bamboo linen is more breathable but less absorbent. In terms of environmental impact, bamboo lyocell leads the pack, followed by bamboo linen, then bamboo viscose.
How to Care for Bamboo Viscose Products
Finally, if you’ve invested in bamboo viscose, it’s crucial to know how to take care of it. Gentle washing without bleach, and air drying, can go a long way in preserving the quality and lifespan of your bamboo viscose products.
If you also have bamboo pillows, here is a complete guide on how to take care of them.
Shop the Best Bamboo Products at Earthly Threads
At Earthly Threads, our commitment to sustainability and quality ensures that you’re getting the best bamboo products in the market. Try it and see for yourself!
You can now browse our catalog of bamboo bed sheets and pajamas and reach out to our team with any questions. We’re happy to help you make the first step into a greener lifestyle.
